# Role and progression of bile acid metabolism in mediating Th17/Treg homeostasis in inflammatory bowel disease

## TL;DR

This review explores how bile acid metabolism influences immune balance in inflammatory bowel disease, offering insights for future research.

## Contribution

The paper synthesizes recent findings on bile acid metabolites' role in immune regulation in IBD, highlighting their potential therapeutic relevance.

## Key findings

- IBD patients show altered intestinal metabolite profiles compared to healthy individuals.
- Microbiota-derived bile acid metabolites are significantly reduced in IBD, affecting gut immunity.
- Bile acid metabolism is linked to immune balance and disease progression in IBD.

## Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by an aberrant immune response that results in intestinal inflammation and tissue damage, which manifest clinically as recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea. As a chronic condition with limited curative options, the incidence of IBD has markedly increasing globally, imposing a considerable socioeconomic burden and leading to significant losses in workforce productivity. Recent research has indicated that the intestinal metabolite profile of patients with IBD is substantially altered compared to that of healthy individuals. Notably, a significant reduction was observed in the levels of microbiota-derived bile acid metabolites that are essential for gut immunity, indicating a potential association between bile acid metabolism and IBD progression. In this review, we aim to synthesize the role and recent research advancements regarding bile acid metabolites in mediating immune balance in IBD, thereby providing theoretical support for future investigations.

Health sciences; Medicine; Medical specialty; Proctology