Nutrition & Metabolism (Sep 2010)

Plasma bile acids are not associated with energy metabolism in humans

  • Brufau Gemma,
  • Bahr Matthias J,
  • Staels Bart,
  • Claudel Thierry,
  • Ockenga Johann,
  • Böker Klaus HW,
  • Murphy Elizabeth J,
  • Prado Kris,
  • Stellaard Frans,
  • Manns Michael P,
  • Kuipers Folkert,
  • Tietge Uwe JF

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-7075-7-73
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 1
p. 73

Abstract

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Abstract Bile acids (BA) have recently been shown to increase energy expenditure in mice, but this concept has not been tested in humans. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between plasma BA levels and energy expenditure in humans. Type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients (n = 12) and gender, age and BMI-matched healthy controls (n = 12) were studied before and after 8 weeks of treatment with a BA sequestrant. In addition, patients with liver cirrhosis (n = 46) were investigated, since these display elevated plasma BA together with increased energy expenditure. This group was compared to gender-, age- and BMI-matched healthy controls (n = 20). Fasting plasma levels of total BA and individual BA species as well as resting energy expenditure were determined. In response to treatment with the BA sequestrant, plasma deoxycholic acid (DCA) levels decreased in controls (-60%, p