Inhibition of Farnesoid-x-receptor signaling during abdominal sepsis by dysbiosis exacerbates gut barrier dysfunction

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bacterial translocation and intestinal dysbiosis due to gut barrier dysfunction are widely recognized as major causes of the initiation and development of intra-abdominal sepsis. Systemic bacterial translocation and hepatic activation of the myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (Myd88) can disturb bile acids (BAs) metabolism, further exacerbating intestinal dysbiosis. The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 15/19 are well known to be involved in the control of BAs synthesis and enterohepatic circulation. However, the influence of intestinal microbiota on intestinal Myd88 signaling, the FXR/FGF15 axis, as well as gut-liver crosstalk during sepsis remains unclear. The present study aims to decipher the role of intestinal Myd88 in abdominal sepsis, its impact on intestinal FXR signaling and FGF15-mediated gut-liver crosstalk. METHODS: ) mice as controls. Finally, the effects of the probiotic intervention on gut barrier function and sepsis outcomes in CLP mice were investigated. RESULTS: mice exhibited partial reversal of sepsis-induced changes in FXR signaling, BA metabolism, and intestinal function, suggesting enhanced FXR expression upon Myd88 knockdown. Moreover, FMT from septic mice activated intestinal Myd88, subsequently suppressing FXR-FGF15 signaling, exacerbating cholestasis, and ultimately compromising gut barrier function. Probiotic treatment during abdominal sepsis mitigated flora disturbances, reduced Myd88 activation in the intestinal epithelium, increased FXR expression, alleviated cholestasis, and consequently reduced barrier damage. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the critical role of Myd88/FXR signaling in intestinal epithelial cells as a pivotal mediator of the detrimental effects induced by sepsis-related intestinal dysbiosis on barrier function and bile acid metabolism. In summary, disordered intestinal flora in septic mice specifically triggers intestinal epithelial Myd88 activation, inhibit the FXR-FGF15 axis, and then worsen intestinal barrier function impairment.