Bile Acids in Obesity-Related Diseases

The incidence of obesity is growing rapidly and has become a serious public health problem. The pathophysiology of obesity is complex, involving the interaction between heredity and the environment. Bile acids (BAs) are amphipathic molecules produced by liver cells and secreted into the intestine through the bile duct, playing a crucial role in the absorption, transport, and metabolism of dietary fats, cholesterol, and fat-soluble vitamins. Bile acids primarily act through activating membrane receptors Takeda G protein receptor 5 (TGR5) and nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR). Activation of these receptors controls bile acids, lipid metabolism, and energy balance by triggering transcriptional networks and signaling cascades. Recent studies have shown that aberrant regulation of bile acids is closely associated with obesity. In the state of obesity, the composition of bile acids changes, with an increased proportion of cholic acid (CA) and deoxycholic acid (DCA) and a decreased proportion of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). Bile acids promote intestinal fat absorption and regulate glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism by acting as hormone-like molecules through activating FXR and TGR5. Targeting the signaling pathway of bile acids may be a potential new approach for obesity-related diseases.

This Research Topic aims to collect current evidence on the crosstalk between bile acids and obesity-related metabolic disorders through animal models or human studies. Original articles and reviews are welcome.

Potential sub-themes include:
• Bile acids and obesity;
• Bile-acid-activated signalling pathways and obesity;
• Bile acids and NAFLD;
• Preventive and therapeutic strategies on bile acids;
• Gut microbiome, bile acids and metabolic syndrome;
• Bile acids, energy metabolism, and gastrointestinal motility;
• The role of bile acids in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome;
• The link between bile acids and low-grade inflammation;
• Bile acid drug development in obesity treatment;
• Bile acids and liver disease;
• Bile acids and cholesterol metabolism;
Other topics related to the main goal of this Research Topic are also welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.