摘要: Bile acids are important physiological agents required for disposal of cholesterol and absorption vitamins fats. synthesized from in the liver. Enterohepatic circulation bile is very efficient plays an role lipid secretion, regulation acid biosynthesis homeostasis. Conversion to requires 15 different enzymatic steps. Four cytochrome P450 enzymes play roles biosynthesis. The classic pathway starts with modification sterol ring followed by side chain cleavage reactions synthesize cholic (CA) chenodeoxycholic (CDCA), primary most species. first rate-limiting enzyme this 7alpha -hydroxylase, a microsomal P450, CYP7A. Another 12alpha-hydroxylase (CYP12) synthesis acid. Mitochondrial 27-hydroxylase (CYP27) catalyzes oxidation convert C27 C24 acids. An alternative (acidic) has been known sometime but only recently attracted much attention. In pathway, precedes ring. reaction 7alpha-hydroxylation catalyzed oxysterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7B). Recent advances purification cloning these major pathways have led better understanding molecular basis pathways.