The Effect of pH on Bile-Acid Solubility

Free and glycine-conjugated BAs are only slightly soluble in acid solutions. As the pH is increased, the solubility will increase. This is a very important characteristic since it describes the solubility characteristics of the major BAs, and, it also explains their potential to enter the epithelium at physiological pH ranges. 

8 Potential Therapies for the Deleterious Effects of Bile Adds 

Excessive amounts of BAs can accumulate in the GI tract (e.g. as a result of gallbladder surgery or cholecystectomy). These can be treated by the use of 

Statins are compounds that inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, and they are the world s best-selling drugs and are used for lowering cholesterol. Statins are well studied and are believed to be quite safe. Because they reduce the levels of cholesterol, the precursor of the bile acids, statins may be the ideal drugs to use for BA-loweiing in these GI tract diseases. 

Bile helps in the digestion and absorption of fats. Its constituent bile acids (BAs) have detergent properties, and some can be carcinogenic. BAs can act as signalling molecules, entering the nuclei and reacting with the nuclear receptors and this could enhance or reduce BA synthesis. In this way, they control their own levels as well as those of their precursor, cholesterol. This controls cholesterol homeostasis and BA and lipid synthesis. 

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