Aplicaciones funcionales de los ácidos biliares（BilePro）en la acuicultura: Un nutriente clave para regular el metabolismo glucosa-lípidos, mejorar la inmunidad y optimizar la salud intestinal de los peces
In the development of modern aquafeed and functional additives, bile acids have emerged as a key regulatory substance, playing a central role in antibiotic-free and sustainable aquaculture. Recent studies have confirmed that bile acids significantly influence glucose-lipid metabolism, immune function, liver and intestinal health, and gut microbiota balance in fish.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the origin, classification, functional mechanisms, and industrial application value of bile acids in aquaculture, offering industry clients a deeper understanding of their practical potential.
1. What Are Bile Acids? Sources and Metabolic Mechanism
Bile acids are amphipathic steroid compounds synthesized in the liver from cholesterol. They are widely present in vertebrates and play essential roles in lipid digestion and absorption and cholesterol homeostasis.
Classification of Bile Acids:
Primary bile acids: Synthesized in the liver, mainly including cholic acid (CA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA).
Secondary bile acids: Produced through microbial transformation of primary bile acids in the intestine, such as deoxycholic acid (DCA) and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA).
After entering the intestine via bile secretion, bile acids are reabsorbed and transported back to the liver through the enterohepatic circulation, enabling efficient recycling. A small portion of bile acids is excreted in feces.
2. Species-Specific Bile Acid Profiles in Fish
Fish species differ significantly in their bile acid synthesis and utilization. For example:
Economic species such as tilapia, golden pompano, and largemouth bass typically contain high levels of CA and CDCA.
Conjugated bile acids such as glycocholic acid (GCA) and taurocholic acid (TCA) are also widely present.
This species specificity highlights the importance of tailoring feed formulations to match the bile acid metabolism of target species, thereby improving feed efficiency and animal health.
3. Bile Acid Receptors and Their Physiological Functions
Bile acids function not only as digestive agents but also as signaling molecules, interacting with various receptors to regulate metabolism and immune responses.
Major bile acid receptors include:
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR): Regulates cholesterol metabolism, bile acid synthesis, glucose homeostasis, and intestinal barrier function.
G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 5 (TGR5): Involved in inflammation control, energy metabolism, and immune modulation.
Other related receptors include PXR, CAR, VDR, and LXR.
These receptors are widely distributed in tissues such as the liver, intestines, and immune cells, providing a complex regulatory network through which bile acids maintain metabolic and immune homeostasis.
4. Regulation of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Fish
4.1 Lipid Metabolism
Bile acids enhance the emulsification and absorption of lipophilic nutrients, improving the utilization of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Studies show that:
Bile acids can activate lipase activity and improve feed conversion;
They can reduce hepatic fat accumulation, supporting liver health;
They improve muscle quality and meat flavor in farmed fish.
4.2 Glucose Metabolism
Bile acids also play a role in glucose regulation, particularly by activating enzymes such as glycogen phosphorylase (GP) to promote glycogen breakdown and maintain glucose levels. Their role in glucose homeostasis and energy balance in fish is gaining increasing attention.
5. Immunological Functions of Bile Acids in Fish
Bile acids exhibit natural anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, suppressing excessive activation of macrophages and inflammatory cytokine release.
Studies in aquaculture have shown that appropriate supplementation of bile acids can:
Enhance non-specific immune responses in fish;
Improve antioxidant capacity;
Support liver and intestinal health under stress conditions.
This makes bile acids a promising tool in antibiotic-free immunonutrition strategies.
6. Bidirectional Regulation Between Bile Acids and Gut Microbiota
Bile acids and gut microbiota interact through a bidirectional regulatory mechanism:
Intestinal microbes transform primary bile acids into secondary bile acids;
Bile acids activate FXR and TGR5 signaling, which influences local immune gene expression in the intestine and reshapes microbial composition.
This interaction supports intestinal barrier integrity, nutrient absorption, and microbial homeostasis—key factors for healthy aquaculture.
7. Industrial Application Solution: VEGA BilePro®
Based on in-depth studies of bile acid function in aquatic animals, VEGA BilePro® was developed as a high-purity bile acid formulation designed for aquaculture. It features controlled-release coating, high palatability, and excellent stability, and is suitable for both marine and freshwater fish.
Product Advantages:
Enhances lipid digestion and feed utilization;
Improves liver function and reduces hepatic lipid accumulation;
Boosts immunity and stress resistance;
Maintains gut microbiota balance and digestive health.
Proven effective in species such as golden pompano, tilapia, and largemouth bass, VEGA BilePro® is an important tool for promoting sustainable and efficient fish farming.
Conclusion
As the aquaculture industry continues to seek healthier feed solutions and higher nutrient utilization, functional bile acid additives are becoming a vital direction for next-generation feed formulation.
VEGA BilePro, rooted in science and verified by field application, provides a reliable, efficient, and safe bile acid solution for modern aquaculture systems.
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