Fig. 1

Bile acids (BAs) released in response to food are modified by intestinal microbiota before being reabsorbed. Reabsorbed BAs may exert a number of effects on the liver, including attenuating the inflammatory response, diminishing autophagic activity and inducing nitric oxide–mediated vasodilatation. Since BAs are effectively reabsorbed, systemic levels may be much lower and the effects of BAs may be less pronounced. Abbreviation: LPS lipopolysaccharide