Mechanisms and Applications of Bile Acids in Regulating Adipose Tissue Function and Lipid Metabolism

doi:10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2026-0004

Abstract

Abstract:

Bile acids, as important signaling molecules in vertebrates, primarily regulate adipocyte function in tissues and organs such as the intestine, liver, and adipose tissue through the activation of bile acid receptors, including the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (TGR5). Through these pathways, bile acids promote fatty acid catabolism and contribute to the maintenance of glucose and lipid metabolic homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that bile acids possess therapeutic potential in lipid metabolism-related disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. In particular, they have demonstrated marked effects in promoting the browning of white adipose tissue, enhancing thermogenesis, improving insulin sensitivity, and alleviating obesity and obesity-associated inflammatory disorders. In addition, interactions between bile acids and the gut microbiota play a pivotal role in the regulation of energy balance and lipid metabolic health and have shown effective regulatory functions in healthy livestock and poultry production. Therefore, this review focuses on the metabolic roles of bile acids in adipose tissue and systematically summarizes the key signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms through which bile acid signaling regulates adipose metabolism in different tissues in vivo, aiming to provide new insights and strategies for the study and targeted intervention of adipose metabolic diseases and fat deposition in both humans and animals.

Key words: bile acids, receptors, white adipose tissue, brown adipose tissue, gut microbiota, healthy farming

TONG Xin, JIANG Xian-zhe, WANG Bing. Mechanisms and Applications of Bile Acids in Regulating Adipose Tissue Function and Lipid Metabolism[J]. Biotechnology Bulletin, 2026, 42(9): 276-285.

Figures/Tables 3

References 77

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