Effects of bile acids on the growth of cell cultures obtained from rat liver and intestinal cancer
Jeannin, J.F.; Chessebeuf, M.; Martin, M.S.; Lagneau, A.
Gastroenterologie Clinique et Biologique 2(1): 39-47
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0399-8320 PMID: 648792 Document Number: 135617
Four bile acids (cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid) were added to cultures of rat fibroblasts, liver epithelial cells or colon cancer cells. The effects of bile acids on cellular growth depend on the bile acid and the target cell used in the test. Cholic acid is only cytotoxic to fibroblasts at high concentration; it does not affect the growth of liver or intestinal cancer cell. Deoxycholic and chenodeoxycholic acids are highly toxic to fibroblasts and colon cancer cells, less toxic to liver cells. Lithocholic acid is toxic to fibroblasts and colon cancer cells, but enhances the growth of 3 independent lines of epithelial liver cells. This effect could be compared to the proliferation of bile ducts induced in vivo by lithocholic acid.