DEOXYCHOLIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring bile acid that is synthesized in the liver from cholesterol. It belongs to a class of compounds known as bile acids, which are essential for the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. Deoxycholic acid is one of the primary bile acids found in the human body, along with cholic acid.
As a bile acid, deoxycholic acid plays a crucial role in the breakdown and utilization of dietary fats. It acts as a detergent, emulsifying fats to enable their digestion by lipase enzymes in the small intestine. Deoxycholic acid helps to solubilize dietary lipids, allowing for their efficient absorption by the intestinal cells.
In addition to its role in fat digestion, deoxycholic acid has also been found to have other biological effects. It has demonstrated antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria and fungi in the gastrointestinal tract. Deoxycholic acid has also been investigated for its potential role in cholesterol metabolism and the prevention of gallstone formation.
In recent years, deoxycholic acid has gained attention for its use in cosmetic medicine. It has been formulated into an injectable solution and approved by regulatory authorities for the treatment of submental fat, commonly known as the "double chin". Deoxycholic acid injections can help to break down and remove excess fat cells in the neck, resulting in a more defined jawline and improved facial profile.
Common Misspellings for DEOXYCHOLIC ACID
- seoxycholic acid
- xeoxycholic acid
- ceoxycholic acid
- feoxycholic acid
- reoxycholic acid
- eeoxycholic acid
- dwoxycholic acid
- dsoxycholic acid
- ddoxycholic acid
- droxycholic acid
- d4oxycholic acid
- d3oxycholic acid
- deixycholic acid
- dekxycholic acid
- delxycholic acid
- depxycholic acid
- de0xycholic acid
- de9xycholic acid
- deozycholic acid
- deocycholic acid
Etymology of DEOXYCHOLIC ACID
The word "deoxycholic acid" has its etymology rooted in scientific and chemical terminology.
1. Deoxy-: This prefix comes from the Greek word "deúteros" meaning "second". In scientific terminology, it denotes the absence or reduction of oxygen within a molecule.
2. Chol-: This root is derived from the Greek word "khole" meaning "bile". It refers to a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats.
3. -ic Acid: This suffix is commonly used to indicate an acid in chemical nomenclature. It comes from the Latin word "acidus", meaning "sour" or "sharp".
Therefore, the word "deoxycholic acid" can be defined as an acid that is derived from bile and has a reduced amount of oxygen within its molecular structure.
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