Glycocholsäure

Glycocholsäure is a bile acid. Bile acids are synthesized in the liver from cholesterol. Glycocholic acid is formed by the conjugation of cholic acid with the amino acid glycine. It is one of the major bile acids found in bile and plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine. In the intestine, bile acids emulsify fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets, which increases the surface area for digestive enzymes to act upon. They also form micelles, which are structures that help transport the digested fats to the intestinal lining for absorption.

The enterohepatic circulation is a significant aspect of bile acid metabolism. After performing their digestive function in the small intestine, the majority of bile acids, including glycocholic acid, are reabsorbed from the intestine back into the bloodstream. They are then transported back to the liver, where they are re-excreted into the bile. This efficient recycling process minimizes the body's need to synthesize new bile acids from cholesterol. Glycocholic acid is also involved in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism. Its presence can influence cholesterol synthesis and its elimination from the body. Disruptions in bile acid synthesis or circulation can lead to various health issues, including liver diseases and metabolic disorders.