The Benevolent Bile: Bile Acids as Stimulants of Liver Regeneration

Bile acids are ancient molecules that have been known to modern science for more than a century. However, the depth of their role in pathophysiology only recently has been recognized. Studies in the past 2 decades, especially after identification of various bile acid receptors, first FXR, and later others, including TGR5, have revolutionized our understanding of how deeply bile acids affect human health. These studies also have highlighted the fact that maintaining a “healthy” bile acid level is critical.