Further comments about phenobarbital and rifampin

[Guest guest]

Rifampin activates a nuclear receptor in the liver, called the

pregnane X receptor (PXR), which in turn activates several enzymes of

bile metabolism and transport, allowing for better excretion of bile

acids, and thereby alleviating pruritus. The most recent data

indicates that phenobarbital activates a different receptor in the

liver, called the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), which may

also affect bile acid metabolism and transport and produce similar

effects as rifampin

Mottino AD, Catania VA (2008) Hepatic drug transporters and nuclear

receptors: regulation by therapeutic agents. World J. Gastroenterol.

14: 7068-7074

http://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/14/7068.pdf

" It is widely recognized that CAR and PXR are major determinants in

the regulation of an extensive spectrum of genes involved in the

metabolism and disposition of xeno- and endobiotics .. "

" Targeting NRs such as CAR and PXR to improve liver

diseases, particularly those involving alterations in biliary

secretory function, represents a promising perspective. "

These and other nuclear receptors (NRs) are receiving a lot of

attention for treatment of cholestatic liver diseases. The European

Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and American

Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) will hold a Joint

Monothematic Conference on " Nuclear Receptors and Liver Disease " in

Vienna, Austria from 27 February – 1 March 2009:

http://www2.kenes.com/vienna2009/Pages/Home.aspx

Best regards,

Dave

(father of (23); PSC 07/03; UC 08/03)

[Guest guest]

OMG, he would crush me! He is 6'4 " !! No I meant the four year old, who

is also not truly a baby but apparently thought he was last night!

" large child on lap!

> "

[Guest guest]

OMG, he would crush me! He is 6'4 " !! No I meant the four year old, who

is also not truly a baby but apparently thought he was last night!

" large child on lap!

> "

[Guest guest]

OMG, he would crush me! He is 6'4 " !! No I meant the four year old, who

is also not truly a baby but apparently thought he was last night!

" large child on lap!

> "