Taurocholic acid

A bile acid involved in the digestion of fats

{{Chembox | Verifiedfields = changed | Watchedfields = changed | verifiedrevid = 477239679 | ImageFile = Taurocholic acid.svg | ImageSize = 200px | IUPACName = 2-[[(3α,5β,7α,12α)-3,7,12-trihydroxycholan-24-yl]amino]ethanesulfonic acid | OtherNames = N-Choloyltaurine | Section1 = Template:Chembox Identifiers | Section2 = Template:Chembox Properties }}

Taurocholic acid is a bile acid that is conjugated with taurine. It is one of the primary bile acids produced in the liver and is involved in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine.

Biological Role

Taurocholic acid is synthesized in the liver from cholesterol and is secreted into the bile duct. It plays a crucial role in the emulsification of dietary fats, which is essential for their digestion by lipase enzymes. The presence of taurocholic acid in the intestine also facilitates the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K.

Clinical Significance

Abnormal levels of taurocholic acid can be indicative of liver dysfunction or bile acid malabsorption. It is also studied in the context of gallstone formation and cholestasis.

See Also

• Cholic acid
• Glycocholic acid
• Bile salt

References

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External Links

• PubChem - Taurocholic acid