7-Ketolithocholic acid

7-Ketolithocholic acid is a secondary bile acid modified with a ketone group, which is produced by the oxidative metabolism of lithocholic acid. As an endogenous metabolite, 7-ketolithocholic acid can inhibit the activity of cholesterol 7α -hydroxylase (CYP7A1) through a negative feedback mechanism, thereby reducing the de novo synthesis of endogenous bile acids. Meanwhile, it can down-regulate the expression of cholesterol transporters (such as ABCG5/G8) in bile, inhibit the secretion of cholesterol into bile, and thereby regulate the lipid composition of bile. This dual regulatory effect is of great significance in maintaining the homeostasis of the bile acid pool and preventing the formation of gallstones.