Enterohepatic circulation
Enterohepatic Circulation[edit | edit source]
The enterohepatic circulation refers to the circulation of bile acids, bilirubin, drugs, and other substances from the liver to the bile, followed by entry into the small intestine, absorption by the enterocytes, and transport back to the liver. This process is crucial for the digestion and absorption of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins, as well as the detoxification and excretion of various substances.
Components of Enterohepatic Circulation[edit | edit source]
Bile Acids[edit | edit source]
Bile acids are synthesized in the liver from cholesterol and are secreted into the bile. They play a key role in the emulsification and absorption of dietary fats in the small intestine. After aiding in digestion, bile acids are reabsorbed in the ileum and returned to the liver via the portal vein.
Bilirubin[edit | edit source]
Bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells. It is conjugated in the liver and excreted into the bile. In the intestine, bilirubin is converted into urobilinogen, some of which is reabsorbed and returned to the liver, while the rest is excreted in the feces.
Drugs and Toxins[edit | edit source]
Many drugs and toxins undergo enterohepatic circulation. After being metabolized in the liver, they are excreted into the bile and can be reabsorbed in the intestine, prolonging their presence in the body.
Physiological Importance[edit | edit source]
The enterohepatic circulation is essential for maintaining the body's homeostasis of bile acids and cholesterol. It allows for the efficient recycling of bile acids, reducing the need for de novo synthesis. This circulation also plays a role in the regulation of lipid metabolism and the detoxification of harmful substances.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Disruptions in enterohepatic circulation can lead to various medical conditions. For example, impaired reabsorption of bile acids can result in bile acid malabsorption, leading to diarrhea and malabsorption of fats. Additionally, certain liver diseases can affect the enterohepatic circulation, impacting the body's ability to process and excrete bilirubin and other substances.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
