Bile acid analysis in mouse samples to study liver cholestasis etiology

Bile is an important liver secretion which aids in the digestion of dietary fats in the intestine. Bile acids (BAs) are the major organic solute component of bile. These are synthesized from cholesterol in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. After secretion into the intestine (duodenum region), BAs are re-absorbed in the distal small intestine (ileum) and transported back to the liver via portal circulation. In the intestine, BAs are deconjugated (i.e., removal of the glycine or taurine moiety) by bile salt hydrolases produced by intestinal bacteria.

In this application note, the procedures of a newly developed method utilizing Cambridge Isotope Laboratories bile acid standard mixes are described, and the results of a liver disease research application discussed.