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 is the proceedings of the Falk Symposium No. 121 on 'Steatohepatitis (NASH and ASH)', held in Den Haag, The Netherlands, on October 14-15, 2000. The histological features of what we now call non-alcoholic steatohepatitis were described as early as 1962 by the Honorary President of the Symposium, Professor Herbert Thaler, from Vienna. Others followed, and in 1980 JA1/4rgen Ludwig, one of the speakers of this symposium, introduced the name non-alcoholic steatohepatitis' or NASH. In a Consensus Symposium organized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Washington, USA, in December 1998, NASH was recognized as one of the most common liver diseases in Western countries when viral hepatitis and heavy alcohol consumption were excluded. ASH, or alcoholic steatohepatitis, is more common than NASH, since alcohol is omnipresent in Western as well as Eastern cultures. Histologically NASH and ASH are similar or even identical. Morphological findings range from fatty degeneration to inflammation and fibrosis, and may end up in liver cirrhosis. In spite of the well-defined morphological features, our knowledge of epidemiology, aetiology, and pathogenesis is full of gaps, especially for NASH. Therefore, it is the purpose of this book to show the state of the art, to discuss recent scientific data, and to suggest possible treatment strategies, hoping to stimulate clinicians as well as scientists.

Pregnancy is the main determinant of some liver diseases in humans: acute fatty liver of pregnancy, cholestasis of pregnancy, and acute liver failure in toxaemia of pregnancy. Pregnancy also modifies the natural history of other more common hepatobiliary diseases, such as cholesterol gallstones. Sex hormones (mainly oestrogens, progesterone and/or some of its metabolites) and prolactin are considered responsible for these pathological consequences and they also appear to be influential in the outcome of several other hepatobiliary disorders, in both sexes and all ages. Although these disorders and their hormonal interrelations have been clinically well characterized, their pathogenesis remains obscure from the biomolecular point of view. In recent years, novel approaches using new technologies have improved our understanding of hormone actions and metabolism, hormone receptors, metabolic pathways and their interrelations with closely related molecules, such as bile acids. This book, the proceedings of the 89th Falk Symposium, held in Santiago, Chile, 10-11 November, 1995, will help research scientists and clinicians to review basic and clinical aspects of these interactions, in order to stimulate biomedical research in a relevant and exciting area.

In 1992, the Falk Symposium No. 70 dealt with the topic `Immunology and Liver'. At that time basic mechanisms of immunology as well as immunopathogenetic mechanisms in viral and autoimmune liver diseases were discussed. Now, 7 years later, the Falk Symposium No. 114, held in Basel, Switzerland, October 20-21 1999 (Part I of the Basel Liver Week 1999), focused on immunology in autoimmune liver diseases. In the first section basic mechanisms of autoimmunity are presented, including the relevance of superantigens and the role of apoptosis. A further topic is the latest developments concerning animal models for autoimmune diseases. Recently the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group newly defined and reclassified the syndrome of autoimmune hepatitis. Autoimmune hepatitis is now identified and studied in all parts of the world, including Asia and South America. A special variant of autoimmune hepatitis was identified as one organ manifestation of the autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1, a genetic disease caused by mutations in a single transcription factor. Drug- and hepatitis-virus induced immune mediated liver diseases may serve as models for nonhepatic immune mediated disorders. DNA technology has increased our knowledge of the immunogenetic background of autoimmune liver diseases. Among the cholestatic immune mediated liver diseases, significant progress has been made concerning primary biliary cirrhosis, in particular regarding the identification of mitochondrial antigens and the characterisation of the immune reactions directed at them. The involvement of infectious agents in PBC as well as the definition of overlap syndromes is a particular focus for basic and clinical research in this area. Concerning the therapy of autoimmune liver diseases, corticosteroids and azathioprin remain the state of the art for autoimmune hepatitis, while bile acids have become well established in treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis as well as primary sclerosing cholangitis. New drugs in the future will include topical steroids such as budesonide and new immunosuppressive agents like mofetil/mycophenolate. Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for end stage liver diseases; all autoimmune liver diseases are among the best candidates for liver transplantation. Hopefully, new therapeutic strategies based on the results obtained from experimental models will become everyday clinical practice in the next decade. Therefore this symposium concludes with a discussion.

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.

In 1992, the Falk Symposium No. 70 dealt with the topic Immunology and Liver'. At that time basic mechanisms of immunology as well as immunopathogenetic mechanisms in viral and autoimmune liver diseases were discussed. Now, 7 years later, the Falk Symposium No. 114, held in Basel, Switzerland, October 20-21 1999 (Part I of the Basel Liver Week 1999), focused on immunology in autoimmune liver diseases. In the first section basic mechanisms of autoimmunity are presented, including the relevance of superantigens and the role of apoptosis. A further topic is the latest developments concerning animal models for autoimmune diseases. Recently the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group newly defined and reclassified the syndrome of autoimmune hepatitis. Autoimmune hepatitis is now identified and studied in all parts of the world, including Asia and South America. A special variant of autoimmune hepatitis was identified as one organ manifestation of the autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1, a genetic disease caused by mutations in a single transcription factor. Drug- and hepatitis-virus induced immune mediated liver diseases may serve as models for nonhepatic immune mediated disorders. DNA technology has increased our knowledge of the immunogenetic background of autoimmune liver diseases. Among the cholestatic immune mediated liver diseases, significant progress has been made concerning primary biliary cirrhosis, in particular regarding the identification of mitochondrial antigens and the characterisation of the immune reactions directed at them. The involvement of infectious agents in PBC as well as the definition of overlap syndromes is a particular focus for basic and clinical research in this area. Concerning the therapy of autoimmune liver diseases, corticosteroids and azathioprin remain the state of the art for autoimmune hepatitis, while bile acids have become well established in treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis as well as primary sclerosing cholangitis. New drugs in the future will include topical steroids such as budesonide and new immunosuppressive agents like mofetil/mycophenolate. Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for end stage liver diseases; all autoimmune liver diseases are among the best candidates for liver transplantation. Hopefully, new therapeutic strategies based on the results obtained from experimental models will become everyday clinical practice in the next decade. Therefore this symposium concludes with a discussion.

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...

Leber- und Gallekrankenheiten nehmen in Klinik und Praxis einen zentralen Platz ein. Deshalb ist die Kenntnis der neuesten Therapie-Fortschritte auf diesem Gebiet fur Internisten unverzichtbar. Das erfolgreiche Therapie-Handbuch bietet eine ideale Orientierungshilfe: kompakt, praxisbezogen, mit gesicherten Therapie-Empfehlungen und genauen Anleitungen. Die Neuauflage ist komplett uberarbeitet und um neueste Erkenntnisse zur Interferon-Therapie, zur Behandlung der Hepatitiden sowie um die Standigen Empfehlungen der Impfkommission (STIKO) erweitert.

Krankheiten der Leber.- Akute und chronische Virushepatitiden.- Bakterielle und parasitare Leberkrankheiten.- Leberkrankheiten bei Aids.- Autoimmunhepatitiden und Overlap syndrome.- Primar-biliare Zirrhose, primar-sklerosierende Cholangitis und "Vanishing-bile-duct"-Syndrom.- Hamochromatose (hereditare Hamochromatose; sekundare Eisenuberladungssyndrome).- Morbus Wilson.- ?1-Antitrypsinmangel.- Zystische Fibroese.- Primare Stoffwechsel- und Speicherkrankheiten.- Porphyrien.- Hyperbilirubinsyndrome.- Medikamentoese/toxische Leberschaden und alkoholische Leberkrankheiten.- Nichtalkoholische Steatohepatitis (NASH).- A Vaskulare Lebererkrankungen.- B Graft-versus-Host-Krankheit der Leber.- Pulmonale Komplikationen bei Leberkrankheiten.- Leber- und Systemerkrankungen.- Leber: Wechselwirkungen mit dem hamatopoetischen System.- Hep atop athien in der Schwangerschaft.- Krankheiten der Gallenblase und Gallengange.- Cholezystolithiasis und Choledocholithiasis.- Cholezystitis.- Cholangitis.- Anomalien der Gallenwege und Strikturen.- Sphinkter-Oddi-Dysfunktion.- Aids-assoziierte Cholangitis.- Leberzirrhose und Komplikationen.- Leberzirrhose.- Leberzirrhose und portale Hypertension.- Leberzirrhose und Aszites.- Hepatische Enzephalopathie.- Leberzirrhose und spontan-bakterielle Peritonitis.- Leberzirrhose und Nierenfunktionsstoerungen.- Leberzirrhose und Gerinnungsstoerungen.- Tumoren der Leber, Gallenblase und Gallenwege.- Benigne Tumoren der Leber, Gallenblase und Gallenwege.- Maligne Tumoren der Leber und Gallenwege.- Lebermetastasen.- Leberveranderungen bei hamatologischen Neoplasien.- Akutes Leberversagen und Transplantation.- Akutes fulminantes Leberversagen.- Indikationen zur Lebertransplantation.- Vorbereitung zur Lebertransplantation.- Intra- und postoperatives Management bei Lebertransplantation.- Nachsorge bei Lebertransplantation.- Pharmakotherapie und Ernahrung.- Pharmakotherapie bei vorgeschadigter Leber.- Leber und Ernahrung.- Sozialmedizinische Beurteilung bei Leber und Gallekrankheiten.- Sozialmedizinische Aspekte.

Since the last International Bile Acid Meeting in Freiburg in 1996, considerable progress has been made in several areas of bile acid research. The different pathways of bile acid synthesis and their regulation have been further characterized. The molecular mechanisms for biliary secretion of bile acids have been elucidated and genetic defects of bile acid transport have been defined. Injurious as well as protective effects of different bile acids on the liver have been further studied. Finally, the beneficial effects of ursodeoxycholic acid in cholestatic liver diseases have been substantiated and the potential mechanisms of action have been explored. This book, the proceedings of the Falk Symposium No. 108 (XV International Bile Acid Meeting), held in Titisee, Germany, October 12-13, 1998, is dedicated to both basic and clinical aspects of bile acid research with a focus on bile acids and cholestasis.

Autoimmune processes in the liver can cause severe damage and destruction leading to cirrhosis and liver failure. The clinical spectrum of autoimmune liver disease is very wide, and diagnostic difficulties often stand at the beginning of the patient 's medical career. While in autoimmune hepatitis immunosuppressive therapy has long been shown to be life-saving, therapeutic progress is small in primary biliary cirrhosis and questionable in primary sclerosing cholangitis. New approaches to treatment will be needed in the future, but require better understanding of the pathogenesis of the underlying disease process.

This book, the proceedings of Falk Symposium 142 on 'Autoimmune Liver Disease held in Freiburg, Germany, on 12 13 October 2004 (Part I of the Gastroenterology Week Freiburg), describes possible mechanisms of pathogenesis, discusses diagnostic criteria and takes up controversies concerning treatment options. In view of the relatively frequent manifestation of autoimmune hepatitis in childhood in particular, paediatric aspects of autoimmune liver disease, and the role of liver transplantation, are given prominence.

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.