Abstract
An overview of the structure and the origin of naturally occurring bile acids is given. Most naturally occurring bile acids belong to the 5beta-series, with hydroxyl groups in the A, B, and C ring of the steroid system. Hydroxyl groups are mostly found at the C3, C6, C7, C12 and C23 positions and are a- rather than beta-oriented. In most bile acids, the A/B ring junction is cis (5beta-series). However, the A ring can be usually present in the more stable (chair) or less stable (boat) conformation. Both B/C and C/D ring junction are trans. With respect to the angular C19-methyl group, the hydrogen atoms at C5 and C8 are cis-oriented whereas those at C9 and C14 are trans-oriented. The archetypal bile acid is 5beta-cholanic acid (3) from which all other C24 bile acids can be derived. In addition to the bile acids with 24 carbons, some naturally occurring C27 bile acids have been identified including di-, tri- and tetra-hydroxy derivatives of coprostanic acid isolated from bile of several reptile species. The most dominant bile acids and their natural sources are given and a selection of naturally occurring bile acids with unusual structures which have been mostly isolated from the bile of reptiles and amphibians is described.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
