Our group investigates the molecular mechanisms of cholestatic and fatty liver disease with a specific focus on the role of bile acids (BA) in the pathogenesis and treatment of these disorders. Previous work of the applicant has focused on the role of BA-activated nuclear receptors in the regulation of hepatobiliary transport and pathogenesis of cholestasis and resulted in several key publications and two international patents on the clinical use of side chain-shortened nor-ursodeoxycholic acid as novel treatment for metabolic liver diseases (Publication Number: WO2006119803) and atherosclerosis (European Patent 07 113 107.2). Emerging evidence suggests that BA-activated nuclear receptors such as the farnesoid X receptor may play a pivotal role in the control of hepatic lipid homeostasis and pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD represents an emerging health problem in Western societies due to its progression to liver cirrhosis, cancer and associated cardiovascular mortality. BA-activated nuclear receptors could therefore represent a novel therapeutic strategy for NAFLD and associated dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis.

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