Gender and gut microbiota composition determine hepatic bile acid, metabolic and inflammatory response to a single fast-food meal in healthy adults

Abstract

Background & aims: Regular consumption of fast-food (FF) as a form of typical Western style diet is associated with obesity and the metabolic syndrome, including its hepatic manifestation nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Currently, it remains unclear how intermittent excess FF consumption may influence liver metabolism. The study aimed to characterize the effects of a single FF binge on hepatic steatosis, inflammation, bile acid (BA), glucose and lipid metabolism. Methods: Twenty-five healthy individuals received a FF meal and were asked to continue eating either for a two-hour period or until fully saturated. Serum levels of transaminases, fasting BA, lipid profile, glucose and cytokine levels as well as transient elastography and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP; to assess hepatic steatosis) were analyzed before (day 0) and the day after FF binge (day 1). Feces was collected prior and after the FF challenge for microbiota analysis. Results: The FF meal induced a modest increase in CAP, which was accompanied by a robust increase of fasting serum BA levels. Surprisingly, levels of cholesterol and bilirubin were significantly lower after the FF meal. Differentiating individuals with a relevant delta BA (>1 mmol/l) increase vs. individuals without (delta BA 1 mmol/l), identified several gut microbiota, as well as gender to be associated with the BA increase and the observed alterations in liver function, metabolism and inflammation. Conclusion: A single binge FF meal leads to a robust increase in serum BA levels and alterations in parameters of liver injury and metabolism, indicating a novel metabolic aspect of the guteliver axis.

Ultra-Processed Foods: A Narrative Review of the Impact on the Human Gut Microbiome and Variations in Classification Methods

“…Indeed, changes in gut microbiota might not be expected to be measurable in fecal specimens in such a short period of time. However, there were several significant changes in serum total and individual primary and secondary bile acids [ 40 ]. Although both of these studies were very short (1–4 days), they provide evidence that fast-food meals may impact the gut environment compared to both baseline and healthy (Mediterranean) diets.…”

Bile Acids and Bilirubin Role in Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Cardiovascular Diseases

“…The quality of diet also influences the bilirubin levels. A diet rich in fruit and vegetables [102] and whole grain carbohydrates [103] is associated with higher bilirubin levels, while high-fat diets [104] and diets rich in ultra-processed foods with low bilirubin levels [105]. Furthermore, aerobic physical activity is associated with higher bilirubin levels [46].…”

Recent Progress in Metabolic Syndrome Research and Therapeutics

“…Figge et al further described the gut-liver axis. A total of 25 previously healthy subjects who followed fast food diets manifested elevated serum bile acid levels, markers of hepatic injury, and impacted metabolic panels [105]. Bile acid also interacts with both FXR and Takeda G-protein receptor-5 (TGR5) [106].…”