Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
In Vitro Modeling of Fat Deposition in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Published on: July 19, 2024
Bile acid receptors in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Yuanyuan Li1, Kavita Jadhav, Yanqiao Zhang
1Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4209 State Route 44, Rootstown, OH 44272, United States.
Abstract:
Accumulating data have shown that bile acids are important cell signaling molecules, which may activate several signaling pathways to regulate biological processes. Bile acids are endogenous ligands for the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and TGR5, a G-protein coupled receptor. Gain- and loss-of-function studies have demonstrated that both FXR and TGR5 play important roles in regulating lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and inflammatory responses. Importantly, activation of FXR or TGR5 lowers hepatic triglyceride levels and inhibits inflammation. Such properties of FXR or TGR5 have indicated that these two bile acid receptors are ideal targets for treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, one of the major health concerns worldwide. In this article, we will focus on recent advances on the role of both FXR and TGR5 in regulating hepatic triglyceride metabolism and inflammatory responses under normal and disease conditions.
Insights
Bile acids act as signaling molecules through farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and TGR5, regulating metabolism and inflammation. Activating these receptors shows promise for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Bile acids are crucial cell signaling molecules.
- Bile acids serve as endogenous ligands for farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and TGR5.
- FXR and TGR5 are implicated in regulating lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and inflammatory responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances on the roles of FXR and TGR5.
- To focus on the regulation of hepatic triglyceride metabolism.
- To examine the modulation of inflammatory responses under normal and disease conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature.
- Analysis of gain- and loss-of-function studies.
- Focus on signaling pathways regulated by bile acid receptors.
Main Results:
- FXR and TGR5 activation lowers hepatic triglyceride levels.
- FXR and TGR5 activation inhibits inflammation.
- These receptors are key regulators of hepatic lipid metabolism and inflammation.
Conclusions:
- FXR and TGR5 are important regulators of hepatic triglyceride metabolism and inflammation.
- Activation of FXR or TGR5 presents a potential therapeutic strategy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Further research into FXR and TGR5 signaling is warranted for metabolic and inflammatory liver diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Cirrhosis I: Introduction
01:25Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
01:21Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
01:26Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
01:31Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
01:30Liver Physiology
Metabolic Regulation:
The liver is the central organ involved in regulating blood composition. It stabilizes blood glucose levels, maintaining them within the range of 70–110 mg/dL. When these levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen reserves and releases glucose into the bloodstream. It can also...