Bile acid receptor agonists INT747 and INT777 decrease oestrogen deficiency-related postmenopausal obesity and hepatic steatosis in mice

•OVX mice become obese due to decreased energy expenditure.•BA receptor agonists INT-747 and INT-777 increase energy expenditure in OVX mice.•INT-747 and INT-777 correct liver steatosis in OVX mice by increasing FA oxidation.•INT-747 and INT-777 change the expression of key metabolic genes in multiple organs.•INT-747 and INT-777 correct postmenopausal metabolic changes in an OVX mouse model.

Menopause is often followed by obesity and, related to this, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Two bile acid (BA) receptors, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and G-protein-coupled receptor TGR5, have emerged as putative therapeutic targets for obesity and NAFLD.Aim of this study: to evaluate the efficacy of selective agonists INT747/obeticholic acid (FXR) and INT777 (TGR5) as novel treatments for the metabolic effects of oestrogen deficiency.Ovariectomized (OVX) or sham-operated (SHAM) mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 5 weeks. During the last 4 weeks two groups of OVX and SHAM mice received either INT747- or INT777-supplemented HFD.OVX mice had significantly higher bodyweight gain than SHAM mice, which was attenuated by INT747- or INT777-treatment. No significant changes in food intake or physical activity were found. OVX mice had significantly lower energy expenditure than SHAM mice; INT747- and INT777-treated OVX mice had intermediate energy expenditure. Liver triglyceride and cholesterol content was significantly increased in OVX compared to SHAM mice, which was normalized by INT747- or INT777-treatment. Significant changes in metabolic gene expression were found in liver (Cpt1, Acox1), muscle (Ucp3, Pdk4, Cpt1, Acox1, Fasn, Fgf21), brown adipocytes (Dio2) and white adipocytes (c/EBPα, Pparγ, Adipoq). For the first time, expression of FXR and induction of its target gene Pltp1 was shown in skeletal muscle.BA receptor agonists are suitable therapeutics to correct postmenopausal metabolic changes in an OVX mouse model. Potential mechanisms include increased energy expenditure and changes in expression patterns of key metabolic genes in liver, muscle and adipose tissues.