Abstract

Bile acids are cholesterol-derived metabolites with a well-established role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fat.

More recently, the discovery of bile acids as natural ligands for the nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and membrane Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), and the recognition of the effects of FXR and TGR5 signaling have led to a paradigm shift in knowledge regarding bile acid physiology and metabolic health.

Bile acids are now recognized as signaling molecules that orchestrate blood glucose, lipid and energy metabolism.

[Changes in FXR and/or TGR5 signaling modulates the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY…