Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, have uncovered the molecular origins of heat stress’s detrimental impact on the gut, liver, and brain in elderly individuals. These findings highlight the prospect of developing targeted prognostic and therapeutic strategies. The interconnectedness of these organs forms a complex communication network that spans from the gastrointestinal system to the nervous system. Understanding this gut-liver-brain axis is critical for safeguarding human health, as it influences various physiological processes such as appetite regulation and mental health.
Published in Scientific Reports, a Nature Portfolio journal, their study on mouse models represents a pioneering effort to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying heat stress’s effects on this vital biological dialogue. Saurabh Chatterjee, corresponding author and professor of environmental and occupational health at UC Irvine’s Program in Public Health, underscores the impact of inflammation on cognitive decline and age-related diseases. He explains, “Investigating how heat stress disrupts gut-liver-brain communication enables us to better protect our increasingly vulnerable aging population.”
Employing RNA analysis and bioinformatics, Chatterjee and his team identified heat stress-induced changes in gene expression in the brain and liver of elderly mice. Notably, they observed a significant increase in ORM2 production—a liver-derived protein—in heat-stressed mice compared to unstressed controls. This finding suggests organ dysfunction induced by heat stress. The researchers hypothesize that elevated ORM2 secretion may be a compensatory response linked to gut inflammation and dysfunction.
Moreover, the potential impact of ORM2 on brain function through a compromised blood-brain barrier underscores the intricate interplay between multiple organs. This finding not only deepens our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of heat-related health challenges but also opens up new avenues for future research and therapeutic developments. The study also highlights ORM2’s potential as a biomarker for targeted interventions, offering a glimmer of hope in mitigating liver disease exacerbated by heat exposure.
Chatterjee underscores the urgency of their findings, stating, “Our discoveries are not just academic, they have immediate practical implications. With climate change contributing to escalating temperatures and recurrent heat waves, our aging population faces increasing risks of acute and chronic heat stress, threatening their health. The time to act is now.” In conclusion, the UC Irvine study not only sheds light on the molecular underpinnings of heat stress’s impact on vital organs but also offers a foundation for innovative approaches to mitigate its adverse effects on health, particularly in older adults.
More information: Subhajit Roy et al, Periodic heat waves-induced neuronal etiology in the elderly is mediated by gut-liver-brain axis: a transcriptome profiling approach, Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60664-9
Journal information: Scientific Reports Provided by University of California, Irvine
