3-Succinylated cholic acid (3-sucCA) is a microbially derived bile acid that plays a significant role in gut health and metabolic regulation. As a lumen-restricted metabolite, 3-sucCA has been shown to mitigate the progression of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) to metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in mouse models. Its protective effects are primarily attributed to its ability to reshape the gut microbiota, particularly by enhancing the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila, a beneficial bacterium associated with improved metabolic health. Notably, patients with biopsy-confirmed MAFLD exhibit reduced levels of 3-sucCA, underscoring its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target for managing metabolic liver diseases. This unique metabolite highlights the intricate interplay between gut microbiota and liver health, offering promising avenues for intervention.
