In memory of Dr. Lóránd Bertók (1934-2020), researcher on the physiological role of bile acids

Dr. Lóránd Bertók, Professor Emeritus, Széchenyi Prize Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, passed away in the last days of November.

He came from a family of intellectuals in Debrecen, whose traditions he tried to continue in Budapest, where he graduated as a veterinarian in 1957. His research career was completed in 1967 as head of the department of the Joliot-Curie "Institute for Research in Radiobiology and Radiological Health", where he visited every day until his death. He studied and worked at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and at the University of Montreal, where he was invited by János Selye.

His main research achievements were the recognition of the link between bile acids and bacterial endotoxins in natural resistance. His textbook observation, together with László Kocsár, is that bile acids, apart from emulsifying fat, have an important physiological role in the intestinal tract in detoxifying and detoxifying the endotoxins produced in large quantities by intestinal bacteria. This phenomenon is "physico-chemical" protectionnamed it. He also attributed its importance to the development of allergies.
In spectacular animal experiments, he demonstrated the "natural immunity" enhancing effect of bile acids, which could only be scientifically explained in the 1990s, when the processes and elements of "natural immunity" were understood. His great regret was that he could not achieve human application.

He had many original thoughts and ideas. He argued passionately, and not always diplomatically. His colourful personality coexisted with that of a reformer belonging to Imre Pozsgay's circle, a sensitive "guardian" and perfecter of the Hungarian medical language, and national champion of long-distance riding in 1993. He was an important figure in international, but primarily in Hungarian immunology.

Dr. Sándor Sipka

Source : http://www.mit.hu/hirek.aspx?nid=102299&cid=32

Rest in peace.

Click on the link below to read his research on bile acids: https://gallmet.hu/?s=bert%C3%B3k&id=23801