6,7-diketolithocholic acid
5ß-cholanic acid-3α-ol-6,7-dione
6,7-Diketolithocholic Acid (6,7-diketoLCA / 6,7-dioxolithocholic acid) is a derivative of the bile acid (BA) lithocholic acid / LCA, carrying two additional oxo substituents at positions 6 and 7. The compound has a role of a human metabolite and is slightly soluble in water and methanol.
Such derivatives of lithocholic acid are formed in cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme isoforms CYP3A1 and CYP3A2 - regulated reactions.
Lithocholic acid is a secondary BA. It is produced in the colon by bacteria from the primary BA chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) through a reduction process and is usually conjugated with the amino acids taurine or glycine.
LCA and its derivatives, including 6,7-Diketolithocholic Acid, own a wide range of effects in the human body.
Lithocholic acid is proven to have a role in carcinogenesis. The BA shows both antineoplastic and pro-oncogenic properties depending on its concentrations. When present at physiological levels, LCA is suggested to kill neuroblastoma cells and spare normal neuronal cells, at the same time. It is also believed to be cytotoxic to other types of cancerous cells.
However, at sufficiently high concentrations, LCA acts as an oncometabolite, and it promotes neoplastic growth of several cancers - colon, esophageal, pancreatic cancer, and more. In this manner, dietary fiber binds to lithocholic acid and thus enhances its excretion in stool. So, fiber is protective against colon and other gastrointestinal cancers.
Also, LCA and its metabolites, function as detergents that solubilize fats for absorption and transport, can be used as cholagogues, and act as geroprotectors - they show anti-aging effects in numerous analyses. Besides, the compounds implement roles of signaling molecules and are noticed to activate the vitamin D receptor without significantly raising calcium levels.
In addition to all these properties, scientists have discovered that 6,7-Diketolithocholic Acid concentrations increase in patients with cholestasis, which could be used as a diagnostic biomarker.
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