Tag Archives: metabolism

How Does Vitamin D Lower Cholesterol?

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Kristine Novak, PhD, Science Editor

Researchers have identified a mechanism by which vitamin D reduces levels of cholesterol. In a mouse study published in the April issue of Gastroenterology, Edwin Chow et al. show that activation of the vitamin D receptor increases cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1)—an … Continue reading →

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How Can the Gut Microbiota Contribute to Liver Disease?

Posted on July 8, 2013 by Kristine Novak, PhD, Science Editor

Microbes that reside in colons of obese individuals produce many compounds that could contribute to development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and other complications of obesity, according to a study published in the July issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and … Continue reading →

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How Do Lipids Affect Liver Disease?

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Kristine Novak, PhD, Science Editor

Changes in lipid intake or metabolism can affect development of liver injury and fibrosis, according to two studies in mice published in the January issue of Gastroenterology. The liver is an important site of energy production and lipid metabolism. However, accumulation of … Continue reading →

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Treatment for Gallstones?

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Kristine Novak, PhD, Science Editor

Cholesterol gallstone disease might be treated with activators of the pregnane X receptor (PXR) such as St. John’s Wort, according to a study in the June issue of Gastroenterology. Cholesterol gallstone disease is caused by a biochemical imbalance of lipids … Continue reading →

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