Bile Acids: Beyond Cholesterol Metabolism & Fat Absorption

Bile acids are well recognized as essential for regulating cholesterol homeostasis and the digestion and absorption of fat through the intestine. In recent years they have emerged as signaling molecules with endocrine functions, acting as ligands for the G-protein coupled receptor TGR5 and the nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR). There is growing interest in bile acids as therapeutic targets for the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

In addition to their role in cholesterol metabolism and fat absorption, bile acids are important signaling molecules with endocrine functions. Bile acids regulate important pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hyperlipidemia, hence making them attractive targets for novel therapeutics. Recognizing the importance of bile acids, PBI has developed a LC-MS/MS method to quantify multiple bile acids in serum and urine to support drug development in the above mentioned fields.

The original version of the White Paper can be found on the PBI website