Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have identified the molecular causes of the damaging effects of heat stress on the gut, liver, and brain in the elderly. This discovery has the potential to lead to the development of precise prognostic and therapeutic interventions to protect human health. The communication system between these organs is complex and multidirectional, impacting everything from the gastrointestinal tract to the nervous system. Understanding the gut-liver-brain axis is crucial in maintaining human health.
The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, examined the effects of heat stress on a molecular level using mouse models. The researchers found evidence of heat stress-affected genes in the brain and liver of elderly, heat-stressed mice. One significant finding was the increased production of ORM2, a liver-produced protein, in the heat-stressed mice. This increase in ORM2 production suggests organ dysfunction in response to heat stress, potentially due to gut inflammation and imbalance. The study highlights the intricate multi-organ crosstalk that occurs as a result of heat stress.
The research team believes that increased secretion of ORM2 may be a coping mechanism in response to heat stress, impacting the brain through a leaky blood-brain barrier. The study also suggests the potential use of ORM2 as a targeted biomarker for interventions to prevent liver disease in cases of heat exposure. These findings provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of adverse heat events and lay the foundation for future research and the development of prognostic and therapeutic markers.
With the threat of climate change leading to rising temperatures and increasing concerns about intermittent heat waves, the health of the aging population is at risk from acute and chronic heat stress. The findings of this study have the potential to be used in the development of precise interventions to protect the health of the aging population. As our planet continues to heat up, understanding the impact of heat stress on the gut-liver-brain axis is essential for mitigating the negative effects on human health.
The study was conducted by researchers from the Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory at UCI Public Health, with doctoral student Subhajit Roy as the first author. Funding for the study was provided by a grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and a Veterans Affairs Merit award. The research team utilized RNA analysis and bioinformatics to analyze the effects of heat stress on elderly mice, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms behind the damaging effects of heat stress on the gut, liver, and brain in the elderly.
