Role of bile acids in overweight and obese children and adolescents

Abstract

Bile acids (BAs) are amphipathic molecules synthetized in the liver. They are primarily involved in the digestion of nutrients. Apart from their role in dietary lipid absorption, BAs have progressively emerged as key regulators of systemic metabolism and inflammation. In the last decade, it became evident that BAs are particularly important for the regulation of glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism. Indeed, the interest in role of BA in metabolism homeostasis is further increased due to the global public health increase in obesity and related complications and a large number of research postulating that there is a close mutual relationship between BA and metabolic disorders. This strong relationship seems to derive from the role of BAs as signaling molecules involved in the regulation of a wide spectrum of metabolic pathways. These actions are mediated by different receptors, particularly nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and Takeda G protein coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), which are probably the major effectors of BA actions. These receptors activate transcriptional networks and signaling cascades controlling the expression and activity of genes involved in BA, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, energy expenditure, and inflammation. The large correlation between BAs and metabolic disorders offers the possibility that modulation of BAs could be used as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of metabolic diseases, including obesity itself. The aim of this review is to describe the main physiological and metabolic actions of BA, focusing on its signaling pathways, which are important in the regulation of metabolism and might provide new BA -based treatments for metabolic diseases.

The impact of microbially modified metabolites associated with obesity and bariatric surgery on antitumor immunity

“…In addition, Watanabe et al. found that bile acids can prevent insulin resistance and obesity in mice by increasing energy depletion in brown adipose tissue ( 83 , 84 ).…”

“…Bile acids can improve metabolism and play an anti-obesity role by activating TGR5 and FXR in peripheral tissues (82). In addition, Watanabe et al found that bile acids can prevent insulin resistance and obesity in mice by increasing energy depletion in brown adipose tissue (83,84).…”

Roles of gut microbes in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease

“…Besides their roles in fat digestion and modulation of gut microbial composition, bile acids can also affect host energy management. Bile acids can be detected by the nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the cell surface Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), and are associated with the regulation of glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism [ 64 ]. FXR can affect hepatic fatty acid metabolism [ 65 ].…”

Impact of high fat diet and exercise on bone and bile acid metabolism in rats

“…Today it is well established that bile acids also possess endocrine activity that modulates glucose and lipid homeostasis (15). Furthermore, their possible contribution to different metabolic processes has attracted interest in late years as a regulatory pathway in some obesity-associated comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes or chronic liver disease (16). Previous studies also suggest a regulatory role of bile aids in bone metabolism.…”