Glycodeoxycholic acid

Glycodeoxycholic acid

Glycodeoxycholic Acid

Glycodeoxycholic acid is a bile acid that plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fats in the human body. It is a secondary bile acid formed by the bacterial metabolism of primary bile acids in the colon.

Structure

Glycodeoxycholic acid has a chemical formula of C26H43NO5 and a molecular weight of 465.62 g/mol. It is a derivative of deoxycholic acid with a glycine molecule attached to the hydroxyl group at position 24.

Function

As a bile acid, glycodeoxycholic acid aids in the emulsification and absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine. It helps in the formation of micelles that facilitate the transport of lipids across the intestinal mucosa.

Metabolism

After its synthesis in the liver, glycodeoxycholic acid is secreted into the bile and stored in the gallbladder. Upon ingestion of a meal, it is released into the duodenum where it acts on dietary fats. A portion of glycodeoxycholic acid is reabsorbed in the terminal ileum and returned to the liver via enterohepatic circulation.

Clinical Significance

Abnormal levels of glycodeoxycholic acid in the body can be indicative of liver or gastrointestinal disorders. Elevated levels may be observed in conditions such as cholestasis, while decreased levels can occur in malabsorption syndromes.