A promising new study reveals how a functional food derived from shiitake mushrooms could help prevent the progression of liver disease. Scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University have uncovered the molecular mechanisms by which AHCC, a standardized extract from cultured Lentinula edodes mycelia, may help protect the liver from fibrosis – a condition affecting an estimated one in three to four people globally.
Published in American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology | Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Research Findings
The research team, led by Dr. Hayato Urushima, Associate Professor of the Graduate School of Medicine at Osaka Metropolitan University, investigated how AHCC protects the liver by focusing on its effects on hepatic stellate cells – key players in liver fibrosis development.
Through laboratory studies using mice, the researchers discovered that AHCC appears to work through two distinct cellular pathways to help prevent liver fibrosis. As Dr. Urushima explains, “It is estimated that one out of every 3-4 people worldwide have steatotic liver disease, when there is an abnormal accumulation of lipids, which is a precursor to fibrosis. So, it is important to prevent the progression of liver fibrosis at an early stage.”
The study found that AHCC acts through toll-like receptor proteins (TLR2 and TLR4) to achieve two protective effects: it induces a protein called cytoglobin that helps decrease harmful reactive oxygen species, while also suppressing the production of collagen in the liver – excess collagen being a hallmark of fibrosis.
This dual mechanism of action suggests that early administration of AHCC during the hepatitis stage might help prevent the onset of cirrhosis, a more severe form of liver disease. The research team is now planning to conduct clinical trials to confirm these promising findings in human patients.
Glossary
- Hepatic Stellate Cells
- Specialized cells in the liver that play a crucial role in liver fibrosis when activated during liver injury.
- Fibrosis
- The formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in response to injury or damage, which can impair organ function.
- AHCC
- Active Hexose Correlated Compound – a standardized extract from cultured shiitake mushroom mycelia with potential therapeutic properties.
Test Your Knowledge
What fraction of people worldwide are estimated to have steatotic liver disease?
One out of every 3-4 people worldwide are estimated to have steatotic liver disease.
Through which two cellular pathways does AHCC work to protect the liver?
AHCC works through the TLR2 and TLR4 pathways to decrease reactive oxygen species and suppress collagen production.
What role do hepatic stellate cells play in liver disease progression?
When activated during liver injury, hepatic stellate cells contribute to fibrosis by producing excess collagen and fibrous tissue.
How does the molecular mechanism of AHCC’s protective effect work in relation to cytoglobin and collagen?
AHCC induces cytoglobin production through TLR2 to decrease reactive oxygen species, while simultaneously suppressing collagen production through TLR4, thus providing dual protection against liver fibrosis.
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