Single-step analysis of individual conjugated bile acids in human bile using¹H NMR spectroscopy

¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of intact human bile were assigned using one-dimensional (¹H and ¹³C) and two-dimensional (¹H-¹H and ¹H-¹³C) experiments. Individual conjugated bile acids-glycocholic acid, glycodeoxycholic acid, glycochenodeoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, taurodeoxycholic acid, and taurochenodeoxycholic acid-were identified. The bile acids were quantified accurately and individually in a single step by using distinct and characteristic amide signals. Making use of ¹³C NMR, the study also suggests a way to analyze unconjugated bile acids separately, if present. Chemical shift assignments and rapid single-step analysis of individual conjugated bile acids from intact bile presented herein may have immense utility in the study of bile acid metabolism and deeper understanding of hepatobiliary diseases.