Cholyglycine

1. Assessment of Liver Function

Cholylglycine levels rise when the liver cannot efficiently extract or excrete bile acids.

It is a sensitive indicator of hepatocellular dysfunction, sometimes increasing before bilirubin or transaminases become abnormal.

Seen in:

Acute hepatitis

Chronic liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis)

Drug-induced liver injury

2. Early Marker of Cholestasis

In cholestatic conditions, bile acids (including cholylglycine) reflux into the bloodstream.

Elevation may occur earlier than alkaline phosphatase (ALP).

Seen in:

Intrahepatic cholestasis

Extrahepatic biliary obstruction

3. Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP)

Serum bile acids (cholylglycine included) are key diagnostic markers.

Elevated levels correlate with:

Maternal pruritus

Increased fetal risk (preterm birth, fetal distress)

4. Monitoring Liver Disease

Useful for tracking disease progression or response to therapy in chronic liver conditions.

Declining levels suggest improving hepatic bile acid clearance.

5. Not Typically Used Alone

Cholylglycine is usually interpreted as part of total or fractionated bile acid testing, not in isolation.

Best interpreted alongside:

ALT, AST

ALP, GGT

Bilirubin

Summary Table
Clinical Context Significance of ↑ Cholylglycine
Hepatitis Early hepatocellular dysfunction
Cholestasis Sensitive early marker
Pregnancy (ICP) Diagnostic & prognostic value
Chronic liver disease Disease monitoring