Articles tagged with Bile
Bile genome sequencing detected tumour DNA in 73% of patients with initial pathological diagnosis of malignancy, including 82% of cholangiocarcinomas and 56% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. The test showed high specificity, identifying 96% of benign cases and 51% of initially indeterminate cases, outperforming serum CA19-9.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg identified a link between specific gut bacteria activities and primary sclerosing cholangitis, a rare chronic liver disease. Elevated levels of the metabolite ImP, formed by gut bacteria breakdown, can predict poorer survival outcomes and induce liver inflammation in PSC patients.
Researchers at the University of Toledo have developed a rapid blood screening method to detect elevated bile acids, an early but overlooked marker of liver disease. The test, which has been patented, can accurately identify individuals with high bile acids and has the potential to save lives by catching liver disease early.
A new target for treating sleep apnea has been identified through a study in mice, showing that the farnesoid X receptor plays a central role in driving fatty plaque buildup during sleep apnea-like conditions. The study found that removing this receptor resulted in reduced fatty plaques and minimization of gut microbiome disruptions.
A national analysis found that robotic-assisted cholecystectomy remained linked to increased bile duct injury risks despite growing use. The study suggests small differences in overall complication rates between approaches.
The BiliSeq test detected approximately 82% of bile duct cancers, compared to 44% with pathology alone, and increased cancer detection to nearly 90% when combined with pathology. This improved accuracy enables physicians to provide more personalized medicine and treatment options for patients.
ABCA–ABCG transporters play a crucial role in biliary secretion, with mutations leading to various hepatobiliary disorders. Next-generation genetic testing enables tailored management, while emerging therapies hold promise for cholestatic diseases. Genetic counseling is recommended for family planning and risk assessment.
This study found differences in fecal microbiome and bile acid content between preterm infants with parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) and those without PNAC. PNAC development was associated with higher abundance of Proteobacteria, Fusobacteriota, and lower Bacteroidota in cholestatic infants.
Researchers developed an organ-on-a-chip platform to study the gut-islets axis and its regulation by hormones. The system successfully reproduced key features of the axis, including bile acid-induced GLP-1 release and insulin secretion enhancement.
A new study by Nagoya University researchers found that laparoscopic surgery significantly reduces blood loss and improves jaundice recovery compared to traditional open surgery for treating biliary atresia. The study analyzed data from 356 children who had surgery at two months old, tracking their outcomes for an average of 13 years.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that robotic cholecystectomy is associated with a higher risk of bile duct injury compared to the conventional laparoscopic approach. The study, led by Dr. Cody Mullens, analyzed Medicare data and found that bile duct injuries were approximately three times more common in robotic chol...
Researchers discovered that gut bacteria can transform cholesterol-derived bile acids into powerful metabolites that strengthen anti-cancer immunity by blocking androgen signaling. These microbially modified bile acids antagonize the androgen receptor, driving anti-tumor immunity in mice with bladder cancer.
A new editorial in Oncotarget discusses how artificial intelligence can improve liver imaging by recognizing when it might be wrong. The approach, called 'uncertainty quantification,' helps clinicians better detect liver cancer and other diseases by pointing out areas in medical scans that need a second look.
A new study published in Liver International found that a mother's high-fat diet during pregnancy can lead to liver stress and changes in the fetus's bile acid levels. This may be a key factor in the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) later in life.
Researchers found that semisynthetic bile acid NorUDCA inhibits pro-inflammatory T helper 17 cells and promotes anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells in the intestine. This could lead to new therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
Hepatic biliary adenofibroma (BAF) is a rare, benign tumor with histological characteristics distinct from other biliary tumors. Emerging case reports suggest potential for malignant transformation and overlap with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), highlighting diagnostic challenges and need for further research.
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) exhibits a broad range of hepatoprotective mechanisms, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, which may benefit various types of drug-induced liver injury. In hepatocellular DILI, UDCA reduces inflammation, alleviates ER stress, and protects against mitochondrial damage. In ...
Scientists at Salk Institute discovered that removing bile acid-creating protein BAAT and adding bile acid UDCA controls tumor growth in mice with liver cancer. UDCA supplements may be a quick solution to improving liver cancer patient outcomes.
A recent study reveals that gut bacteria modify bile acids to control digestion, cholesterol levels, and fat metabolism. The body counters this influence by producing compounds that act as FXR antagonists, ensuring a finely tuned system.
A groundbreaking study finds that beneficial gut microbes produce molecules that regulate bile acid production, fine-tuning fat metabolism and cholesterol levels in the human body. Boosting these molecules may help reduce fat accumulation and high cholesterol, while dietary fiber intake also supports their production.
Researchers at UW-Madison found two microbial bile acids that affect colon cancer risk in opposite ways, with one slowing growth and the other fueling tumors. The study provides a roadmap for new cancer detection methods and treatments.
A Brazilian researcher at Harvard identified serotonin as the central role in postprandial hypoglycemia, a common complication of bariatric surgery. The study found that serotonin levels increase significantly after meals in affected individuals, unlike those without symptoms.
Brigham researchers found that intestinal infections alter bile composition to promote intestinal defense, highlighting the liver's role in defending against infection. The study identified hundreds of new bile metabolites and revealed a shift in bile function during enteric infection.
Researchers are developing a novel vaccine and exploring the use of bile acids to fight necrotic enteritis, a preventable intestinal disease in poultry that costs the industry up to $6 billion annually. The vaccine, known as MEFA, targets multiple virulence points of the disease-causing pathogen, providing better protection against inf...
MD Anderson researchers have made significant advancements in treating chronic pain, myelodysplastic syndrome, and rare cancers. A novel treatment for chronic pain has been developed with reduced side effects, while targeted therapies like canakinumab show promise for personalized approaches.
Researchers from Peking University have identified a new compound, C7, that retains the therapeutic effect of obeticholic acid without causing itch. The study reveals the molecular mechanism of bile acids activating hX4 to induce cholestatic itch, offering hope for more effective and comfortable liver disease treatments.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have found that bile production is affected by blood flow in the portal vein, which can contribute to high cholesterol levels and fatty liver disease. This breakthrough provides an opportunity for the development of new treatments for cardiovascular disease.
A new study reveals that fecal microbiota transplants can increase Lachnospiraceae bacteria, which outcompete C. diff for resources and alter bile acids to create an environment favorable for other good bacteria to thrive.
Cholestasis leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, ER stress, inflammation, and autophagy impairment. Novel therapeutic agents modulate mitochondrial and bile acid metabolism pathways to improve liver function.
Researchers compared tumor characteristics and survival outcomes of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (ADC) in bile duct cancer, revealing SCC tumors are larger and more advanced at diagnosis, leading to shorter survival times.
A WVU researcher argues that more validation is needed for the increasing number of gallbladder surgeries performed for biliary dyskinesia, a functional gallbladder disorder. The researcher suggests that a combination of factors must come together to diagnose and select patients who would benefit from surgery.
Researchers found that five human bitter taste receptor types react to both free amino acids and peptides, as well as bile acids. This suggests that bitter receptors play additional roles in human health beyond food selection.
Subnormal serum liver enzyme levels can result from deficiencies in pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B6), as well as conditions such as chronic kidney disease. Recognizing these patterns is crucial for early diagnosis and management of diseases, allowing for targeted treatments and improved patient outcomes.
New research reveals that bile acid imbalances contribute to the development and progression of fatty liver disease (MASLD) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Targeting bile acid signalling pathways shows promise as a potential treatment approach for these diseases.
This study explored the preventative role of baicalein in hepatopulmonary syndrome development. Baicalein improved survival rates, reduced angiogenic protein levels, and enhanced glucose homeostasis in HPS rats. It also attenuated pathological angiogenesis in the liver and lungs.
The study reveals a vast array of secondary bile acids produced by microbes in the gut, expanding our understanding of their functions and impact on human health. These molecules play important roles in digestion, immune system regulation, and metabolic processes, offering new insights into diseases related to bile acids.
The discovery reveals that microbes can conjugate bile acids beyond glycine and taurine, increasing diversity and function of bile acids. This challenges scientific dogmas and raises questions about the role of bacteria in gut health.
Researchers found that bitter taste receptors can detect and respond to bile acids, which are produced in the liver and play a crucial role in fat digestion. The discovery suggests that bitter taste receptors may have evolved not only to detect food toxins but also to sense endogenous substances.
A phase 2b clinical trial found that zanidatamab, an antibody targeting the HER2 protein, shrank tumors in 41% of patients with HER2-positive disease. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed encouraging results, highlighting the importance of molecular profiling for precision medicine.
A Phase II trial led by MD Anderson Cancer Center showed that zanidatamab achieved a 41% confirmed objective response rate and durable responses in HER2-positive biliary tract cancer. This represents the largest study of a HER2-targeted drug in BTC, providing evidence for its potential as a new treatment option.
Researchers have found that stimulating a specific bile acid receptor, FXR, may help prevent retinopathy of prematurity in premature babies. By targeting this receptor, the study aims to develop earlier and more effective treatments to protect their vision.
A new personalized treatment for bile duct cancer has shown remarkable results, with patients surviving for up to two years when treated with the drug futibatinib. The Phase II clinical trial found that the drug was more effective at reducing tumor size and producing modest side effects compared to chemotherapy.
Researchers found that individuals with CYP8B1 loss-of-function mutations have improved insulin sensitivity and better glucose regulation, reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The study suggests a potential new treatment approach using bile acid modulators to target this gene.
Researchers at the University of Toledo found that consumption of highly refined fiber may increase liver cancer risk in some individuals, particularly those with a silent vascular deformity. The study discovered that high concentrations of bile acids caused by a portosystemic shunt led to the development of liver cancer.
A study identifies a molecule called NIK that promotes the growth of bile duct cells in the liver, leading to scarring and liver fibrosis. Removing NIK or blocking its action with inhibitors may prevent disease progression.
A new Chinese Medical Journal review article elucidates the potential contributors to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression, highlighting the role of bile acid and sphingolipid biology. Researchers summarize current understanding of NAFLD, its progression, and potential therapeutic strategies.
Researchers from NUS Medicine developed a probiotic that detects antibiotic-induced microbiome imbalance and regulates bile salt metabolism to prevent Clostridioides difficile infection. The probiotic significantly reduced CDI in laboratory models, demonstrating a 100% survival rate and improved clinical outcomes.
Research found that acidic activated charcoal from Shinshu Ina's specialty Akamatsu tree suppresses weight gain due to a high-fat diet by increasing bile acid, cholesterol, triglyceride, and fatty acid excretion. No damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa or lungs was observed.
Researchers determined the 3D structure of NTCP, a protein crucial for liver function and HBV/HDV infection. The study reveals two essential conformations: one 'open' pore for bile salt binding and a 'closed' conformation preventing virus recognition.
Researchers discovered and characterized licochalcone C and isobavachalcone as potent inhibitors of bile salt hydrolases (BSHs), with potential applications in modulating bile acid metabolism. The study revealed that these compounds reversibly inhibit BSHs via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions.
A University of Illinois review examines how food deserts, poor diet, and racial disparities affect bile acids, gut microbes, and cancer incidence. The study suggests that Western diets contribute to the development of colorectal cancer, particularly among Black Americans.
Researchers discovered a link between the immune system and microbiome in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a liver disease associated with inflammatory bowel disease. MAIT cells activated by bile-derived pathogens could play an important role in PSC pathophysiology, offering potential new treatment implications.
The study discovered two tandem binding sites in ABCB11 that enable precise recognition and export of bile acids. The results provide structural insights into the transport mechanism, contributing to understanding of bile acid metabolism and potential therapeutic interventions.
A UC Davis Health study found that taking bile acids or treatments regulating their production levels can help control psoriasis inflammation. Bile acids inhibited skin inflammation by stopping immune T cells from producing proinflammatory protein IL-17A and blocking immune cell movement to the site.
Researchers have discovered that certain microbes can prevent Clostridioides difficile infection by consuming nutrients essential for its growth. This new understanding challenges existing approaches to probiotic treatment options, which focus on restoring secondary bile acids.
A new clinical study found that grape consumption increased gut bacterial diversity and reduced cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol by 6.1% and LDL cholesterol by 5.9%. This suggests a potential role for grapes in promoting good gut health and supporting heart health.
Researchers have identified a link between certain gut microbiome molecules and the immune system protein P-gp, which plays a critical role in gut inflammation. The study suggests that supporting a healthy balance of microbes in the gut may help regulate P-gp expression and prevent chronic inflammation.
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism by which the liver adapts to injury by decreasing bile synthesis and shunting it to the bloodstream. This adaptation may explain why some patients with liver injury develop symptoms later than others, and could lead to new treatments for these patients.
The study reveals a dominant network of neutrophils and tissue-resident T cells in the bile ducts of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a severe inflammatory disease. This discovery may pave the way for new treatment strategies against PSC and other biliary disorders.
Researchers found that extreme caloric restriction diets alter the gut microbiome, leading to weight loss in participants. The study suggests that a decrease in gut bacteria and an increase in Clostridiodes difficile may be responsible for the observed weight loss effects.