TABLE 2.

Microbial role of BSH activity and impact of activity on the host^a

Role or impact of BSH activity	References
Microbial role
Bile detoxification	1, 6, 23, 37, 39, 68, 101
Gastrointestinal persistence	2, 6, 27
Nutritional role	36, 45, 90, 103
Membrane alterations (may increase resistance to bile, intestinal defensins, lysozyme, etc.)	9, 17, 92, 94
Impact on the host
Altered digestive functions (lipid malabsorption, weight loss)	22, 32, 33
Cholesterol lowering	22, 23, 28, 59, 73, 90, 95
Cancer/activation of carcinogens	7, 47, 65, 69, 71
Formation of gallstones	8, 62-64, 104

^aSee the text for further details.