Bile acids in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and Metabolic Research
• Molecular Biology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• The liver is a vital metabolic organ regulating glucose, lipids, and detoxification.
• Bile acids (BAs) are crucial for fat digestion and act as signaling molecules via receptors like FXR.
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent condition linked to obesity and insulin resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the physiological roles of bile acids (BAs).
• To elucidate mechanisms linking BA dysregulation to MASLD progression.
• To highlight current and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting BA signaling in MASLD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of physiological roles of bile acids.
• Analysis of mechanisms of BA dysregulation in MASLD.
• Survey of therapeutic approaches targeting BA signaling pathways.

Main Results:

• MASLD involves disrupted BA metabolism, affecting synthesis, composition, and signaling.
• Altered BA profiles in MASLD patients indicate roles as biomarkers and pathogenic mediators.
• FXR agonists show promise for treating liver steatosis and inflammation in MASLD.

Conclusions:

• Dysregulated bile acid (BA) metabolism is central to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) pathogenesis.
• Targeting BA signaling pathways, particularly with FXR agonists, offers a promising therapeutic avenue for MASLD.
• Further understanding of BA-liver interactions is crucial for improving MASLD diagnosis and treatment.