Suppression of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity by beta-muricholic acid in mice fed a diet containing cholesterol and cholic acid.

A diet containing cholesterol and cholic acid (SID) is known to induce the formation of cholesterol fatty liver as well as cholesterol gallstones. The activity of HMG-CoA reductase, one of the key enzymes for cholesterol synthesis in the liver, is significantly lowered by addition of beta-muricholic acid to SID. The prevention of fatty liver formation by beta-muricholic acid was accompanied by the suppression of HMG-CoA reductase activity.