Characterization of trisubstituted cholanoic acids in human feces.

The trisubstituted cholanoic acids in human feces have been studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The following bile acids have been identified: 3 Beta,7alpha,12alpha-trihydroxy-, 3 Beta,7 Beta,12alpha-trihydroxy-, 3alpha,7alpha-dihydroxy-12-keto-5 Beta-cholanoic acids and 3alpha,7alpha,12alpha-trihydroxy-5alpha-cholanoic acid. The presence in human feces of 3alpha,7alpha,12alpha-trihydroxy-, 3alpha,7,12alpha-trihydroxy-, and 3alpha,12alpha-dihydroxy-7-keto-5 Beta-cholanoic acids has been confirmed. The composition of bile acids in human feces is summarized and possible metabolic interrelationships suggested.