Glycochenodeoxycholate

Glycochenodeoxycholate is a bile acid conjugate formed in the liver by the amidation of chenodeoxycholic acid with glycine. It is the glycine conjugate of chenodeoxycholic acid and is one of the major bile acids found in human bile, alongside other glycine- and taurine-conjugated bile acids.

Biosynthesis and metabolism: It originates from cholesterol through the classical bile acid synthesis pathway, with chenodeoxycholic acid as an intermediate. In hepatocytes, chenodeoxycholic acid is conjugated with glycine via an amide bond, increasing its solubility for secretion into bile. After secretion, it participates in the enterohepatic circulation, with most of it reabsorbed in the ileum and returned to the liver.

Biological role: Glycochenodeoxycholate is amphipathic and acts as a detergent, aiding the emulsification and digestion of lipids. As with other bile acids, it can activate bile acid signaling pathways, notably through the FXR receptor, influencing lipid and glucose metabolism.

Clinical significance: Bile acid profiles, including glycochenodeoxycholate, can be measured in serum or plasma and are used in evaluating liver and biliary disorders. Higher levels of glycochenodeoxycholate in blood or bile can indicate cholestasis or hepatocellular injury, whereas reduced levels may reflect impaired bile acid synthesis or altered enterohepatic circulation. Levels are affected by intestinal reabsorption, liver function, and gut microbiota composition. Measurement is typically done by chromatography–mass spectrometry.