Isolation and characterization of cholic acid 7α-dehydroxylating fecal bacteria from cholesterol gallstone patients

• Published in: Journal of hepatology 2000, Vol.32 (1), p.4-10
• Main Authors: Wells, James E, Berr, Frieder, Thomas, Linzi A, Dowling, R.Hermon, Hylemon, Phillip B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cholesterol gallstones; Clostridium; Deoxycholic acid; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Intestinal microflora; Liver. Biliary tract. Portal circulation. Exocrine pancreas; Medical sciences; Other diseases. Semiology
• ISSN: 0168-8278; 1600-0641
• DOI: 10.1016/S0168-8278(00)80183-X

Background/Aims: The development of cholesterol gallstones, in some patients, has been associated with increased proportions of deoxycholic acid in the bile acid pool. Deoxycholic acid is a microbial product of cholic acid 7α-dehydroxylation in the intestines. The levels and activities of bile acid 7α-dehydroxylating bacteria have been reported to be increased in gallstone patients. The aim of the current study was to isolate 7α-dehydroxylating bacteria from gallstone patients and determine if these individuals are colonized by similar bacterial species. Methods: The levels of 7α-dehydroxylating bacteria in fecal samples were determined by fecal dilutions in 24 gallstone patients and 10 controls. 7α-Dehydroxylating bacteria were isolated by a non- selective streak plate technique and 7α-dehydroxylation activity was determined by measuring the conversion of [ 14C]-cholic acid to [ 14C]-deoxycholic acid using thinlayer chromatography. Results: Gallstone patients had >42-fold ( p