Introduction:

bile acids not only have as a regular biological activity the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, cholesterol and lipids, but also act as signaling molecules, modulators of intestinal cell proliferation, gene expression and energy metabolism according to in vitro studies and in vivo; under physiological conditions they maintain their homeostasis, which when interrupted promotes their toxicological action.

Objective:

to describe the news of the new knowledge about the biological and toxicological activity of bile acids in the digestive system, aimed at general surgeons, gastroenterologists, clinicians and physiologists that allow them to contextualize the inflammation-carcinogenesis process related to the toxicological effects of bile acids.

Method: A systematic review of the biological and toxicological activity of bile acids was performed for general surgeons, gastroenterologists, clinicians and physiologists, as a useful tool in the pathophysiological compression of bile acid metabolism.

Conclusion:

bile acids play a key role as signaling molecules in the modulation of epithelial cell proliferation, gene expression and energy metabolism, which when their homeostasis is interrupted, their toxic action is promoted, which translates in the inflammation-digestive carcinogenesis process.

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