Biliary cholesterol--friend or foe?
It has hitherto been assumed that the cholesterol in bile simply represents an excretory mechanism for cholesterol surplus to bodily requirements. However, recent evidence suggests that this is not the case and that biliary cholesterol has other functions. The functions consist of a mucosal protective effect against the toxic action of bile-salts and also a role in regulating dietary cholesterol absorption. Biliary cholesterol is clearly more than just an excretory substance and serves other important physiological roles.
Jacyna
M R
MR
Department of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland.
Ross
P E
PE
Bouchier
I A
IA
D001646:Bile / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism
D002784:Cholesterol