Modulation of the fecal bile acid profile by gut microbiota in cirrhosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

The 7α-dehydroxylation of primary bile acids (BAs), chenodeoxycholic (CDCA) and cholic acid (CA) into the secondary BAs, lithocholic (LCA) and deoxycholic acid (DCA), is a key function of the gut microbiota. We aimed at studying the linkage between fecal BAs and gut microbiota in cirrhosis since this could help understand cirrhosis progression.

Methods

Fecal microbiota were analyzed by culture-independent multitagged-pyrosequencing, fecal BAs using HPLC and serum BAs using LC-MS in controls, early (Child A) and advanced cirrhotics (Child B/C). A subgroup of early cirrhotics underwent BA and microbiota analysis before/after eight weeks of rifaximin.

Results

Cross-sectional: 47 cirrhotics (24 advanced) and 14 controls were included. In feces, advanced

SUBMITTER: Kakiyama G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3936319 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature