Research

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Title :

Edible Exosomes as Hepatoprotective Agents and their Role in Restoration of Gut Microbiome Homeostasis in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Area of research :

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Sukriti Sukriti, Institute Of Liver And Biliary Sciences, Delhi

Timeline Start Year :

2023

Timeline End Year :

2026

Contact info :

Equipments :

Details

Executive Summary :

Liver disease is responsible for over 2 million deaths each year the number is rapidly increasing. Fatty liver is the core to all non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Reversal and prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most important single step to reduce burden of NCDs. There is a strong link between food components, gut microbiota (GM), liver fat and development of various NCDs. There are also very limited therapeutic options for treating NAFLD. Recently, identified Edible Exosomes which are plant derived nanoscale membrane bound particles that facilitate transportation of nucleic acids and bioactive compounds as cargoes. Many studies have identified their role as major hepatoprotective agent. The main reason behind is low quantity of exosomes carry large amount of biological compounds as cargoes. As a proof-of-concept, we have also found in our laboratory that 10ul of edible exosomes suffice 1liter of plant extract as a hepatoprotective agent. Exosomes have proven to be stable, biocompatible and able to withstand the activity of digestive enzymes until they reach their target locations. The role of ginger and lemon derived exosomes as therapeutic effect has been shown, as they carry miR396e, miR7267-3p that interacts with Lactobacillus sp. and Streptococcus sp leads to increase in their copy number and the production of lactic acid metabolites in gut. These metabolites acts as ligands that help in ameliorating gut epithelial barrier and regaining the gut pH. Similarly, carrot derived exosomes which are rich source of cartenoids may directly link to healthy bile production. Few in-vitro studies also reported the anti- inflammatory, anti-oxidant and detoxification aspects of garlic, turmeric exosomes. Studies on the effect of edible exosomes are at its infancy. Hence, the goal of this study is to identify the individual Indian food associated edible exosomes and its role in gut microbiome alteration and hepatoprotective effect in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In the present study, we will isolate exosomes from edible parts of carrot, ginger, garlic, jamun and turmeric which are known for their hepatoprotective role. Characterize size, concentration and composition and optimize invitro system, followed by nutritional intervention in NAFLD animal model. We will also analyze their effect on gut microbiome alteration using 16sRNA sequencing. This proposal has the potential to make substantial health and social impact: to identify the daily food components exosomes as part of diet with hepatoprotective effect, develop edible exosomes composite as an Indian product and also identify gut microbiota alteration relevant to NAFLD progression, that may be amenable to targeting through nutritional interventions.

Total Budget (INR):

29,94,516

Organizations involved