Bile acids in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Figure 2 Enterohepatic circulation of bile acids. Conjugated bile acids (BAs) are secreted by hepatocytes into the bile duct and stored in the gallbladder. Upon food intake, the gallbladder contracts, releasing BAs into the small intestine to aid in digestion. In the terminal ileum, conjugated BAs are efficiently reabsorbed via active transport. A smaller portion of unconjugated BAs is passively reabsorbed in both the small and large intestines, while some are lost through feces and must be replenished by de novo synthesis. Additionally, small amounts of BAs that enter the systemic circulation are recycled by the kidneys.