The liver secretes bile acids, primarily cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid (primary bile acids). These are then modified.
Bile Acid Secretion and Modification
The liver plays a crucial role in the production and modification of bile acids, which are essential for fat digestion and absorption. The process involves both synthesis and conjugation, significantly impacting the composition of bile.
Primary Bile Acids
The liver initially synthesizes two primary bile acids:
- Cholic acid
- Chenodeoxycholic acid
These primary bile acids are the starting point for further modifications.
Secondary Bile Acids
In the small intestine, bacteria act on the primary bile acids, leading to the formation of secondary bile acids. According to the reference, the primary bile acids undergo dehydroxylation, forming:
- Deoxycholic acid: Formed from cholic acid.
- Lithocholic acid: Formed from chenodeoxycholic acid.
Conjugation of Bile Acids
Both primary and secondary bile acids undergo conjugation in the liver. This involves attaching an amino acid, either glycine or taurine, to the bile acid. This conjugation process enhances the water solubility of bile acids, facilitating their function in emulsifying fats. The reference confirms that the liver conjugates both types of bile acids (primary and secondary) with either glycine or taurine.
