The role of bile acids in the therapy of selected diseases

The main function of bile acids (BA) is participation in the emulsification of dietary fats. Recently it has been discovered that BAs can also act as signaling molecules regulating the processes of their own synthesis and metabolism, as well as glucose and lipid metabolism. In addition, they affect the motility of the digestive tract and food intake. BA also interacts with the gut microbiota, a major player in their metabolism. Most of the regulatory actions of BAs are mediated by their receptors, the most important of which are the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the G protein-coupled receptor -TGR5, found in large amounts in the intestine, liver, adipose tissue and other tissues of the body. Recently, much attention has been paid to the influence of BA on various diseases and the possibility of using them in the treatment of e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, liver diseases, type 2 diabetes and obesity.