Significant alterations in cholesterol and bile acid metabolism in dogs with gallbladder mucocele formation.

<p>Fig depicts synthesis of cholesterol, conversion of cholesterol to primary bile acids, and taurine conjugation of primary and secondary bile acids taking place within an hepatocyte. Compounds identified as secreted into the bile are shown in the context of their interaction with the biliary epithelial cells. Bile acids interact with the biliary epithelium via transport (ASBT) and cell signaling receptors (TGR5). In particular, TGR5 stimulates increases in cAMP resulting in promotion of CFTR-mediated chloride secretion and inhibition of neutral NaCl absorption. Routes for both enterohepatic circulation and cholehepatic shunting of bile acids is shown. Compounds in green font were significantly increased while compounds in red font were significantly decreased in dogs with mucocele formation compared to control dogs. Superscript numbers, when present, indicate rank of the compound as identified by Random Forest analysis as able to distinguish between control dogs and dogs with gallbladder mucocele formation. BA, bile acids.