Apocholic acid
8(14),5β-cholenoic acid-3α,12α-diol
The human metabolite Apocholic Acid is an unsaturated bile acid (BA), that is a derivative of one of the primary BAs - cholic acid. The compound is a byproduct of mild dehydration of cholic acid. Apocholic acid salts and esters are called apocholates.
As a BA, Apocholic Acid is a physiological steroid molecule. BAs’ main function is to serve as detergents that emulsify fats and other sterols and thus promote their digestion and absorption in the small intestine.
Recently, the bio compounds have also been discovered to act as signaling molecules and participate in major metabolic pathways regulating glucose and energy, cholesterol, other BAs, and drug metabolism. On the other hand, BAs can also be quite cytotoxic, if their concentrations become elevated, which happens under certain pathological conditions.
Therein, Apocholic Acid also has some pathological abilities. This bile acid is believed to be related to some specific types of cancers. Its correlation with sarcoma is well-explored and established in experimental rat models.
Scientists have found some further effects of Apocholic Acid. The compound is a powerful complex enolizing agent that forms stable derivatives when linked to other organic molecules. Apocholic acid can decrease serum and liver cholesterol levels in rats, as well. It’s also often used as a dietary supplement for rats.
Avanti Polar Lipids produce pure and stable Apocholic Acid ready to advance your laboratory work and experiments in the field of lipids and BAs.