Total Bile Acids (TBA) Assay Kit (Colorimetric)

Bile Acids (BA) make up 67% of the total composition of bile. They are 24-carbon steroids generated during cholesterol metabolism. They form conjugates with either glycine or taurine to form bile salts. Five of the bile acids account for more than 99% of the total population found in biofluids. The average composition in healthy individuals includes conjugates of cholic, chenodeoxycholic, deoxycholic and lithocholic acids. Bile acids are critical due to their ability to solubilize lipids by forming micelles with cholesterol, and fatty acids. Their synthesis is not only critical for the removal of cholesterol from the body but they are also needed for proper uptake of dietary lipids into the small intestine. The measurement of circulatory Total Bile Acids (TBA) therefore provides information about hepatic functions and liver diseases such as jaundice, and hepatocellular injury. TBA estimation can detect liver damage during early stages and permits patients to get treatment before hepatic damages become irreversible. In addition, bile acids participate as signaling molecules interacting with G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR), TGR5, and nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR).

The Total Bile Acids (TBA) Assay Kit is:

• Sensitive, detecting as little as 1μM.
• Compatible with high-throughput handling systems.

The kit is suitable for the determination of bile acids in biological fluids such as serum, plasma, bile, urine, saliva, etc.

The Total Bile Acids (TBA) Assay Kit measures total bile acids and cannot distinguish between the various types. The principle of the assay is based on an enzymatic cycling method in the presence of NADH and a chromophore. The reduction of the chromophore produces a stable colorimetric product the absorbance of which can be followed kinetically at A₄₀₅ nm. This absorbance is directly proportional to the amount of TBA in the sample. The assay is highly specific and sensitive. The assay can detect as little as 1μM of bile acids.