G‐protein‐coupled bile acid receptor plays a key role in bile acid metabolism and fasting‐induced hepatic steatosis in mice

Bile acids are signaling molecules that play a critical role in regulation of hepatic metabolic homeostasis by activating nuclear farnesoid X receptor (Fxr) and membrane G‐protein‐coupled receptor (Takeda G‐protein‐coupled receptor 5; Tgr5). The role of FXR in regulation of bile acid synthesis and hepatic metabolism has been studied extensively. However, the role of TGR5 in hepatic metabolism has not been explored. The liver plays a central role in lipid metabolism, and impaired response to fasting and feeding contributes to steatosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver and obesity. We have performed a detailed analysis of gallbladder bile acid and lipid metabolism in Tgr5−/− mice in both free‐fed and fasted conditions. Lipid profiles of serum, liver and adipose tissues, bile acid composition, energy metabolism, and messenger RNA and protein expression of the genes involved in lipid metabolism were analyzed. Results showed that deficiency of the Tgr5 gene in mice alleviated fasting‐induced hepatic lipid accumulation. Expression of liver oxysterol 7α‐hydroxylase in the alternative bile acid synthesis pathway was reduced. Analysis of gallbladder bile acid composition showed marked increase of taurocholic acid and decrease of tauro‐α and β‐muricholic acid in Tgr5−/− mice. Tgr5−/− mice had increased hepatic fatty acid oxidation rate and decreased hepatic fatty acid uptake. Interestingly, fasting induction of fibroblast growth factor 21 in liver was attenuated. In addition, fasted Tgr5−/− mice had increased activation of hepatic growth hormone‐signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (GH‐Stat5) signaling compared to wild‐type mice. Conclusion: TGR5 may play a role in determining bile acid composition and in fasting‐induced hepatic steatosis through a novel mechanism involving activation of the GH‐Stat5 signaling pathway. (Hepatology 2017;65:813‐827)