LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Bile: Cholesterol
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Bile acid resins are a type of cholesterol-reducing drug. Generally, these medications aim to lower the levels of fats (lipids) in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Some bile acid resins have been shown to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels by 10 to 20 percent, while simultaneously raising HDL (good cholesterol) levels. High levels of LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and other fats in the bloodstream increase the risk of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attack, stroke and other heart-related conditions.
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Bile acids are derivatives of cholesterol synthesized in the hepatocyte. Cholesterol, ingested as part of the diet or derived from hepatic synthesis is converted into the bile acids cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids, which are then conjugated to an amino acid (glycine or taurine) to yield the conjugated form that is actively secreted into cannaliculi.
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Bile salts combine with phospholipids to break down fat globules in the process of emulsification by associating its hydrophobic side with lipids and the hydrophilic side with water. Emulsified droplets then are organized into many micelles which increases absorption. Besides its digestive function, bile serves as the route of excretion for the hemoglobin breakdown product (bilirubin) which gives bile its colour; it ... neutralises any excess stomach acid before it enters the ileum. Bile also contains cholesterol, which occasionally accretes into lumps in the gall bladder, forming gallstones.
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Bile acids are synthesized in hepatocytes from cholesterol. The rate-limiting enzyme in this pathway is cholesterol 7-alpha hydroxylase (7AH). The FRX-bile acid complex binds the promoter region of the 7AH gene, which suppresses its transcription. Thus, bile acids feed back negatively to block their own synthesis.
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Bile salts are strongly amphilic and with the aid of biliary phospholipids, these are readily form micelles and emulsify lipids. These are important not only for emulsification of cholesterol and other lipids on food but ... for the emulsification of dietary lipids. Bile also stimulates the secretion of an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of fats.
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Bile is made from cholesterol, other lipids, pigments that are the residue of recycled blood cells, and other components. These chemicals aid in the emulsification, digestion, and absorption of foods, particularly fats.
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Cholesterol