Bile acids are endogenous molecules that originate from the liver and transport via bile to the intestines. They normally regulate cholesterol homeostasis, stimulate lipid solubilization and mediate metabolic signaling. Early studies implicated that disorders of bile acids compositions and concentrations can cause liver injury. Several hydrophobic bile acids are toxic and ample increases of them in liver may induce cell inflammation, apoptosis and necrosis. While the hydrophilic bile acid, such as ursodeoxycholic acid, has a therapeutic effect on cholestatic liver diseases. Further more, recent researches demonstrate that bile acids have also been implicated in stimulation of liver regeneration. The antagonistic regulation of liver injury and liver regeneration by bile acids may correlate with its composition and concentration. This review will focus on both how different bile acids and different bile acid concentrations play a critical role in liver injury and regeneration.
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