Taurocholic acid
Taurocholic acid (pronunciation: taw-roh-KOH-lik AS-id) is a bile acid that is produced by the liver in most species, including humans. It is a conjugate of cholic acid with taurine, and is involved in the emulsification of fats in the small intestine during digestion.
Etymology
The term "Taurocholic acid" is derived from the Greek word "tauros", meaning bull, and "cholic", referring to bile. This is because it was first isolated from ox bile in the 19th century.
Function
Taurocholic acid is a major component of bile, a fluid produced by the liver to aid in the digestion of fats. It acts as a detergent, breaking down large fat globules into smaller ones that can be more easily digested by the enzymes in the small intestine. This process is known as emulsification.
Synthesis
Taurocholic acid is synthesized in the liver from cholic acid and taurine, an amino acid. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme bile acid-CoA:amino acid N-acyltransferase (BAAT). The resulting taurocholic acid is then secreted into the bile and stored in the gallbladder until it is needed for digestion.
Clinical significance
Abnormal levels of taurocholic acid in the body can be indicative of certain medical conditions. For example, elevated levels can be a sign of liver disease or bile duct obstruction. Conversely, low levels can indicate a problem with bile production or secretion.
Related terms
- Cholic acid
- Taurine
- Bile acid
- Emulsification
- Bile acid-CoA:amino acid N-acyltransferase
- Liver disease
- Bile duct obstruction
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Taurocholic acid
- Wikipedia's article - Taurocholic acid
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