Evaluation of G-Protein-Coupled Bile Acid Receptor 1 (TGR5) Levels in Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy

Abstract

Background and objective Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most common pregnancy-related liver disease. G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (TGR5) agonists might be beneficial in ICP treatment. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship of serum TGR5 levels with ICP and associated itching. Methods Sixty-three pregnant women diagnosed with ICP based on a serum bile acid level of >10 µmol/L (patient group) and 47 healthy pregnant women as a control group were included in the study. In the patient group, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy was given at a dose of 15 mg/kg from the time of diagnosis until the termination of pregnancy. Serum transaminase levels were measured at the beginning and within 15 days after the onset of treatment, and the dose was increased in patients who were unresponsive to treatment. Results Bile acid level was found to be between 10-39 µmol/L in 61.9% of the ICP patients, and it was ≥40 µmol/L in 38.1% of the patients. The majority of the patients responded well to the treatment with UDCA. The mean TGR5 level was significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (0.98 ±0.95 ng/mL vs. 0.74 ±0.23 ng/mL, p=0.032). In the patient group, TGR5 level showed negative correlations with age and red cell distribution width and a positive correlation with lactate dehydrogenase level and lymphocyte count. Conclusions Based on our findings, it can be suggested that TGR5 may have a role in the pathogenesis but has no impact on the prognosis of the condition.

Multilayer omics reveals the molecular mechanism of early infection of Clonorchis sinensis juvenile

“…Metabolomic data displayed that at 24 h post infection, CA7S, a bile acid metabolite, was significantly downregulated, whereas metabolites of glucosamine and 2VD were significantly upregulated. CA7S has been reported as an agonist of Tgr5 and can increase the expression of Tgr5, thereby preventing cholestasis and suppressing the inflammatory responses [ 55 – 57 ]. Glucosamine, as an amine sugar, has been reported to stimulate immune cells and mediate immune function by activating NF-κB, p38 and PKA pathways [ 58 ].…”

The Role of Bile Acids in Cardiovascular Diseases: from Mechanisms to Clinical Implications

“…The protective role of DCA in cardiac repair after myocardial infarction is based on its anti-inflammatory effect. The activation of DCA-TGR5 signaling can inhibit the inflammatory response of cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts, which helps DCA play a protective role in myocardial infarction [88,98]. The levels of DCA in patients with AMI were significantly lower than those in controls.…”