Physiological and molecular biochemical mechanisms of bile formation

Abstract

This review considers the physiological and molecular biochemical mechanisms of bile formation. The composition of bile and structure of a bile canaliculus, biosynthesis and conjugation of bile acids, bile phospholipids, formation of bile micellar structures, and enterohepatic circulation of bile acids are described. In general, the review focuses on the molecular physiology of the transporting systems of the hepatocyte sinusoidal and apical membranes. Knowledge of physiological and biochemical basis of bile formation has implications for understanding the mechanisms of development of pathological processes, associated with diseases of the liver and biliary tract.

Keywords: Bile acids; Bile phospholipids; Bile micelle structures; Bile salt transporters

Core tip: Over the past 50 years, significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of bile formation and secretion. This became possible due to the advances of fundamental investigations in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry. Knowledge of physiological and biochemical basis of bile formation has implications for understanding the mechanisms of development of pathological processes, associated with diseases of the liver and biliary tract.