Beginning in 1970, the International Bile Acid Meeting has taken place every two years and each time new progress in our understanding of the complex role of bile acids in many metabolic processes of the liver and the intestine has been revealed by a selected group of leading scientists from all over the world. Although originally mainly physiological data on bile acid synthesis and transport were emphasized, and later on also the therapeutic benefit of bile acids in gallstone disease and cholestasis was discovered, we have come now to the molecular biology and genetic era with major discoveries in transport defects and related diseases. This book is the proceedings of Falk Symposium No. 120, held in The Hague, The Netherlands, on October 12-13, 2000 - the 16th International Bile Acid Meeting. One of the main discoveries recently has been the identification of nuclear receptors for bile acids, which gives them a much broader perspective than previously anticipated. It even suggests that bile acids can regulate their biosynthesis and enterohepatic circulation transcriptionally. It will therefore not be surprising that this topic, together with the molecular regulation of cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase and cholesterol homeostasis, has a dominant place in these proceedings. Another important topic is the progress in our molecular understanding of hepatic (both at the basolateral and canalicular sites), cholangiocytic and intestinal bile acid transport processes. Further insights into genetic defects causing cholestasis or intestinal malabsorption in animal models and in human diseases are also discussed by a number of well-known authors. Finally the last section deals with new findings on the role of bile acid therapy in cholestatic syndromes or chemoprevention and with the potential benefit of bile acid inhibitors. All contributors provide an update on the most recent developments in their field.

This book contains the proceedings of the XIIIth International Bile Acid Meeting (Falk Symposium 80), an official satellite meeting of the World Congress of Gastroenterology, held in San Diego, California, U.S.A., September 30--October 2, 1994. It begins with presentations of major advances in bile acid chemistry, biology and pharmacology. The new structure proposed for the mixed micelles present in bile is reviewed, as are the properties of new synthetic analogues of bile acids. The mechanisms by which bile acids interact with cell membranes are discussed in order to provide insight into the hepatotoxic effects of bile acids in cholestatic liver disease. The book further shows the exciting progress in the molecular biology of bile acid transport by the hepatocyte and enterocyte, and concludes with a consensus on the use of ursodeoxycholic acid in cholestatic liver disease and as an adjunct to immunosuppressive therapy after liver transplantation, and to interferon therapy in chronic viral hepatitis.

During the last decade, knowledge about cholestatic liver disease and concomitant diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, cholangio- and hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreas and colon cancer, has increased considerably. Studies on ursodeoxycholic acid treatment alone or in combination with immunosuppressive compounds and their positive effects on biliary liver disease as well as on so-called overlap syndromes or intestinal tumors are published in increasing numbers, and stimulate discussion on whether or not ursodeoxycholic acid is able to improve the general condition and/or life expectancy of patients. On the other hand, genetics, aetiological and pathogenetic aspects are still difficult to comprehend, but are the absolute prerequisite for the development of better treatment options. This book is the proceedings of Falk Symposium No. 136 (Part I of the XII Falk Liver Week, held in Freiburg, Germany, on October 15-16, 2003), and contains stimulating, exciting and controversial papers on clinical and also basic research at the highest scientific level.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic disease of the intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts leading to obstructions and dilatations followed by liver cirrhosis and in some cases cholangiocarcinoma. In 50% of cases primary sclerosing cholangitis is associated with inflammatory bowel disease. The cause of the disease is unknown and many questions concerning the pathogenesis still remain open. In recent years our knowledge of the natural course, the risk of cholangiocarcinoma and the possibility of medical, endoscopic and surgical treatment has increased. Ursodeoxycholic acid, endoscopic treatment and liver transplantation have become standard therapeutic procedures. This book is the proceedings of the Falk Workshop held on October 3, 1997, in Freiburg, Germany (Part II of the Liver Week Freiburg 1997), and covers the most important aspects of this fascinating disease.

Since the last International Bile Acid Meeting in Stockholm in 2004, bile acid research has continued to flourish and therapeutic use of bile acids has attained a broader role. New insights have been gained into the mechanisms responsible for maintenance of bile acid homeostasis, and effects of bile acids on the cell signalling pathways have been further elucidated. Knowledge of the genetic basis of bile acid physiology has further increased. Therapy of chronic cholestatic liver diseases with ursodeoxycholic acid and new aspects of its chemopreventive properties continue to stimulate basic and clinical research and contribute to the understanding of underlying modes of action and to optimized treatment schedules. Chapters reflect the recent progress in bile acid metabolism and transport, nuclear receptor regulation and signaling by bile acids, as well as mechanisms of bile acid-induced cellular injury...

This book is the proceedings of the 18th International Bile Acid Meeting, held as the Falk Symposium 141 in Stockholm, Sweden, on June 18-19, 2004. The International Bile Acid Meetings have become some of the most important meetings in the bile acid field worldwide since Herbert Falk decided to sponsor these Symposia in biannual sequence in 1970. The 17 International Bile Acid Meetings in the past have been a great stimulus for new ideas and methods as well as the development of therapeutic applications of bile acids. They have always been a forum where basic scientists and clinicians interact. Many novel results of bile acid research were first presented at these meetings. The meeting in Stockholm again attracted a large number of basic and clinical scientists interested in bile acid and biliary research from all over the world. Knowledge about the regulation of bile acid synthesis, bile acid transport and enterohepatic circulation in health and in disease has increased considerably during recent years. Accordingly, bile acid research is alive as ever. A new chapter of bile acid research was opened by the finding that bile acids are ligands of nuclear receptors which regulate synthesis, metabolism and transport of bile acids and steroids. A large part of the book is devoted to these topics. The 18th International Bile Acid Meeting was again a truly interdisciplinary symposium at the highest scientific level. Its participants enjoyed hearing the latest reports on bile acid research in the city where so many seminal studies on bile acids were performed. It is hoped that the readers of this book will share the enjoyment.