The gut–liver axis in progressive steatotic liver disease: A focus on bile acid dysregulation

Introduction

The gut–liver axis regulates metabolic homeostasis, with bile acids (BAs) serving as key signalling molecules. BA dysregulation is implicated in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction- and alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD), yet consistent identification of BA markers and their mechanistic roles across different stages of these diseases remain elusive.

Methods

We integrated three complementary studies to examine BA dysregulation: a population-based cohort (1522 females from TwinsUK with serum BA and liver biomarker data), a clinical cohort (30 patients with steatotic liver disease, fibrosis stages F0-F4, and 4 controls), and rodent models (20 rats with MASLD/MetALD vs. 9 controls). BA profiles were quantified via LC–MS.

Results

The primary bile acid taurocholate was consistently correlated with liver pathology: in TwinsUK, it associated with ALT (β [95%CI] 1.81 [1.27, 2.36], FDR < 0.05) both overall and when stratifying for age (<65 years, n = 923; ≥65 years, n = 599); in the clinical cohort, it was associated with F3 fibrosis (OR [95%CI] 8.56 × 10⁻¹⁰ [3.80 × 10⁻¹³, 1.93 × 10⁻⁶], FDR < 0.05); and in rodents, it was associated with MASLD/MetALD (OR [95%CI] 2.86 [1.17, 9.51], FDR < 0.05). The secondary bile acid taurochenodeoxycholate was associated with both early (F0, OR [95%CI] 13.63 [1.04, 179.17], p < 0.05) and advanced stages of disease (rodents, OR [95%CI] 15.41 [2.94, 311.82], FDR < 0.05).

Conclusion

Taurocholate and taurochenodeoxycholate emerge as consistent BA markers across liver disease stages, suggesting BA metabolism as potential therapeutic targets. This multi-model study bridges knowledge gaps in BA-driven mechanisms, informing personalised strategies for SLD management.