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Cholesterol esterase activity of human intestinal mucosa
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|November 1, 1985
Summary
Human intestinal cholesterol esterase activity was investigated. Unlike rats, bile acids did not stimulate this enzyme, suggesting cholic acid
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cholesterol absorption may depend on bile acid composition.
- Cholic acid's effect on rat intestinal cholesterol esterase is known.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate human intestinal cholesterol esterase properties.
- Determine the effect of bile acids on this enzyme.
Main Methods:
- Used human small intestine segments for enzyme source.
- Assayed esterase activity using various substrates and bile acid concentrations.
Main Results:
- Human intestinal cholesterol esterase activity is present.
- Optimal pH is between 5 and 6.2; maximal activity with oleic acid.
- Bile acids inhibited activity at high concentrations (20 mM), but not low.
Conclusions:
- Human intestinal cholesterol esterase is not stimulated by trihydroxy bile acids, unlike in rats.
- Cholic acid's effect on cholesterol absorption is not solely due to changes in this enzyme's activity.