Chenodeoxycholic acid
Chenodeoxycholic acid
Chenodeoxycholic acid (pronunciation: che-no-de-oxy-cholic acid) is a bile acid naturally produced by the liver and secreted into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats. It is also used as a medication to dissolve gallstones and treat certain liver diseases.
Etymology
The term "chenodeoxycholic acid" is derived from the Greek words "cheno" meaning goose, "deoxy" meaning removal of oxygen, and "cholic" referring to bile. This is due to the fact that it was first isolated from the bile of geese.
Synthesis
Chenodeoxycholic acid is synthesized in the liver from cholesterol through a process involving several enzymes. It is then conjugated with glycine or taurine to form bile salts, which are secreted into the bile duct and stored in the gallbladder until needed for digestion.
Medical uses
As a medication, chenodeoxycholic acid is used to dissolve gallstones made of cholesterol. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol released by the liver into bile, thereby preventing the formation of stones. It is also used to treat certain types of cirrhosis and other liver diseases.
Side effects
Possible side effects of chenodeoxycholic acid include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. In rare cases, it can cause serious liver damage.
Related terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chenodeoxycholic acid
- Wikipedia's article - Chenodeoxycholic acid
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