Effects of intestine-specific deletion of FGF15 on the development of fatty liver disease with vertical sleeve gastrectomy

Abstract

Background: Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (SGx) is a type of bariatric surgery to treat morbid obesity and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The molecular mechanisms of SGx to improve MASLD are unclear, but increased bile acids (BAs) and FGF19 (mouse FGF15) were observed. FGF15/19 is expressed in the ileum in response to BAs and is critical in not only suppressing BA synthesis in the liver but also promoting energy expenditure. We hypothesized the reduction of obesity and resolution of MASLD by SGx may be mediated by FGF15/19. Methods: First, we conducted hepatic gene expression analysis in obese patients undergoing SGx, with the results showing increased expression of FGF19 in obese patients’ livers. Next, we used wild-type and intestine-specific Fgf15 knockout mice (Fgf15 ile−/−) to determine the effects of FGF15 deficiency on improving the metabolic effects. Results: SGx improved metabolic endpoints in both genotypes, evidenced by decreased obesity, improved glucose tolerance, and reduced MASLD progression. However, Fgf15 ile−/− mice showed better improvement compared to wild-type mice after SGx, suggesting that other mediators than FGF15 are also responsible for the beneficial effects of FGF15 deficiency. Further gene expression analysis in brown adipose tissue suggests increased thermogenesis. Conclusions: FGF15 deficiency, the larger BA pool and higher levels of secondary BAs may increase energy expenditure in extrahepatic tissues, which may be responsible for improved metabolic functions following SGx.