LITHOCHOLATE Meaning and
Definition
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Lithocholate is a term that is predominantly used in the field of biochemistry and medicine. It refers to a specific bile acid compound derived from cholesterol metabolism. Bile acids play a crucial role in the digestive process, specifically in the emulsification and absorption of dietary fats in the small intestine.
Lithocholate is classified as a secondary bile acid, as it is formed when primary bile acids, such as cholic acid, undergo bacterial metabolism in the large intestine. This transformation occurs due to the action of intestinal bacteria on cholic acid, resulting in the removal of a hydroxyl group from its structure, leading to the formation of lithocholate.
In terms of its physical properties, lithocholate is usually found in a solid state, appearing as white or yellowish crystals. It is sparingly soluble in water but dissolves readily in organic solvents.
From a biological perspective, lithocholate has been linked to numerous physiological functions, including the regulation of cholesterol metabolism and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins in the intestine. Moreover, it has been identified as a potential factor in the formation of gallstones, as high concentrations of lithocholate can promote the precipitation of cholesterol crystals within the gallbladder.
In conclusion, lithocholate is a specific bile acid derived from cholic acid through bacterial metabolism. Its role extends to various aspects of digestion, cholesterol metabolism, and gallstone formation.
Common Misspellings for LITHOCHOLATE
- kithocholate
- pithocholate
- oithocholate
- luthocholate
- ljthocholate
- lkthocholate
- lothocholate
- l9thocholate
- l8thocholate
- lirhocholate
- lifhocholate
- lighocholate
- liyhocholate
- li6hocholate
- li5hocholate
- litgocholate
- litbocholate
- litnocholate
- litjocholate
- lituocholate
Etymology of LITHOCHOLATE
The word "lithocholate" is derived from a combination of two components: "litho-" and "-cholate".
The prefix "litho-" is derived from the Greek word "lithos", which means "stone". It is often used in scientific and medical terminology to indicate a relation to stones or a stony nature, such as in terms like lithography (writing on stone) or lithotripsy (breaking up stones).
The suffix "-cholate" is derived from the bile salt "cholic acid", which plays a crucial role in digestion. Bile salts are produced by the liver and help in the absorption and digestion of dietary fats. Cholic acid is one of the primary bile acids found in humans and other mammals.
