Biliatresone

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Biliatresone is a naturally occurring isoflavonoid toxin that has been implicated in the development of biliary atresia, a serious liver disease in infants. This compound was first identified in the plant species Derris and Milletia, which are known to produce various bioactive compounds.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Biliatresone is classified as an isoflavonoid, a type of flavonoid that is characterized by its unique chemical structure. Isoflavonoids are known for their diverse biological activities, including their roles as phytoestrogens and antioxidants. The specific chemical structure of biliatresone includes a core flavonoid skeleton with additional functional groups that contribute to its biological activity.

Biological Activity

Biliatresone has been shown to cause damage to the bile ducts in animal models, leading to symptoms that closely resemble biliary atresia in humans. This has led researchers to investigate the potential role of environmental toxins in the etiology of this disease. The exact mechanism by which biliatresone induces bile duct damage is still under investigation, but it is believed to involve oxidative stress and disruption of normal cellular functions.

Biliary Atresia

Biliary atresia is a rare but serious condition that affects the bile ducts in infants, leading to liver damage and, if untreated, liver failure. The disease is characterized by the progressive obliteration of the bile ducts, which prevents bile from draining from the liver into the intestine. This results in jaundice, liver inflammation, and fibrosis. The only effective treatment for biliary atresia is surgical intervention, typically in the form of a Kasai procedure or liver transplantation.

Research and Implications

The discovery of biliatresone has significant implications for understanding the environmental factors that may contribute to biliary atresia. Ongoing research aims to elucidate the pathways through which biliatresone and similar compounds exert their toxic effects, with the goal of developing preventive strategies and therapeutic interventions.

Related Pages

• Biliary atresia
• Isoflavonoid
• Flavonoid
• Phytoestrogen
• Oxidative stress
• Kasai procedure
• Liver transplantation