Whether hepatocytes can convert into biliary epithelial cells (BECs) during biliary injury is much debated. To test this concept, we traced the fate of genetically labeled [dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV)-positive] hepatocytes in hepatocyte transplantation model following acute hepato-biliary injury induced by 4,4'-methylene-dianiline (DAPM) and D-galactosamine (DAPM+D-gal) and in DPPIV-chimeri...

Biliary stenting has evolved dramatically over the past 30 years. Advancements in stent design have led to prolonged patency and improved efficacy. However, biliary stenting is still affected by occlusion, migration, anatomical difficulties, and the need for repeat procedures. Multiple novel plastic biliary stent designs have recently been introduced with the primary goals of reduced migration ...

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is an established and accepted treatment of biliary diseases such as gallstones and primary biliary cirrhosis. Mechanisms of action of UDCA are not so far completely elucidated. UDCA tablets are indicated for the dissolution of small to medium sized radiolucent, cholesterol-rich gall-stones in patients with a functioning gall bladderand in the treatment of primary bi...

Despite decades of basic research, biliary diseases remain prevalent, highly morbid, and notoriously difficult to treat. We have, however, dramatically increased our understanding of biliary developmental biology, cholangiocyte pathophysiology, and the endogenous mechanisms of biliary regeneration and repair. All of this complex and rapidly evolving knowledge coincides with an explosion of new ...

It has been reported that in vivo biliary clearance can be predicted using sandwich-cultured rat and human hepatocytes. The predicted apparent biliary clearance (CL(bile, app)) from sandwich- cultured rat hepatocytes (SCRH) based on medium concentrations correlates to in vivo CL(bile, app) based on plasma concentrations of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (s...

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS Despite hepatolithiasis being a risk factor for biliary neoplasm including cholangiocarcinoma, the incidence of underlying biliary neoplasm is unknown in patients with preoperative benign hepatolithiasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of underlying biliary neoplasm in patients who underwent major hepatectomy for preoperative benign hepatolithiasis. METHO...

Biliary hyperplasia and liver fibrosis are common features in cholestatic liver disease. Melatonin is synthesized by the pineal gland as well as the liver. Melatonin inhibits biliary hyperplasia of bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats. Since melatonin synthesis (by the enzyme serotonin N-acetyltransferase, AANAT) from the pineal gland increases after dark exposure, we hypothesized that biliary hyperpla...

Chemotherapy is indispensable for the treatment of advanced biliary tract cancer. Recently, reports regarding first-line chemotherapy have increased, and first-line chemotherapy treatment has become gradually more sophisticated. Gemcitabine and cisplatin combination therapy (or gemcitabine and oxaliplatin combination therapy) have become the standard of care for advanced biliary tract cancer. O...

Cholesterol circulating levels are elevated in most of the patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. This review questions whether hypercholesterolaemia represents a cardiovascular risk in primary biliary cirrhosis and whether it should be treated. The published evidence indicates that hypercholesterolaemia in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis should be considered a cardiovascular risk fac...

Post-cholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) is defined as a complex of heterogeneous symptoms, consisting of upper abdominal pain and dyspepsia, which recur and/or persist after cholecystectomy. Nevertheless, this term is inaccurate, as it encompasses biliary and non-biliary disorders, possibly unrelated to cholecystectomy. Biliary manifestations of PCS may occur early in the post-operative period, usu...