Intestinal microbiota-farnesoid X receptor axis in metabolic diseases

Studies have demonstrated that intestinal microbiota is associated with various metabolic diseases including obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver, and insulin resistance. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), also known as the bile acid receptor, belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily, which is involved in the regulation of bile acid, glucose, and lipid metabolism. Researchers have found that intestinal microbiota can regulate FXR activity by affecting bile acid composition, and then regulate the balance of in vivo metabolism. The intestinal microbiota-FXR axis may be an ideal drug target for metabolic diseases. This review summarizes the latest research on the intestinal microbiota /FXR axis, hoping to provide a theoretical basis for further research and clinical application.