DT-109 Reverses MASH in Animals by Repairing Gut Barrier, Targeting Disease Affecting 7% Worldwide
Updated
Updated · ScienceDaily · Oct 17
DT-109 Reverses MASH in Animals by Repairing Gut Barrier, Targeting Disease Affecting 7% Worldwide
1 articles · Updated · ScienceDaily · Oct 17
Summary
DT-109 reversed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis in mice and nonhuman primates, with researchers reporting reduced liver inflammation and less severe disease in the primate models.
The tripeptide worked by cutting Clostridium perfringens levels, lowering gut ammonia, and restoring the intestinal barrier, which blocked inflammatory microbial products from reaching the liver.
Researchers said that gut leakage also drives overactive CD8+ T-cell responses that worsen liver damage, helping explain how a liver disease can be fueled by intestinal dysfunction.
About 7% of the global population is affected by MASH, a severe fatty liver disease that can progress to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure despite still-limited treatment options.
DT-109 remains experimental and has not been proven in humans, though the Michigan Medicine team said its gut-protective effects could also have implications for cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disorders.