Articles tagged with Bile
Researchers report that organoids grown from bile duct epithelial cells can repair damaged bile ducts in transplanted human livers. This breakthrough could lead to increased use of organs on the transplant waiting list by providing a cell-based therapy alternative.
Scientists have successfully grown lab-grown 'mini-bile ducts' that can be used to repair damaged human livers, paving the way for cell therapies to treat liver disease. The technique uses organoids - clusters of cells that mimic tissue architecture and function - to repair bile ducts.
Researchers developed a noninvasive diagnostic imaging tool to measure the levels of bile salt hydrolase in the gastrointestinal tract, predicting clinical status and efficacy of probiotic supplements. The tool also evaluates prebiotics' ability to increase bile salt-hydrolase activity, offering new insights into personalized health care.
Researchers found changes in gut microbiome composition correlate with higher levels of toxic bile acids in people with Parkinson's. The findings suggest bile acids may be a viable biomarker for diagnosing Parkinson's early and tracking its progression.
Researchers found that gut bacteria use enzymes to modify and detoxify bile salts, which can be toxic to bacteria. This interaction affects bacterial fitness and competition in the gut ecosystem.
Researchers found that Lactobacillus bacteria use enzymes to manipulate bile acids, creating a favorable gut environment. The type of bile acid and the presence of specific enzymes affect the toxicity of the acids and bacterial survival.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a bilayered capsule that can deliver bile acids to the colon, reducing cramping and providing constipation relief. The new treatment has shown promise in preclinical studies and is expected to begin clinical trials within 18 months.
Researchers found maraxilibat to be effective in reducing debilitating itching and related quality of life outcomes in children with Alagille syndrome. The treatment resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in patients who had previously shown limited efficacy with standard anti-itch medications.
A new study found that certain gut bacteria, such as Blautia obeum, can deactivate the disease-causing mechanisms of Vibrio cholerae, preventing it from colonizing the intestines. Increasing levels of this bacterium in the gut may provide a natural defense against cholera.
Researchers found that parenteral oil infusions can prevent cholestasis and restore bile flow in preterm piglets, accompanied by changes in gut bile acids and the gut microbiome. The study provides new insights into the mechanism of lipid emulsions and their impact on liver health.
Researchers found that a commonly used drug, ursodiol, can reduce inflammation in mice infected with C. difficile and inhibit the life cycle of the bacteria. The study suggests that ursodiol may be a viable alternative to antibiotic treatments for C. diff infections.
Scientists at Michigan State University discovered new bile acids produced by microbes in the gut, which expand our understanding of mammalian bile and its connection to gastrointestinal diseases. These novel acids are particularly abundant in people suffering from conditions like Crohn's disease and cystic fibrosis.
A new study suggests that investigational drug IW-3718 can reduce the severity of heartburn symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when combined with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The study, conducted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, found significant r...
Researchers created a map of molecules in mouse organs, revealing that microbes control bile acid structure. This modification changes how cells communicate and genes are expressed, potentially affecting disease development. Novel microbial-modified bile acids were found in up to 25% of human samples.
A study by Stanford University School of Medicine investigators found that patients with ulcerative colitis have depleted levels of secondary bile acids and Ruminococcaceae bacteria in their intestines. These findings suggest that supplementing or restoring these missing metabolites may effectively treat intestinal inflammation.
Two Harvard Medical School studies show that bile acids promote differentiation and activity of T cells involved in regulating inflammation. Gut microbes convert bile acids into immune-signaling molecules that activate regulatory T cells and effector helper T cells. The work suggests possible therapeutic pathways for modulating intesti...
A new study reveals that human noroviruses infect small intestine cells by piggybacking on endocytosis, a normal process used to acquire materials from the environment. Bile acids and ceramide play a crucial role in this process.
Scientists have developed a 3D model of the human liver to improve diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The model reveals new critical tissue alterations, providing insights into pathophysiology and contributing to high-definition medical diagnosis.
Researchers found that normal gut bacteria boost norovirus severity in the lower small intestine but block it in the upper small intestine. The study suggests manipulating the gut environment through bile acids or microbiome could stimulate the immune system to shut down norovirus infection.
A research team has created a better way to grow an organoid model of the liver, bile duct and pancreas using human pluripotent stem cells. The resulting organoid bears a striking resemblance to its corresponding organs and demonstrates the potential for personalized modeling in studying organ development and disease.
Researchers found that altering Sox9 gene expression modifies Alagille syndrome liver disease severity, from mild to severe cases. Increasing Sox9 levels improved biliary duct development without tumor formation.
A team of researchers at FAU has discovered the mechanism behind gallstone formation, finding that neutrophil granulocytes cover crystals with their genetic material to form stones. The discovery opens up new treatment options, including the use of beta blockers and PAD inhibitors.
A new study found that a special diet can alter the gut microbiome in dogs with Crohn's-like disease, mirroring changes seen in children with the condition. The diet-induced changes led to increased production of secondary bile acids, which alleviated disease symptoms.
Researchers found that sea lampreys' bile acids produce as sex pheromones are less varied among mature males than larvae, suggesting sexual selection plays a role in their evolution. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between pheromone diversity and mate preferences.
A gene in mice affects both bacterial populations and bile acid levels, revealing novel interactions between microbes and metabolites. The research integrates genetic mapping with metabolomic data, providing insights into the complex factors shaping microbial communities.
Researchers found that CFTR inhibitors, including investigational drug (R)-BPO-27, can fully block the increased CFTR activity caused by chenodeoxycholic acid. This inhibition reduces excessive secretion in the colon due to bile acids, offering a new therapeutic option for patients with conditions like Crohn's disease and IBS-D.
Researchers found a 14-gene signature that predicts two-year transplant-free survival in children with biliary atresia. The antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine reduced liver injury and fibrosis, increasing survival times in mouse models.
Researchers found a connection between intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, suggesting impaired bile acid metabolism as a potential link. Women with ICP were 5.7 times more likely to have a diagnosis of fatty liver disease than controls.
Researchers at Osaka University have identified a key protein, RamR, that enables Salmonella bacteria to sense and respond to bile acids in the gut. This allows the bacteria to survive in a highly acidic environment by pumping out toxins and adapting to the conditions.
Researchers identified the first genetic defect linked to biliary atresia, a mysterious liver disease causing liver transplantation in children. The study found five patients with disabling mutations in the gene PKD1L1, which was also linked to heterotaxy and congenital heart disease.
A new study led by Salk Institute scientists suggests that high-fat diets contribute to colorectal cancer growth by disrupting the balance of bile acids in the intestine. The findings could explain why younger people are developing colorectal cancer at an alarming rate.
A simple blood test can now identify women at high risk of stillbirth due to a liver disorder, allowing targeted interventions and reducing unnecessary early deliveries. For most women with the condition, regular bile acid testing will suffice, reassuring them that their pregnancy is not at increased risk.
A team from Osaka University has created a system to produce large numbers of human norovirus particles using intestinal epithelial cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. This breakthrough allows for the study of the virus and potential vaccine development without relying on human tissue or bile.
Researchers discovered that silencing Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) repressed HBV replication, while an FXR agonist reduced viral activity in mice. The study also found a link between immature bile salt pathway and chronic infection risk in newborns.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used an endoscopic procedure to deliver therapeutic genes to the liver via the common bile duct, demonstrating a safe and effective method for gene therapy. The technique, called ERCP, was found to be less invasive than traditional injection methods, with no biliary or liver injury observed.
Researchers discovered a link between BSEP inhibition and FXR activation, explaining the weak concordance between BSEP inhibition potency and cholestatic DILI incidence. The C-DILI assay has been shown to have high in vitro-in vivo correlation among compounds known to have a risk of DILI.
A new study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that bile acids can reduce cocaine reward and cravings. The findings suggest targeting bile acid signaling in the brain may be a novel way to treat cocaine abuse.
Researchers have successfully designed nanoparticles that can be absorbed through the intestine and into the bloodstream when taken orally. The modified particles showed improved uptake in rats, with about 47% making it into the blood, compared to 7% for unmodified particles.
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that bile acids from the gut can reduce the rewarding properties of cocaine use, potentially leading to new treatment strategies. The research found that surgery that increases bile acid levels in the brain reduces dopamine release and preference for cocaine.
Studies investigate how changes in gut bacteria and lipid metabolism may influence brain health and cognitive decline. Research suggests that altered plasmalogens production by the liver may result in reduced availability of critical lipids to the brain, contributing to impaired cognitive function and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's.
A study published in eLife found that deleting a single gene from a particular strain of gut bacteria causes changes in metabolism and reduced weight gain in mice. The researchers discovered that this genetic change altered the levels of certain bile acids, leading to a preference for metabolizing fats rather than carbohydrates.
Researchers have discovered four separate lineages of green-blooded lizards, each with unique evolutionary history. The study suggests that high levels of biliverdin in these lizards may have adaptive value, potentially leading to new approaches to treating human diseases such as malaria.
A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that consuming walnuts increases beneficial microbes that produce butyrate, a compound supporting colonic health. Walnut consumption also reduced LDL-cholesterol levels and secondary bile acids, potentially reducing colorectal cancer risk.
Scientists from Cincinnati Children's and UCSF have discovered a mechanism behind an unusual form of tissue regeneration in mice with Alagille syndrome, a rare liver disease. This discovery may lead to a viable treatment for human disease by instructing other types of liver cells to switch identities.
A new $1.9 million grant will help researchers discover ways to prevent Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants, a deadly disease affecting thousands annually. The study aims to create the first predictive test for NEC using fecal bile acid levels and intestinal microbiome analysis.
NGM282, an engineered analogue of FGF19, inhibits bile acid synthesis and decreases markers of hepatic inflammation in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Significant reductions in serum levels of ALT and AST were observed in the NGM282 3 mg/day treatment group.
Changes in intestinal bacteria have been linked to metabolic diseases such as diabetes and dyslipidemia. A study found that antibiotic-induced dysbiosis can decrease blood glucose and triglyceride levels, highlighting the potential for targeting intestinal bacteria to prevent or treat these conditions.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified a cell process called senescence as a contributing factor to bile duct disease and liver failure. The study found that blocking chemical messages sent by cells during senescence restores liver function in mice, pointing towards new treatment targets.
The research developed mini-livers that can mimic fetal development and function, generating hepatocytes and bile ducts. This advancement may lead to improved treatments for congenital liver diseases.
A new study suggests that specific bile acids can turn white fat cells into beige fat cells, which burn energy and help maintain body temperature. The discovery provides a potential new therapeutic intervention for obese individuals, bypassing the need for invasive treatments.
Researchers found that CD4+ T effector cells upregulate Mdr1 in response to bile acids, maintaining intestinal homeostasis and limiting oxidative stress. This study provides valuable insights into the interaction between Teff cells and metabolites, potentially leading to new therapeutic agents for inflammatory bowel diseases.
Researchers identified a mechanism where ileal Crohn's disease is induced by bile acids when T cell adaptation does not occur properly. Bile acid sequestrants may be an effective treatment for patients with impaired MDR1 expression, suggesting a potential new avenue for therapy.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a strong biomarker candidate for early diagnosis and treatment of biliary atresia, a rare disease causing liver damage in infants. The test, using matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), shows high sensitivity and specificity in detecting the condition.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that Alagille Syndrome is caused by malformations of the bile ducts, leading to serious liver and heart problems. The study provides new insights into the disease and opens up possibilities for targeted therapies.
Excess gut calcium plays a crucial role in triggering the germination of Clostridium difficile (C. diff) spores, according to new research published in PLoS Pathogens. This discovery may lead to better treatment for vulnerable patients and help slow or stop the transmission cycle of C. diff infections.
A Western diet high in fat and sugar has been shown to cause hepatic inflammation in mice, especially in males, with FXR-deficient mice being more susceptible. The study found that probiotics and bile acid receptor agonists may hold promise for preventing and treating hepatic inflammation and progression into advanced liver diseases.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully grown artificial bile ducts in a lab and transplanted them into mice, offering new hope for treating liver diseases. The artificial bile ducts, known as biliary organoids, were grown using cell transplantation and tissue engineering technology.
Researchers have found that liver cells can eliminate excess bile from blocked ducts through a mechanism involving the internal structure of the cell, which allows bile to be packaged inside vesicles for transport. This discovery could potentially improve the prognosis for infants with rare liver disease.
Researchers identified a key signaling pathway causing bile duct cancer and found possibilities to interrupt it. High ROS levels and TNF production promote tumor growth, but antioxidants and JNK inhibitors can stop tumorigenesis.
Shigella uses multiple mechanisms to resist bile salts in the small intestine, including antibiotic resistance and increased virulence gene expression. The formation of protective biofilms allows the bacteria to survive transit through the small intestine and infect tissues in the colon.