Deoxycholsäure

Deoxycholsäure, also known as 3-alpha,7-alpha,12-alpha-trihydroxy-5-beta-cholan-24-oic acid, is a bile acid derived from cholesterol. It is a secondary bile acid, meaning it is formed in the liver from the primary bile acid cholic acid through a process called dehydroxylation. Deoxycholsäure plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fats in the intestines. It is excreted in the feces and can be reabsorbed in the colon, where it can be converted back into cholic acid, completing a cycle known as the enterohepatic circulation. This recycling process helps maintain the body's bile acid pool, which is essential for efficient fat digestion. Deoxycholsäure is also involved in the regulation of cholesterol levels in the body. Its production and excretion are influenced by various factors, including diet, genetics, and the presence of certain liver diseases. Imbalances in deoxycholsäure levels can lead to conditions such as cholestasis and gallstones.