Effects of bile acids on neurological function and disease

Abstract

Bile acids are synthesized from cholesterol and are known to be involved with the emulsification and digestion of dietary lipids and fat-soluble vitamins.Outside of this role, bile acids can act as cell signaling effectors through binding and activating receptors on both the cell membrane and nucleus. Numerous reports have investigated these signaling pathways in conditions where the liver is damaged.More recently, effort has been made toinvestigate therole of bile acids indiseasesoutside of those associatedwithliverdamage.This reviewsummarizes recent findings on the influences that bile acids can exert in normal neurological function and their contribution to diseases of the nervous system, with the intent of highlighting the role of thesemetabolites as potential players in neurological disorders.