Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 16, 2025

Ileectomy-induced Bile Overaccumulation in Mouse Intestine
Published on: August 21, 2017
[FXR modulators and cholestatic diseases.]
Domenico Alvaro1, Maria Consiglia Bragazzi1, Rosanna Venere1
1Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale e di Precisione, Sapienza Università di Roma.
Abstract:
The Farnesoid X nuclear receptor (FXR) is a nuclear receptor of bile acids whose activation suppresses the synthesis of bile acids stimulates their excretion in the bile and inhibits its uptake in hepatocytes. FXR is also involved in the regulation of over 250 genes including those responsible for the control of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. The activation of FXR also induces anti-inflammatory effects and antifibrotics. Over the past 10 years they have been synthesized and studied various FXR agonists which have demonstrated beneficial effects in the treatment of the main pathologies cholestatic diseases including primary biliary cholangitis, cholangitis primary sclerosing and cholangiocarcinoma.
Insights
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) activation regulates bile acid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis. FXR agonists show promise for treating cholestatic liver diseases like primary biliary cholangitis and cholangiocarcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Nuclear Receptors
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The Farnesoid X nuclear receptor (FXR) is a bile acid-activated nuclear receptor.
- FXR plays a critical role in regulating bile acid homeostasis, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism.
- FXR activation also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of FXR in liver pathologies.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of FXR agonists in cholestatic liver diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of FXR research over the past decade.
- Analysis of studies investigating FXR agonists in preclinical and clinical settings.
Main Results:
- FXR activation suppresses bile acid synthesis and promotes excretion.
- FXR influences over 250 genes involved in metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis.
- Synthesized FXR agonists have demonstrated therapeutic benefits in cholestatic diseases.
Conclusions:
- FXR is a key regulator of liver function and disease.
- FXR agonists represent a promising therapeutic strategy for cholestatic liver diseases, including primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and cholangiocarcinoma.
More Related Videos
08:56Bile Duct Ligation in Mice: Induction of Inflammatory Liver Injury and Fibrosis by Obstructive Cholestasis
Published on: February 10, 2015
10:56A Familial Hypercholesterolemia Human Liver Chimeric Mouse Model Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Hepatocytes
Published on: September 15, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow