Boiogito prevents dietary lithocholic acid (LCA)‐induced cholestatic liver injury through the suppression of intestinal LCA absorption

ABSTRACT Aim The effects of boiogito (BOT) on liver injury and on the changes in hepatic bile acid induced by dietary and i.p. lithocholic acid (LCA) treatment were examined in mice. Furthermore, we examined whether BOT alters the level of LCA in the cecum and feces after oral LCA loading. Methods Cholestatic liver injury was induced in mice by dietary or i.p. injection of LCA, and the effects of BOT on the development of cholestatic symptoms were evaluated. Bile acid in the cecum and in the feces in the LCA‐treated mice was measured on liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and on thin‐layer chromatography, respectively. Results BOT prevented the development of cholestatic symptoms induced by dietary LCA but not that induced by i.p. LCA. LCA increased in the cecum of mice upon dietary LCA treatment, which was further increased by BOT. Fecal excretion of LCA in the mice after oral loading was enhanced by BOT. Conclusion BOT could suppress the intestinal absorption of LCA, which is a plausible explanation for the ameliorative effects of BOT on dietary LCA‐induced cholestatic liver injury in mice.