Microbiota tryptophan metabolism induces aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation and improves alcohol-induced liver injury

Pectin treatment resulted in a specific faecal signature in alcohol-fed mice, associated with high production of bacterial tryptophan metabolites.

• Modification of the microbiome and metabolome was observed following pectin treatment in human microbiota-associated alcohol-fed mice.
• Increased levels of bacterial tryptophan metabolites correlated with reduced liver injury.
• The AhR agonist Ficz reduced liver lesions, similar to the effects of prebiotic treatment.
• Inactivation of the AhR gene in alcohol-fed mice negated the beneficial effects of the prebiotic.
• Patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis exhibited low levels of bacterial tryptophan derivatives that activate the AhR pathway.

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