CYP7A1 and cholestasis: The most potent FXR ligand was CDCA, followed by CDCA> DCA> CA> LCA.149 Modica et al. showed that the activation of FXR receptors reduces intrahepatic BAs thereby alleviating liver injury caused by cholestasis.150 FXR activation upregulates SHP expression in the liver and fibroblast growth factors (FGF) 15 (mouse) and 19 (human) in the gut, both of which can reduce hepatic CYP7A1 and CYP8B1 enzyme activity, thereby reducing BA synthesis.