Alterations of gut microbiota and serum bile acids are associated with parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease

Abstract Background Parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD) is a major complication of long-term of parenteral nutrition (PN). The pathogenesis of PNALD remains unclear. We investigated the changes in taxonomic and functional composition of gut microbiota and serum bile acid levels in a rat model of PNALD. Methods Male 4-week-old Sprague Dawley rats received either total parenteral nutrition or standard chow with 0.9% saline for seven days. The taxonomic composition of cecal microbiota and its functional composition associated with bile acid metabolism were measured. Results There were differences in taxonomic composition between the two groups. The abundance of the secondary bile acid biosynthesis pathway was higher in the TPN group (P Conclusions The alteration of bile acid-associated microbiota may lead to increased secondary bile acid production in a rat model of PNALD.