5β-Cholanic acid (CAS 546-18-9)

5β-Cholanic acid, also known as 5β-cholanoic acid, is a naturally occurring bile acid in the human body. It is produced in the liver from cholesterol and secreted into the bile, contributing to the digestion and absorption of dietary fats and lipids. Apart from being present in the human body, 5β-Cholanic acid can also be found in certain foods like dairy products, eggs, and fish. This bile acid is frequently used in laboratory experiments as a representative bile acid due to its similar structure and function. It finds extensive use in molecular biology studies, as it plays a role in gene expression regulation. In lipid metabolism studies, it can be utilized to examine the impact of bile acids on cholesterol levels. 5β-Cholanic acid participates in numerous biochemical and physiological processes. Within the liver, it contributes to bile acid synthesis and cholesterol level regulation. In the gastrointestinal tract, it aids in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats and lipids, while in the kidneys, it assists in bile acid reabsorption and electrolyte level regulation.