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Chenodeoxycholate: the bile acid. The drug. a review
1Department of Surgery, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, Texas.
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Chenodeoxycholate, a primary bile acid, aids fat absorption and cholesterol management. It has diverse medicinal applications beyond cholesterol gallstone dissolution, including treating various chronic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Physiology
- Hepatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chenodeoxycholate (3 alpha, 7 alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanic acid) is a primary bile acid synthesized from cholesterol.
- It is an amphipathic molecule crucial for lipid and fat-soluble vitamin absorption.
- Bile acids play a vital role in digestive and metabolic processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the biochemistry and physiology of chenodeoxycholate.
- To discuss current and historical clinical applications of chenodeoxycholate.
- To provide an overview of lesser-known therapeutic uses beyond gallstone dissolution.
Main Methods:
- Review of chenodeoxycholate's biochemical properties and physiological functions.
- Analysis of historical and contemporary clinical data regarding its therapeutic uses.
- Literature synthesis focusing on diverse medical applications.
Main Results:
- Chenodeoxycholate inhibits hydroxymethyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A, a key step in cholesterol synthesis.
- It was identified for cholesterol gallstone dissolution in 1972.
- Current uses include management of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, hypertriglyceremia, congenital liver diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and constipation.
Conclusions:
- Chenodeoxycholate possesses significant therapeutic potential beyond its established role in gallstone dissolution.
- Its multifaceted biochemical properties support its use in managing a range of complex medical conditions.
- Further exploration of its lesser-known applications is warranted.