Ostα-/- mice exhibit altered expression of intestinal lipid absorption genes, resistance to age-related weight gain, and modestly improved insulin sensitivity.

The organic solute transporter OSTα-OSTβ is a key transporter for the efflux of bile acids across the basolateral membrane of ileocytes and the subsequent return of bile acids to the liver. Ostα(-/-) mice exhibit reduced bile acid pools and impaired lipid absorption. In this study, wild-type and Ostα(-/-) mice were characterized at 5 and 12 mo of age. Ostα(-/-) mice were resistant to age-related weight gain, body fat accumulation, and liver and muscle lipid accumulation, and male Ostα(-/-) mice lived slightly longer than wild-type mice. Caloric intake and activity levels were similar for Ostα(-/-) and wild-type male mice. Fecal lipid excretion was increased in Ostα(-/-) mice, indicating that a defect in lipid absorption contributes to decreased fat accumulation. Analysis of genes involved in intestinal lipid absorption revealed changes consistent with decreased dietary lipid absorption in Ostα(-/-) animals. Hepatic expression of cholesterol synthetic genes was upregulated in Ostα(-/-) mice, showing that increased cholesterol synthesis partially compensated for reduced dietary cholesterol absorption. Glucose tolerance was improved in male Ostα(-/-) mice, and insulin sensitivity was improved in male and female Ostα(-/-) mice. Akt phosphorylation was measured in liver and muscle tissue from mice after acute administration of insulin. Insulin responses were significantly larger in male and female Ostα(-/-) than wild-type mice. These findings indicate that loss of OSTα-OSTβ protects against age-related weight gain and insulin resistance.