Taurodeoxycholic acid

Taurodeoxycholic acid

Taurodeoxycholic acid

Taurodeoxycholic acid is a bile acid found in the bile of mammals. It is a conjugated form of deoxycholic acid with the amino acid taurine. This bile acid plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine.

Structure

Taurodeoxycholic acid has a steroid structure with a hydroxyl group at the 3-position and a carboxylic acid group at the 24-position. The taurine molecule is attached to the carboxylic acid group through an amide bond.

Function

As a bile acid, taurodeoxycholic acid emulsifies fats in the small intestine, aiding in their digestion and absorption. It also facilitates the solubilization of cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamins for absorption into the body.

Medical Uses

Taurodeoxycholic acid is sometimes used in medicine as a treatment for certain liver diseases, such as cholestasis, where there is a reduction or blockage of bile flow. It can help improve bile flow and alleviate symptoms associated with impaired liver function.

Synthesis

Taurodeoxycholic acid is synthesized in the liver through a series of enzymatic reactions involving cholesterol. The addition of taurine to deoxycholic acid is catalyzed by the enzyme bile acid-CoA:amino acid N-acyltransferase.