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Fueling the body on fat

A new report reveals a key mechanism linking cellular energy state with whole-body energy state, optimizing fat absorption. Researchers found that the AMPK-SRC-2 pathway plays a crucial role in regulating fat uptake and storage.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 4, 2011

Results of the placement of multiple endoscopic stents for postoperative biliary strictures remains excellent after long-term follow-up

A new study reports a low stricture recurrence rate of postoperative biliary strictures after endoscopic stent placement, with successful retreatment options available. The study followed up on patients who underwent the treatment from 2001 to 2010, finding that most remained asymptomatic and had normal liver function tests.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateSep 21, 2010

Vanishing bile duct syndrome secondary to anti-retroviral therapy in HIV

A case report describes a rare instance of vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) secondary to nevirapine use in an HIV-positive pregnant female. The patient experienced liver dysfunction, jaundice, and itching after starting triple-drug therapy with nevirapine. Liver biopsy revealed cholestatic hepatitis, leading to severe ductopenia and...

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 30, 2010

Cholesterol's other way out

Researchers have discovered a new route for delivering cholesterol into the feces, revising understanding of cholesterol loss. This finding suggests that an alternative pathway may deliver cholesterol directly to the intestine through the bloodstream, potentially reducing side effects associated with bile-based cholesterol delivery.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 7, 2010

Serum bile acid profiling for inflammatory bowel disease characterization

BA profiling in IBD patients showed decreased levels of certain BAs, while UC patients with liver and gallbladder diseases exhibited increased primary and secondary BAs. The study also found accelerated detoxification activity in IBD patients and a significant increase in primary and secondary BAs in UC patients with extraintestinal ma...

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 16, 2009

How to effectively avoid many common complications and liver damage in bile duct exploration?

This study found that laparoscopic hepatic left lateral lobectomy combined with fiber choledochoscopic exploration of the common bile duct reduces liver function damage compared to traditional open operations. The procedure also significantly decreases post-operative pain and complications such as biliary fistula, cholangitic stenosis,...

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMar 13, 2008

Combined stenting and photodynamic therapy improves survival in late stage liver cancer patients

Researchers found that combining stenting with photodynamic therapy improved survival rates for patients with advanced liver bile duct cancer, reducing mortality by 57% compared to stenting treatment alone. The study suggests that this combined approach can help extend survival rates for these patients.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateMar 11, 2008

U of I study: exercise to avoid gallstones!

A University of Illinois study found that exercise-trained mice had fewer gallstones than sedentary mice, with improved cholesterol levels and increased bile acid solubility. The researchers identified potential mechanisms to explain this link, providing new insights into the benefits of physical activity for reducing gallstone formation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateFeb 13, 2008

Endosonography-guided biliary drainage is useful in cases with failed endoscopic biliary stenting

A case report published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology presents a new technique for biliary drainage using endosonography (ES) guidance. The study shows that ESBD is a safe and effective method without pain or restriction, potentially replacing percutaneous transhepatic cholangio-drainage (PTCD).

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 2, 2007

Research team discovers gallstone gene

A recent study discovered a gene variant that significantly increases the risk of developing gallstones, with affected individuals being two to three times more likely to develop the condition. The relevant gene contains instructions for building a molecular pump that transports cholesterol into bile ducts.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalHepatology·DateJul 11, 2007

JCI table of contents, 17 May 2004

A study on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and prion protein PrPSc accumulation in muscle tissue of infected rodents found that the defective form of PrPSc is present prior to clinical symptoms. The accumulation of PrPSc is greatest after clinical symptoms are well established.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 17, 2004