The Potential of Bile Acids as Biomarkers for Metabolic Disorders

Bile acids (BAs) are well known to facilitate the absorption of dietary fat and fat-soluble molecules. These unique steroids also function by binding to the ubiquitous cell membranes and nuclear receptors. As chemical signals in gut-liver axis, the presence of metabolic disorders such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and even tumors have been reported to be closely related to abnormal levels of BAs in the blood and fecal metabolites of patients. Thus, the gut microbiota interacting with BAs and altering BA metabolism are critical in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic diseases. This review intends to summarize the mechanistic links between metabolic disorders and BAs in gut-liver axis, and such stage-specific BA perturbation patterns may provide clues for developing new auxiliary diagnostic means.

Automated summary

Bile acids have been found to play a role in the absorption of dietary fat and fat-soluble molecules, as well as acting as chemical signals by binding to cell membranes and nuclear receptors. Abnormal levels of bile acids have been linked to metabolic disorders such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and tumors. The interaction between gut microbiota and bile acids, as well as the alteration of bile acid metabolism, play a critical role in the pathogenesis of these chronic diseases.