Chenodesoxycholic acid is one of the so-called primary bile acids, end products of the human cholesterol balance. The acid is formed in the liver from cholesterol and functions as an emulsifier that makes fats accessible to lipases. It can be used in medicines to regulate cholesterol balance as well as to break down cholesterol gallstones.
What is chenodeoxycholic acid
Chenodesoxycholic acid, along with cholic acid, is the most important primary bile acid in humans. The term bile acid covers various end products of the human cholesterol balance. What they have in common is that they serve the digestion and absorption of fat and belong to the group of steroids. In chemistry, chenodeoxycholic acid is described by the general molecular formula of primary bile acid. This was C 24 – H 40 – O 4, which corresponds to a moral mass of approximately 392.57 g/mol. Chenodesoxycholic acid is found in the form of the typical structure of a steroid. Accordingly, the acid is composed of a steroid with a cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring as well as an additional aromatic ring. The backbone of chenodesoxycholic acid consists of sterane, which again is a feature of all steroids. At normal room temperature, chenodesoxycholic acid exists as a solid. It is described as a white crystalline powder, which can sometimes be whitish-yellow in color. The melting point of the acid is set in the medical literature between 165 degrees Celsius and 167 degrees Celsius. Chenodesoxycholic acid is used in medicines to regulate cholesterol balance or dissolve cholesterol gallstones.
Pharmacological effects on the body and organs
The function of chenodeoxycholic acid is to ensure the emulsification of fats in the human small intestine. Emulsification is the process by which two immiscible liquids form a dispersible system. Chenodesoxycholic acid ensures preparation of dietary fats within the human body. The acid thus enables the accessibility of dietary fats. The biosynthesis of chenodeoxycholic acid takes place in the liver, more precisely in the hepatocytes of the organ. The starting product of chenodeoxycholic acid is cholesterol. This is synthesized by a complex process. It is first converted into pregnenolone in various oxidations and hydroxylations of the side chains. However, this represents a mere intermediate product that is only subsequently synthesized into fully usable chenodeoxycholic acid.
Medical application and use for treatment and prevention.
Within the human body, chenodeoxycholic acid is responsible for the emulsification of dietary fats. This process takes place in the small intestine. The acid makes the molecules of dietary fat accessible to certain lipases. The lipases are responsible for the enzymatic processing of the fats. After the fats have been made accessible, a large amount of the bile acid is returned to the large intestine, i.e. reabsorbed. From there, it is transported on to the liver. This occurs through the so-called enterohepatic circulation. This is a circulation flow of various substances that extends from the liver via the gall bladder and intestine back to the liver. Chenodesoxycholic acid – like other bile acids such as dehydrocholic acid – can be used as a medicinal substance. The purpose of this medical treatment is to stimulate bile secretion. There are also preparations containing chenodesoxycholic acid, which provide for the dissolution of colesterol gallstones. As an active ingredient, the acid is typically administered in the form of film-coated tablets or hard capsules. In any case, it is taken orally by the patient. It requires prior prescription by the attending physician, since all preparations are subject to pharmacy and prescription requirements, i.e., they are not available for free sale.
Risks and side effects
When taking chenodesoxycholic acid, be aware of the occurrence of potential drug interactions. Therefore, preparations containing chenodesoxycholic acid as the active ingredient should not be taken at the same time as medications containing aluminum or smectite. Chenodesoxycholic acid should also not be taken while taking colestipol or colestyramine as well as other active ingredients that have an influence on the cholesterol content.As a rule, drugs containing chenodeoxycholic acid are considered to be well tolerated. However, it is conceivable that patients may experience soft stools or diarrhea after taking the drug. Changes in liver values are also conceivable. The side effects usually end after treatment. Thus, they are not permanent.
