epesavasanyagok

Epesavasanyagok, also known as bile acids, are a group of steroid acids synthesized in the liver from cholesterol. They play a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine. The primary function of bile acids is to emulsify fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets, which increases the surface area for digestive enzymes to act upon. This process facilitates the absorption of fatty acids, monoglycerides, and other lipids.

Bile acids are synthesized in the liver as primary bile acids (cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid). These are then conjugated with amino acids, typically glycine or taurine, to form bile salts. Bile salts are then secreted into the bile, stored in the gallbladder, and released into the duodenum after a meal. In the intestines, bacteria modify the primary bile acids into secondary bile acids (deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid).

The majority of bile acids are reabsorbed in the ileum and transported back to the liver via the portal vein, a process known as enterohepatic circulation. This efficient recycling system minimizes the body's need to synthesize new bile acids continuously. Bile acids also have signaling functions, acting on specific receptors in various tissues, including the liver, intestine, and adipose tissue, influencing metabolism and energy homeostasis. Disruptions in bile acid synthesis, transport, or signaling can lead to various health conditions, including cholestasis, gallstones, and metabolic disorders.