Microbial bile acid metabolism pathways

Microbial bile acid metabolism pathways represent the biochemical transformations of host-derived primary bile acids into secondary bile acids by the gut microbiota. This process primarily involves deconjugation by bile salt hydrolases (BSH) and subsequent modifications such as 7α-dehydroxylation, epimerization, and oxidation (Ridlon et al., 2016, J Lipid Res). These pathways are critical for maintaining metabolic homeostasis, as the resulting bile acid pool acts as signaling molecules for host receptors like the Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) and the G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (TGR5) (Wahlström et al., 2016, Cell Metab). Dysregulation of these pathways is linked to various pathologies, including metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain cancers (Cai et al., 2022, Nutrients). Therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways include the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and small-molecule inhibitors of specific microbial enzymes to restore a healthy bile acid profile (Collins et al., 2023, Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol). Furthermore, the modulation of these pathways is being explored to treat Clostridioides difficile infections by restoring colonization resistance (Jia et al., 2018, Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol). Overall, these pathways serve as a vital link in the gut-liver axis, influencing systemic lipid and glucose metabolism.

Other names

Gut microbiota-mediated bile acid transformationMicrobial bile acid biotransformationSecondary bile acid synthesis pathwayBacterial bile acid metabolism

Modulation of the bile acid pool composition via bacterial enzymes such as bile salt hydrolase (BSH) and 7α-dehydroxylase to alter signaling through host receptors like the Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) and TGR5 (Wahlström et al., 2016, Cell Metab).