Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
-
J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Jun 2010
Comparative StudyEffects of sphingolipid synthesis inhibition on cholesterol gallstone formation in C57BL/6J mice.
Sphingolipids play a very important role in cell membrane formation, signal transduction and plasma lipoprotein metabolism. The first rate-limiting step in the sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway is catalyzed by serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), and myriocin is a potent and specific inhibitor of SPT. We investigated the impact of SPT inhibition on cholesterol gallstone formation in C57BL/6J mice. ⋯ SPT inhibition by myriocin suppressed gallstone formation and the levels of ceramide in both the serum and bile. p38 in the cellular signaling pathways might be associated with cholesterol gallstone formation.
-
J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · May 2010
Review Meta AnalysisTerlipressin therapy for reversal of type 1 hepatorenal syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a serious complication of advanced liver disease and carries a poor prognosis. Recent trials have indicated that terlipressin may be effective in reversing HRS. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of terlipressin therapy in reversing type 1 HRS defined as a serum creatinine <1.5 mg/dL during treatment. ⋯ Terlipressin is effective in reversing HRS type 1. Recurrence of HRS is rare with at least 14 days of therapy. Serious side-effects requiring discontinuation of therapy are less common. There appears to be a survival benefit in patients with HRS treated with terlipressin.