| Abstract: | Total serum bile acids (SBA) have been evaluated in 28 healthy subjects by an enzymatic-fluorimetric method using the enzyme 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The healthy subjects showed a value of 2.78 +/- 1.84 microM/1 (mean +/- SD), ranging 0.5 to 4.7 microM/1. In addition, two hours postprandial evaluation of SBA was carried out in five of the above subjects. The mean value of SBA before and after the meal was 2.58 +/- 1.4 and 8.73 +/- 1.7 microM/1 respectively and the postprandial increase was found statistically significant (P less than 0.001). The present method for quantitative determination of SBA seems to be sensitive, reliable and useful as a routine clinical aid. |
