Research progress on the prevention and treatment of diseases with traditional Chinese medicine: A focus on BA receptors.

Bile acids (BAs) are crucial endogenous components involved in metabolic processes, and can also function as signaling molecules by specific BA receptors. Common BA receptors, such as the Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR), Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), Pregnane X receptor (PXR), and Vitamin D receptor (VDR), play crucial roles in regulating BA metabolism, lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism. Dysregulation of BA metabolism often interferes with the functions of these receptors and contributes to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including liver diseases, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, and gallstones. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has certain advantages in preventing and treating these diseases. This review summarizes current research on the mechanisms by which TCM interventions, including single herbs, extracts, and compounds, act on BA receptors. Using these receptors as a starting point, we elucidate how TCM influences various metabolic-related diseases through BA receptor-mediated and other pathways. The findings summarized herein provide valuable insights for future research on the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.