Bile acid malabsorption is associated with diarrhea in acute phase of colitis

The enterohepatic circulation of bile acids (BAs) critically depends on BA transporters and enzymes, which can be affected by inflammatory bowel disease. Diarrhea in colitis is believed to result in part from BA malabsorption. The work aimed to investigate whether diarrhea in colitis was associated with the expression of BA transporters, enzymes, and nuclear receptors. RT-qPCR and Western blot techniques were used to evaluate the gene and protein levels of Cyp7a1, Asbt, SHP, FXR, Ostβ in a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic-acid-induced rat model of colitis. The total BAs (TBAs) levels were assayed using ELISA kits, and the individual BAs were measured by LC-MS/MS. Results showed that the fecal excretions of TBAs were significantly increased by 1.6-fold in acute stage of colitis. In ileum, Asbt was significantly decreased; however, there was a compensatory increase in Cyp7a1 level in liver. Moreover, FXR has a decreased tendency and the downstream target gene SHP was downregulated. Contrary to acute stage, molecular changes were completely reversible during the remission phase. Our results indicated that the expression of Asbt and Cyp7a1 were altered in acute colitis, which performed vital roles in maintaining BA homeostasis. Early medical manipulation of BA transporters and enzymes may help prevent diarrhea.