Cholic acid
A primary bile acid
| Cholic acid | |
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| Cholic acid.svg | |
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| Properties | |
| Chemical Formula | C24H40O5 |
| Molar Mass | 408.57 g/mol |
| Appearance | |
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| Melting Point | 198-200 °C |
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| GHS Pictograms | [[File:|50px]] |
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Cholic acid is a bile acid, a white crystalline substance that is one of the primary bile acids produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine.
Structure and Properties
Cholic acid is a steroid with a molecular formula of C24H40O5. It has a molecular weight of 408.57 g/mol. The structure of cholic acid includes a cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring system with three hydroxyl groups at positions 3, 7, and 12, and a carboxylic acid group at position 24.
Biosynthesis
Cholic acid is synthesized in the liver from cholesterol through a series of enzymatic reactions. The process involves the introduction of hydroxyl groups at specific positions on the steroid nucleus, followed by the oxidation and cleavage of the side chain.
Function
Cholic acid is conjugated with either glycine or taurine to form glycocholic acid and taurocholic acid, respectively. These conjugated bile acids are secreted into the bile and stored in the gallbladder. Upon ingestion of food, bile is released into the duodenum, where bile acids emulsify dietary fats, facilitating their digestion by lipase enzymes.
Clinical Significance
Cholic acid and its derivatives are used in the treatment of certain bile acid synthesis disorders and peroxisomal disorders. It is also used in the management of gallstones and certain types of liver disease.
Metabolism
In the intestine, cholic acid is deconjugated and dehydroxylated by intestinal bacteria to form secondary bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid. These secondary bile acids can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream and returned to the liver via the enterohepatic circulation.
See also
References
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