Key points from article :
UC Davis Health researchers have uncovered a natural way to heal liver and gut damage caused by toxins. Their study focused on a molecule called 10-hydroxystearic acid (10-HSA), which is produced by Lactobacillus, a common gut bacterium. They found that this microbial compound can reverse the harmful effects of aflatoxin, a mold toxin that contaminates crops like peanuts and corn and is known to cause liver injury.
The team tested the treatment in mice exposed to aflatoxin. These animals developed signs of fatty liver disease and severe gut damage, but when given 10-HSA, their health improved remarkably. The molecule restored the gut’s protective lining, repaired liver function, improved metabolism, and reduced inflammation.
Unlike synthetic drugs, 10-HSA is made naturally in the gut and showed no toxic effects. The researchers believe it works by activating PPARα, a protein that controls fat metabolism and supports healing in both the liver and gut.
The study, published in mBio, highlights the strong connection between gut and liver health. With plans for human trials, scientists hope this discovery will lead to safe supplements for fatty liver disease.
