Function of Bile Acid Associated with Gut Microbiota

The human gut microbiota involve in metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and bile acids. Primary bile acids Cholic acid (CA) and Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) are synthesized in the liver and conjugated with the amino acids glycine or taurine, stored in the gall bladder. Glycine and taurine conjugates of CA and CDCA are transformed into the secondary bile acids deoxycholic acid (DCA), lithocholic acid (LCA) and a small amount of urosodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) by microbiol actions. The bile acids have a unique relationship with the gut microbiota. Although a great deal of work has shown that different bile acids play different roles in maintaining the intestinal barrier according to their uniqueness, the underlying mechanisms are complex and need to be further studied.