What Is Deoxycholic Acid?
Deoxycholic acid is a secondary bile acid produced through bacterial metabolism of primary bile acids in the intestines. It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fats, originating primarily from the liver and stored in the gallbladder. As a white solid at room temperature, it melts between 171-174°C and forms from the transformation of primary bile acids, such as cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids, which are synthesized from cholesterol.
Uses of Deoxycholic Acid
Deoxycholic acid is instrumental in medical and research fields, used for preparing desoxycholate and XLD agar media, studying bile acids, and as an optical resolution agent. Its complexes serve as food emulsifiers, in cortisone synthesis, and diuretics. Notably, its derivative, ursodeoxycholic acid, treats gastrointestinal conditions, while chenodeoxycholic acid dissolves cholesterol-based gallstones. In the U.S., its application includes reducing submental fat under the trade name “Kybella,” approved by the FDA.
Properties of Deoxycholic Acid
As an amphiphilic molecule, deoxycholic acid bridges water and oil, facilitating lipid emulsification in the digestive tract. It also activates digestive enzymes and promotes lipid absorption, impacting the intestinal microflora’s composition and function.
Structure of Deoxycholic Acid
The steroid-based structure of deoxycholic acid, similar to cholesterol, features hydroxy and carboxy groups that confer water solubility and amphiphilic properties. These attributes are essential for its role in fat digestion and absorption and its effectiveness in fat loss treatments.
Other Information on Deoxycholic Acid
How Deoxycholic Acid Is Produced
Originally extracted from livestock gallbladders, deoxycholic acid is now predominantly synthesized chemically due to efficiency and cost. The synthesis involves converting chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) from cholesterol, followed by removing a hydroxy group from CDCA to produce deoxycholic acid using various chemical methods.