Bile acids, synthesized endogenously from cholesterol, play a central role in metabolic regulation within the enterohepatic circulatory system. Traditionally known as emulsifying agents that facilitate the intestinal absorption of vitamins and lipids, recent research reveals their function as multifaceted signal modulators involved in various physiological processes. These molecules are now recognized as key regulators of chronic metabolic diseases and immune dysfunction. Despite progress in understanding their roles, their structural diversity and the specific functions of individual bile acids remain underexplored.

中文翻译：

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胆汁酸在代谢性疾病中的生物学功能和药理行为


胆汁酸由胆固醇内源性合成，在肠肝循环系统的代谢调节中起着核心作用。传统上被称为促进肠道吸收维生素和脂质的乳化剂，最近的研究表明，它们作为参与各种生理过程的多方面信号调节剂的功能。这些分子现在被认为是慢性代谢疾病和免疫功能障碍的关键调节因子。尽管在了解它们的作用方面取得了进展，但它们的结构多样性和单个胆汁酸的特定功能仍未得到充分探索。