Correlation between postprandial bile acids and body fat mass in healthy normal-weight subjects

Background: Bile acids (BAs) play important roles in glucose regulation and energy homeostasis via G protein-coupled receptors, such as enteroendocrine L cell TGR5. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between postprandial BA levels and body composition after ingestion of a standard test meal. Methods: Eleven healthy subjects of normal weight (body-mass index, 22.0 +/- 1.6 kg/m(2) [mean +/- SD]), ingested a 400-kcal test meal, and blood samples were obtained from them before ingestion and every 30 min for 120 min after ingestion. The BA fractions were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. To evaluate body composition, body impedance analysis was performed 1 h before ingestion of the test meal. Results: Concentrations of both total BA and total glycine-conjugated BA (GCBA) at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after test-meal ingestion were significantly higher than those at baseline. The body-mass index was correlated with total GCBA at baseline. Moreover, body fat mass was correlated with total GCBA at 30 min (r = -0.688, P = 0.019) and 60min (r=-0.642, P = 0.033) and with total BA at 30 min (r = -0.688, P = 0.019) and 60 min (r = -0.642, P = 0.033). Conclusion: The postprandial BA response is inversely related with body fat mass in healthy subjects of normal weight. (C) 2014 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.