Correlation between postprandial bile acids and body fat mass in healthy normal-weight subjects

Bile acids (BAs) play important roles in glucose regulation and energy homeostasis via G protein-coupled receptors, such as enteroendocrine L cell TGR5. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between postprandial BA levels and body composition after ingestion of a standard test meal.

Eleven healthy subjects of normal weight (body-mass index, 22.0 ± 1.6 kg/m(2) [mean ± SD]), ingested a 400-kcal test meal, and blood samples were obtained from them before ingestion and every 30 min for 120 min after ingestion. The BA fractions were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. To evaluate body composition, body impedance analysis was performed 1h before ingestion of the test meal.

Concentrations of both total BA and total glycine-conjugated BA (GCBA) at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after test-meal ingestion were significantly higher than those at baseline. The body-mass index was correlated with total GCBA at baseline. Moreover, body fat mass was correlated with total GCBA at 30 min (r=-0.688, P=0.019) and 60 min (r=-0.642, P=0.033) and with total BA at 30 min (r=-0.688, P=0.019) and 60 min (r=-0.642, P=0.033).

The postprandial BA response is inversely related with body fat mass in healthy subjects of normal weight.