Biotechnology Bulletin ›› 2023, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (4): 187-200.doi: 10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2022-0931

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Towards the Understanding on the Physiological Functions of Bile Acids and Interactions with Gut Microbiota

XIONG Shu-qi()   

  1. State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045
  • Received:2022-07-26 Online:2023-04-26 Published:2023-05-16

Abstract:

Bile acids(BAs)are produced from the metabolism of cholesterol. In the liver, cholesterol is converted into primary bile acids,and they are metabolized into secondary bile acids by gut microbiota when they reache the intestinal tract. Their homeostasis are maintained in the body through the enterohepatic circulation. The molecules of bile acids have both hydrophilic and lipophilic ends, which can play the role of detergent and help to dissolve and absorb dietary lipids and lipid-soluble vitamins. This also endows bile acids with certain antibacterial properties. The interaction between bile acids and gut microbiota is not only reflected in their own physiological functions of bile acids, but also in the regulations of the gut microbial composition and abundances in bile acid metabolism. Bile acids regulate glucose, lipid and energy metabolisms, and immune and inflammatory reactions by activating different receptor signal pathways. This article reviews the metabolic process of bile acids, and discusses how it regulates host physiological functions through FXR, TGR5 and other receptor signal pathways. It also provides references for maintaining animal health and promoting livestock and poultry production performance through scientifically and reasonably regulating gut microbiota and its metabolites.

Key words: bile acids, gut microbiota, physiological function, interaction