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Bile Acid Metabolism

Meaning

Bile Acid Metabolism encompasses the entire physiological process of synthesizing bile acids from cholesterol in the liver, their conjugation with amino acids, secretion into the intestine, subsequent modification by the gut microbiota, and efficient reabsorption back to the liver. This complex metabolic pathway is now recognized as a critical endocrine signaling axis, extending far beyond its traditional role in fat digestion and absorption. The bile acid pool acts as a sophisticated communication link between the host and the gut microbiome, influencing systemic health.