A 3-Dimensional bioprinted human gut-liver axis model for studying Alcoholic Liver Disease

Gut-liver axis is the interaction between the gut, its microbiome and the liver. The crosstalk and interaction between these organs plays an important role in their individual health and disease. Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a case in point where dysfunction of intestine actively promotes liver damage by alcohol. A flashpoint in ALD is the breach of intestinal integrity caused by gut bacteria Enterococcus faecalis (E.Faecalis). More specifically, Cytolysin, a toxin secreted by this bacteria may have a central role in the genesis of ALD. 3-D bioprinted human simulations of the gut-liver axis may help better understand the genesis of ALD. Here we developed a 3 dimensional bioprinted in vitro model composed of human origin intestinal and liver cells to explore the role of Cytolysin and ethanol in intestinal and liver damage. We find that neither Cytolysin or ethanol are sufficient for cell damage but a combination of the two act in concert to cause maximum breach in intestinal integrity. Secondly we find that enhanced transport of macromolecules thru the intestinal layer is not caused by overt cell toxicity but occurs through potentially paracellular/transcellular pathways. Our model will be used to test repurposed and new drugs/ biologics for treatment of ALD as well as other intestinal inflammatory diseases.