However, down-regulated expression of Fxr (Log2FC = − 0.378, p = 0.016) and upregulated expression of Cyp7a1 (Log2FC = + 1.440, p = 1.2 × 10–5) in liver of VSG GK rats in our study agree with improved hepatic steatosis and insulin sensitivity and increased bile acid metabolism in mice overexpressing Cyp7a148. Here, CYP7A1 is linked to fatty liver disease.