Analysis of bile acids for Daf-12 ligand

Summary

Parasites like Strongyloides and hookworms infect the humans as larvae and then inside the body grow into adult forms. The mechanism of transformation of larvae to adults is not known. Based on our earlier work, we hypothesize that some biliary compounds bind to receptors in the larvae cells and initiate this change. To test this hypothesis, we need to conduct laboratory experiments on human bile. We need about 100ml of bile for the experiments.

Some patients have jaundice due to obstruction in the hepatic duct or bile ducts that cannot be relieved endoscopically. Interventional radiologists can perform a procedure called [Double Quote]percutaneous transhepatic drainage[Double Quote] in which a biliary catheter is passed from the skin into the intrahepatic bile ducts. The bile then flows from the catheter into a bag, which is connected to the catheter. The bag is emptied periodically (usually every day to every other day) depending on amount of bile in the bag. The bile is usually discarded down the drain or toilet. There are no infectious risks in discarding the bile. We plan to collect this bile and use it for our experiments. We will not collect any patient information.

Participant Eligibility

Patients with percutaneous external biliary drainage.