Adipose TGR5 Deletion Promotes Hepatic Steatosis Through Decreasing Adiponectin Secretion in Mice

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has emerged as a global epidemic, yet its underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive, and therapeutic options are limited. The interorgan communication between liver and adipose tissue plays a crucial role in maintaining hepatic lipid homeostasis. This study investigates the role of G-protein–coupled bile acid receptor 1 (TGR5) in adipose tissue-liver communication and its impact on hepatic lipid metabolism during the progression of MASLD. We observed that TGR5 expression in white adipose tissue was significantly upregulated under both fasting and high-fat diet (HFD) conditions, whereas its levels in brown adipose tissue remained unchanged. Notably, mice with adipocyte-specific TGR5 deletion exhibited exacerbated fasting/HFD-induced hepatic steatosis and impaired hepatic fatty acid oxidation. Mechanistically, adipose tissue TGR5 deficiency reduced adiponectin secretion, which in turn suppressed hepatic fatty acid oxidation and aggravated hepatic lipid accumulation; conversely, restoration of circulating adiponectin rescued these metabolic abnormalities. Collectively, our findings highlight a critical role for adipose tissue TGR5 in promoting adiponectin secretion, thereby enhancing hepatic fatty acid oxidation and protecting against hepatic steatosis. Article highlights Systemic G-protein-coupled bile acid rec

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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