Microbial-based platform for assessing organ damage in alcohol use disorders (AUD)

University Of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston, Houston TX

Investigators

Abstract

Alcohol consumption is linked to various local and systemic organ damages. Research, including our own, indicates that alterations in the gut microbiota play a significant role in alcohol's effects. Alcohol-induced dysbiosis often leads to intestinal barrier dysfunction, worsening alcohol-related organ injuries. Interventions targeting the microbiota have shown promise in mitigating dysbiosis, improving barrier function, and reducing organ damage. However, the relationship between alcohol consumption, gut microbiota changes (dysbiosis), and alcohol-related organ damage (AROD) is not well understood. Identifying gut dysbiosis linked to AROD, termed "alcohol enterotypes," and understanding the mechanisms leading to organ damage from alcohol consumption are essential for identifying high-risk individuals and developing targeted interventions. Despite extensive research on the gut microbiota's role in alcohol-related diseases, a clear definition of alcohol- induced dysbiosis is lacking. We hypothesize that specific microbiota enterotypes associated with alcohol consumption predict AROD. In this study, we aim to develop a comprehensive, web-based knowledge module that integrates all available microbiota, metabolites, and host pathways to map microbial signatures and mechanisms involved in AROD. The data-driven alcohol enterotypes will be tested and fine-tuned in relation to clinical outcomes in real-world settings. By conducting this population-based validation study, we will optimize our platform's performance, promote its widespread adoption, and support collaborative efforts in alcohol research. These studies will provide, for the first time, detailed insights into the role of dysbiosis in alcohol-induced organ damage and identify alcohol enterotypes to inform risk assessment and personalized interventions targeting the microbiota.