16S rRNA Gene Sequencing of Gut Microbiota
This study investigates how dietary trans-fatty acids (TFAs) exacerbate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in mice, with a focus on their disruptive effects on bile acid profiles and gut microbiota homeostasis. TFAs, commonly found in industrially processed foods, are known risk factors for metabolic disorders. Our findings reveal that TFA consumption alters the composition and function of the gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis characterized by reduced beneficial bacteria and overgrowth of pathogenic taxa. This microbial imbalance further disrupts the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids, shifting their profile toward more lipotoxic and pro-inflammatory species. Consequently, these changes aggravate hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in MASLD. The study highlights the gut-liver axis as a critical pathway through which dietary TFAs promote liver disease progression, emphasizing the need to limit TFA intake and restore gut microbial balance as potential therapeutic strategies.