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Ursodeoxycholic acid: Mechanism of action and novel clinical applications
Author(s) -
Ikegami Tadashi,
Matsuzaki Yasushi
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
hepatology research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.123
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1872-034X
pISSN - 1386-6346
DOI - 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2007.00297.x
Subject(s) - ursodeoxycholic acid , detoxification (alternative medicine) , cytoprotection , mechanism of action , drug , bile acid , medicine , pharmacology , mechanism (biology) , chemistry , gastroenterology , biochemistry , pathology , oxidative stress , alternative medicine , philosophy , epistemology , in vitro
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is used in the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases, gallstone dissolution, and for patients with hepatitis C virus infection to ameliorate elevated alanine aminotransferase levels. The efficacy of UDCA treatment has been debated and the mechanisms of action in humans have still not defined. Suggested mechanisms include the improvement of bile acid transport and/or detoxification, cytoprotection, and anti‐apoptotic effects. In this review, we summarize the proposed molecular mechanisms for the action of UDCA, especially in hepatocytes, and also discuss the putative future clinical usage of this unique drug.