PharmaJen recently published an article titled “Simultaneous determination of seven bile acids to study the effect of ivermectin on their plasma levels in rats by UHPLC–MS/MS” on October 16th, 2023. The purpose of this blog is to provide a brief summary of the paper, allowing readers to quickly understand the main points of the article. You can access the full article by clicking on the link provided – https://jast-journal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40543-023-00408-y
Introduction
In the vast domain of hepatobiliary and metabolic disorders, bile acids (BAs) serve as crucial diagnostic biomarkers, offering a window into the underlying pathophysiology. The nexus between BAs and lipid as well as glucose metabolism is orchestrated via the farnesoid X receptor (FXR). Amidst this backdrop, the study ventured into unexplored territory to discern the impact of an exogenous FXR modulator, Ivermectin (IVM), on the plasma BA profiles in rats.
Methodology
The journey to elucidate the effects of Ivermectin on plasma bile acids necessitated a robust analytical technique. The study harnessed the power of Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) to concurrently measure seven major bile acids in rat plasma. This method was scrupulously developed and validated, ensuring selectivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision in quantifying plasma bile acids. With this solid analytical footing, Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered with Ivermectin at a dose of 5 mg/kg once a day for 14 days.
Findings
The fortnight-long Ivermectin administration heralded significant changes in the bile acid landscape. Cholic acid and deoxycholic acid levels took a notable dip, while tauro-α-muricholic acid and tauro-β-muricholic acid levels soared significantly. Contrarily, glycodeoxycholic acid and taurodeoxycholic acid levels remained untouched by the Ivermectin regimen. This underpins Ivermectin’s pronounced effect on modifying plasma bile acid profiles, opening avenues for further investigation into drug-bile acid interactions and their pharmacological implications.
Discussion
The findings underscore Ivermectin’s pivotal role in modulating plasma bile acid profiles, which could have far-reaching implications in understanding drug interactions and their effects on hepatobiliary and metabolic processes. This lays the groundwork for further explorations into the pharmacological effects of drugs on bile acids, potentially unveiling new therapeutic avenues.
conclusion
This study paves the way for a deeper understanding of drug-induced modulation of bile acids, enriching the discourse around hepatobiliary and metabolic disorders. The methodological framework furnished provides a robust foundation for subsequent investigations, propelling the scientific community closer to unraveling the complex interplay between drugs, bile acids, and metabolic processes.