Through recent studies, scientists have found that liver-related conditions, such as liver fibrosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are linked to cognitive decline and changes in the brain’s structure.
Inflammation, which occurs in both the liver and the brain, seems to be a key factor in this connection. Additionally, studies have looked into what researchers now call the gut-liver-brain axis and found that the health of the gut microbiome, the collection of microbes that colonize our intestines, can impact both the liver and the brain.
But does this have any implications for chronic and currently incurable conditions that affect the brain, particularly dementia? And how did scientists zero in on the liver-brain axis, in the first place?
What is the liver-brain axis?
The liver is the biggest organ in our body, and it has many important functions. It helps process and store the three main types of nutrients we get from food: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
The liver also helps break down and get rid of alcohol, drugs, and toxic substances in the body, and produces a substance called bile that helps with digestion.
Recently, scientists have discovered that the liver and the brain have a close relationship. They communicate with each other through a special connection called the liver-brain axisTrusted Source.
According to Dr. Blen Tesfu, a general practitioner, the liver-brain axis “refers to the bidirectional communication and interaction between the liver and the brain.”
“The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing various substances, including toxins and inflammatory mediators. In chronic liver diseases, liver fibrosis can lead to increased inflammation and the release of pro-inflammatory molecules into the bloodstream,” Dr. Tesfu explained.
Liver disease may contribute to dementia via inflammation
Recent research suggests a correlation between the liver-brain axis and cognitive decline, with inflammation an underlying cause.
In one study published in the journal Cells in May 2023, scientists looked at the livers of mice that were genetically prone to Alzheimer’s disease and compared them to mice without this genetic predisposition.
Typically, Alzheimer’s research focuses on changes that occur in the brain, but the oxi-inflammation hypothesisTrusted Source suggests that immune system problems and aging also play a role in the disease.
The study found that mice with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s had liver dysfunction, increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and larger livers.
“Inflammatory molecules can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially affecting the brain and contributing to cognitive impairment,” Dr. Tesfu explained. “Inflammation is known to have detrimental effects on brain health and has been associated with cognitive decline in various conditions.”
Another study, published in the Journal of Hepatology in August 2022, looked at the relationship between NAFLD and cognitive decline.
In this study, mice with NAFLD and obesity showed signs of anxiety and depression-like behavior, reduced brain oxygen levels, and changes in brain cell activity, all of which suggest that liver conditions may affect brain health.
In other research — which appeared in Frontiers in Neuroscience in May 2023 — scientists from Zhejiang University in China, investigated the effects of nutrition in Alzheimer’s disease.
This research found Western diet poses a risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease. A Western diet pattern led to brain inflammation and is associated with the accumulation of harmful proteins in the brain.
Metabolic disorders, such as high cholesterol and fatty liver disease, accompanied these brain changes.
plese review my article
Nice article
You must be logged in to post a comment.