Deoxycholic acid promotes anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in mice via modulation of the gut microbial metabolite indole-3-propionic acid - Takeaways - MDSpire

Deoxycholic acid promotes anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in mice via modulation of the gut microbial metabolite indole-3-propionic acid

  • By

  • Yulun Wu

  • Leheng Liu

  • Dandan You

  • Tiancheng Mao

  • Xinbo Zheng

  • Xin Dai

  • Xianjun Xu

  • Xiaowan Wu

  • Hui Zhou

  • June 11, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    High-fat diet-induced anxiety and depression in mice are linked to elevated deoxycholic acid and altered gut microbiota.

  • 2

    Deoxycholic acid reduces levels of indole-3-propionic acid, a key gut metabolite associated with emotional regulation.

  • 3

    Supplementation with indole-3-propionic acid restores its levels and ameliorates anxiety and depression-like behaviors.

  • 4

    Fecal microbiota transplantation mimics deoxycholic acid effects, inducing similar behavioral and gut barrier impairments.

  • 5

    Targeting bile acid metabolism or restoring indole-3-propionic acid function may offer new strategies for treating diet-related emotional disorders.

Original Source(s)

Deoxycholic acid promotes anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in mice via modulation of the gut microbial metabolite indole-3-propionic acid

  • by Yulun Wu, Leheng Liu, Dandan You, Tiancheng Mao, Xinbo Zheng, Xin Dai, Xianjun Xu, Xiaowan Wu, Hui Zhou

  • June 11, 2026

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