Bile Acids and Salts
| Definition: |
Steroid acids and salts. The primary bile acids are derived from cholesterol in the liver and usually conjugated with glycine or taurine. The secondary bile acids are further modified by bacteria in the intestine. They play an important role in the digestion and absorption of fat. They have also been used pharmacologically, especially in the treatment of gallstones. |
| Notes: |
/biosyn /physiol permitted; DF: BILE ACIDS |
| Also Called: |
Bile Acids,Bile Salts |
Bile Acids and Salts Categories.
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Cholic Acids - The 3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholanic acid family of bile acids in man, usually conjugated with glycine or taurine. They act as detergents to solubilize fats for intestinal absorption, are reabsorbed by the small intestine, and are used as cholagogues and choleretics. |
Bile Acids and Salts Definitions and Terms
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