Bile acids have multiple biological activities; they are synthesized in the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and then released into the small intestine. Some of them are modified by microorganisms to form secondary bile acids. Bile acids play an important role in fat emulsification, digestion, and absorption.
FAT EMULSIFICATION
As amphipathic molecules, bile acids emulsify fats by forming finely dispersed fat particles. DIGESTION
Bile acids interact with lipase to modify its spatial conformation, thereby activating the enzyme's catalytic function.
ABSORPTION
Bile acids combine with fatty acids to form mixed micelles, which transport lipids to intestinal villi. Following micelle dissociation, fatty acids
undergo membrane absorption while bile acids recirculate enterohepatically.
Physiological Functions of Bile Acids
.Lipid Metabolism Enhancement
.Facilitate digestion and absorption of fats and lipophilic nutrients.
.AntimicrobialActivity
.Inhibit pathogenic bacterial proliferation.
.Hepatobiliary Protection
.Maintain hepatic-gallbladder homeostasis to support animal health.
.Mycotoxin Detoxification
.Accelerate biodegradation and metabolic clearance of mycotoxins.
.Gut Microbiome Regulation
.Reduce enteric pathogen loads and promote intestinal ecological balance.
.Antioxidant System Modulation
.Upregulate SOD, GSH-Px, and GR enzymatic activities to enhance immune competence.
