Acid hippuric is a organic compound that is commonly found in urine. Its spelling can be confusing to some due to the unique pronunciation of the word. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the word can be transcribed as /ˌæsɪd ˈhɪpjʊrɪk/. This means that the first syllable is pronounced as "assid," with the "a" being pronounced as in "cat." The second syllable, "hip," is pronounced as in "hippo," followed by "you" and "ric" being pronounced in a similar manner.
Acid hippuric is a term used in biochemistry to refer to a specific metabolic end product known as hippuric acid. Hippuric acid is a conjugate of benzoic acid and glycine, formed in the liver during the metabolism of certain aromatic compounds. It is classified as a urinary metabolite that is excreted in the urine.
The term "acid hippuric" is often used to describe the specific pH level of hippuric acid. Acidic substances, including hippuric acid, have a low pH value, usually below 7 on the pH scale. The acidic nature allows for proper excretion of the compound through urine.
Hippuric acid is primarily derived from the breakdown of various substances such as benzoic acid, found in certain foods like berries, cranberries, and cinnamon, as well as from other aromatic compounds in the environment. Consequently, acid hippuric levels in the body can vary based on dietary intake and exposure to certain chemicals or medications.
Analyzing acid hippuric levels in urine can be a valuable tool in medical and toxicological investigations. Abnormal levels of acid hippuric may be indicative of metabolic disorders, environmental exposure, or drug metabolism. Monitoring these levels can help assess liver function and study how the body processes substances, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions.
In summary, acid hippuric refers to the level of hippuric acid in the body, particularly in the urine, and is a valuable marker for assessing metabolism and potential toxic exposure.
The word "acid hippuric" is derived from two components: "acid" and "hippuric".
The term "acid" comes from the Latin word "acidus", meaning sour or sharp. It was later adopted into Middle English as "acide", referring to substances with a sour taste. In chemistry, "acid" is used to describe a class of compounds that release hydrogen ions in water and have a pH less than 7.
The term "hippuric" is derived from "hippuric acid", a substance that was first isolated from horse urine. The word "hippuric" originates from the Greek word "hippos", meaning horse, and "ouron", meaning urine. This compound was discovered by the French chemist Hippolyte Maisonneuve in 1839.