The protective effect of lithocholic acid on the intestinal epithelial barrier is mediated by the vitamin D receptor via a SIRT1/Nrf2 and NF-κB dependent mechanism in Caco-2 cells.

•Lithocholic acid (LCA) attenuates the disruption of the structure and function of tight junction proteins induced by TNF-α in Caco-2 cells.•The prevention of TNF-α-induced intestinal epithelial barrier injury by LCA may be partly mediated by activating the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway or inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.•The protective effect of LCA on the intestinal epithelial barrier is mediated by the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR).