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Using Multi-fluorinated Bile Acids and In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Measure Bile Acid Transport
Published on: November 27, 2016
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Environmental Enteric Dysfunction Is Associated With Altered Bile Acid Metabolism.
Richard D Semba1, Marta Gonzalez-Freire, Ruin Moaddel
1*Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine †National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD ‡Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St Louis, MO §Department of Community Health and Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|June 21, 2016
Summary
Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) in children is linked to altered bile acid metabolism. This study found significant differences in specific bile acids and their conjugation in children with EED, suggesting a connection between gut health and bile acid profiles.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is a subclinical condition affecting children in developing nations, characterized by gut inflammation and permeability.
- Altered gut mucosa and microbiome in EED may impact bile acid metabolism and enterohepatic circulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between EED and bile acid profiles in young children.
- To determine if EED influences the types and concentrations of serum bile acids.
Main Methods:
- Assessed EED using the dual sugar absorption test in 313 children (12-59 months).
- Measured serum bile acids via stable-isotope liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
- Analyzed differences in bile acid profiles between children with and without EED, adjusting for age.
Main Results:
- Children with EED showed significantly different levels of specific bile acids (e.g., higher taurine-conjugated bile acids) compared to those without EED.
- Total serum bile acid concentrations were lower in children with EED (age-adjusted P = 0.0009).
- A higher proportion of taurine-conjugated bile acids was observed in children with EED (P < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- EED is associated with significant alterations in bile acid metabolism in young children in Malawi.
- Findings suggest a link between EED, gut health, and bile acid profiles.
- Further research is required to confirm generalizability across diverse populations.
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