How Bile Salts Affect Intestinal Health

Greg Howard
26th June, 2024

How Bile Salts Affect Intestinal Health

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Instituto de Ciencias Marinas focused on the effects of different bile salts on the intestine of gilthead sea bream
  • All tested bile salts promoted ion absorption, especially in the posterior intestine
  • High concentrations of a bile salt mixture increased tissue permeability, indicating potential adverse effects
In modern aquaculture, the push to reduce reliance on fishmeal and marine ingredients in fish diets has led to the exploration of plant-based protein sources. This dietary shift can disrupt the bile acid profile in fish, necessitating the use of bile salts as additives. However, artificially increasing intestinal bile acid levels may significantly impact mucosal function. A recent study conducted by the Instituto de Ciencias Marinas explored the regulatory role of different bile salts in the intestine of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) using Ussing chambers with the epithelial voltage clamp technique[1]. The study tested three types of bile salts: chenodeoxycholic acid (CDC), a mixture of 3% cholic acid and 97% deoxycholic acid (MIX), and a conjugated bile salt sodium taurocholate (TC), at concentrations ranging from 50 to 500 μg/ml. The researchers found that all tested bile salts promoted ion absorption, with more pronounced effects observed in the posterior intestine. Interestingly, the bile salts had minimal or no impact on tissue resistance, which is a measure of the integrity of the epithelial barrier. However, high concentrations of the MIX (500 μg/ml) were found to increase tissue permeability threefold, suggesting potential adverse effects at elevated levels. The findings underscore the importance of considering intestinal function when using bile salts as dietary supplements. Bile salts, whether individually or in combination, play a crucial role in nutrient absorption by influencing epithelial ion transport. However, further research is needed to fully understand the region-dependent nuances of bile salt effects on ion transport and their ultimate impact on nutrient absorption in fish aquaculture. The use of Ussing chambers in this study is noteworthy. This technique allows for the measurement of ion transport across epithelial tissues and is widely used to study intestinal function[2]. Previous research has demonstrated the utility of Ussing chambers in understanding the mechanisms of ion transport in marine fish intestines. For example, a study on sea bream intestines showed that bicarbonate secretion (BCS) and water absorption are positively correlated and modulated by different types of adenylyl cyclases[3]. This highlights the complex interplay between various factors influencing intestinal function. The study also aligns with earlier findings on the role of hormones and other regulatory molecules in fish intestinal physiology. For instance, parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) has been shown to stimulate calcium uptake in sea bream intestines, indicating its role in maintaining calcium homeostasis[4]. The current study extends this understanding by focusing on how bile salts influence ion transport and nutrient absorption. Moreover, the study's findings have implications for maintaining intestinal homeostasis, which is crucial for the overall health of fish. The gastrointestinal tract is constantly exposed to various stimuli and inhabited by a multitude of microorganisms, forming a mutualistic relationship with the host[5]. Maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier is essential for preventing dysbiosis and inflammatory disorders. In conclusion, the study by the Instituto de Ciencias Marinas provides valuable insights into the role of bile salts in regulating intestinal function in gilthead sea bream. The findings emphasize the need for careful consideration of bile salt concentrations in dietary supplements to avoid potential adverse effects on intestinal permeability. Further research is essential to understand the region-specific effects of bile salts on ion transport and their implications for nutrient absorption in aquaculture.

BiochemAnimal ScienceMarine Biology

References

Main Study

1) Effect of bile salts on intestinal epithelial function in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

Published 25th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-024-01369-8

Related Studies

2) A guide to Ussing chamber studies of mouse intestine.

https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpgi.90649.2008

3) Water absorption and bicarbonate secretion in the intestine of the sea bream are regulated by transmembrane and soluble adenylyl cyclase stimulation.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00360-012-0685-4

4) Parathyroid hormone-related protein regulates intestinal calcium transport in sea bream (Sparus auratus).

Journal: American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology, Issue: Vol 291, Issue 5, Nov 2006

5) Integrity of the Intestinal Barrier: The Involvement of Epithelial Cells and Microbiota-A Mutual Relationship.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12020145


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