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New bile discovery will rewrite textbooks

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2020

Potential new heartburn drug studied at VUMC

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...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateFeb 26, 2020

Versatile bile acids

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...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJan 3, 2020

Going viral: New cells for norovirus production in the lab

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.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateDec 10, 2018

Oral delivery of nanoparticles

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 8, 2018

Bile acids from the gut could help to treat cocaine abuse

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 26, 2018

A single genetic change in gut bacteria alters host metabolism

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.

SourceeLife·DateJul 17, 2018

The mystery of lime-green lizard blood

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.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 16, 2018

Liver fix thyself

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.

Research points to diagnostic test for top cause of liver transplant in kids

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.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 22, 2017