Postprandial metabolism, inflammation, and plasma bile acid kinetics in a rat model: implications for translational research

The postprandial period is an opportunity window to assess metabolic phenotype, and its study is gaining popularity due to the wealth of information that can be uncovered when a dietary challenge is associated with the application of metabolomics approaches. Bile acids (BA) were recently identified as signaling molecules that display major changes in circulating levels following food intake. In this regard, a gap of information remains linking BA postprandial kinetics with their possible metabolic effects. This study aimed to characterizing a murine model for investigating postprandial metabolism and inflammation. Changes in plasma and hepatic markers of metabolism, inflammation and BA levels were assessed in male Sprague-Dawley rats before and after the ingestion of an energy-dense meal. Rats display postprandial alterations in circulating BA levels, with cholic acid constituting the predominant species (36%). These changes are accompanied by shifts in intermediates of energy metabolism and inflammatory markers, as demonstrated by a four-fold increase in hepatic NF-κB protein content, a key inflammatory transcription factor, two hours after food intake. Despite inherent species-specific differences, this murine model represents a promising tool for studying postprandial modulation energy metabolism, establishing a pioneering framework for future investigations into the role of BA in postprandial metabolic responses