Bile acids have recently been identified as major integrators of hepatic fatty acid and triglyceride metabolism. We explored potential mechanism(s) of action of ursodeoxycholic acid (20 mg/kg/day in 3 weeks) in 40 morbidly obese patients (mean BMI >40 kg/m(2)) with suggested fatty liver disease awaiting bariatric surgery. At follow-up half a year after surgery, patients had decreased their BMI by approximately 10 kg/m(2), which resulted in significant improvements of liver function tests, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.
Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.