Risk factors for recurrence of common bile duct stones after surgical treatment and effect of ursodeoxycholic acid intervention

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is an accurate diagnostic method for choledocholithiasis and treatment option for stone removal.Additionally,ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)can dissolve cholesterol stones and prevent their development and reappearance by lowering the cholesterol concen-tration in bile.Despite these treatment options,there are still patients who experience stone recurrence.The clinical data of 100 patients with choledochal stones who were hospitalized at the Yixing People’s Hospital and underwent ERCP for successful stone extraction between June 2020 and December 2022 were retrospectively collected.According to the post-ERCP treatment plan,100 patients were classified into UDCA(n=47)and control(n=53)groups.We aimed to assess the clinical efficacy and rate of relapse in the two patient populations.We then collected information(basic demographic data,clinical characteristics,and serum biochemical indicators)and determined the factors contributing to relapse using logistic regression analysis.Our secondary goal was to determine the effects of UDCA on liver function after ERCP.Compared to the control group,the UDCA group demonstrated a higher clinical effectiveness rate of 92.45%vs 78.72%(P<0.05).No significant differences were observed in liver function indices,including total bilirubin,direct bilirubin,gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase,alanine aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase,and aspartate aminotransferase,between the two groups before treatment.After treatment,all liver function indices were significantly reduced.Comparing the control vs UDCA groups,the UDCA group exhibited significantly lower levels of all indices(55.39±6.53 vs 77.31±8.52,32.10±4.62 vs 45.39±5.69,142.32±14.21 vs 189.63±16.87,112.52±14.25 vs 149.36±15.36,122.61±16.00 vs 171.33±22.09,96.98±10.44 vs 121.35±11.57,respectively,all P<0.05).The stone recurrence rate was lower in the UDCA group(13.21%)in contrast with the control group(44.68%).Periampullary diverticula(OR:6.00,95%CI:1.69-21.30),maximum stone diameter(OR:1.69,95%CI:1.01-2.85),stone quantity>3(OR:4.23,95%CI:1.17-15.26),and positive bile culture(OR:7.61,95%CI:2.07-27.91)were independent factors that influenced the relapse of common bile duct stones after ERCP(P<0.05).Furthermore,postoperative UDCA was identified as a preventive factor(OR:0.07;95%CI:0.08-0.09).CONCLUSION The intervention effect of UDCA after ERCP for common bile duct stones is adequate,providing new research directions and references for the prevention and treatment of stone recurrence.

Effect of polyene phosphatidylcholine/ursodeoxycholic acid/ademetionine on pregnancy outcomes in intrahepatic cholestasis

BACKGROUND Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy(ICP)is a liver disorder that occurs in pregnant women and can lead to a range of adverse pregnancy outcomes.The condition is typically marked by pruritus(itching)and elevated levels of liver enzymes and bile acids.The standard treatment for ICP has generally been ursodeoxycholic acid and ademetionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate,but the efficacy of this approach remains less than optimal.Recently,polyene phosphatidylcholine has emerged as a promising new therapeutic agent for ICP due to its potential hepatoprotective effects.AIM To evaluate the effect of polyene phosphatidylcholine/ursodeoxycholic acid/ademetionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate on bile acid levels,liver enzyme indices,and pregnancy outcomes in patients with ICP.METHODS From June 2020 to June 2021,600 patients with ICP who were diagnosed and treated at our hospital were recruited and assigned at a ratio of 1:1 via randomnumber table method to receive either ursodeoxycholic acid/ademetionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate(control group,n=300)or polyene phosphatidylcholine/ursodeoxycholic acid/ademetionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate(combined group,n=300).Outcome measures included bile acids levels,liver enzyme indices,and pregnancy outcomes.RESULTS Prior to treatment,no significant differences were observed between the two groups(P>0.05).Post-treatment,patients in both groups had significantly lower pruritus scores,but the triple-drug combination group had lower scores than the dual-drug combination group(P<0.05).The bile acid levels decreased significantly in both groups,but the decrease was more significant in the triple-drug group(P<0.05).The triple-drug group also exhibited a greater reduction in the levels of certain liver enzymes and a lower incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to the dual-drug group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Polyene phosphatidylcholine/ursodeoxycholic acid/ademetionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate effectively relieves pruritus and reduces bile acid levels and liver enzyme indices in patients with ICP,providing a positive impact on pregnancy outcome and a high safety profile.Further clinical trials are required prior to clinical application.

Impact of Ursodeoxycholic Acid on Gall Stone Formation Post Bariatric Surgery

Introduction: Bariatric surgery is identified as highly effective therapy for obesity and help to loss wight that is become important public health priority because it increases the risk of condition including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and several types of cancer whether by accomplishing mini-gastric bypass, Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y) and sleeve gastrectomy [1] rapid weight loss increased incidence risk of gall stone formation [2]. Ursodeoxycholic acid is a bile acid which affect a reduction in cholesterol in biliary fluid primary by dispersing the cholesterol and forming a liquid-crystal phase [2], it’s can play a significant role in preventing of gall stone formation. Objective: Study potential effect of Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on gall stone formation after bariatric surgery. Methods: This study Cross-sectional Trials, review of all patient underwent bariatric surgery November 2021-Jun 2022, Taif Military Hospital in the department of surgery, the sample of study will be around 143 participants or more, data collection all patient underwent bariatric surgery. Results: A Total of 160 patients underwent bariatric surgery in Taif Armed Forces Hospitals from 2015 to 2021. Of these, 53 were male (33.1%) and 107 were female (66.9%). only 33 patients (20.6%) received Ursodeoxycholic acid, and 127 patients (79.4%) weren’t proscribed for them. However, 40 patients (25%) develop gall stone and underwent cholecystectomy, three of them were on Ursodeoxycholic acid (9%) and 37 patients weren’t on Ursodeoxycholic acid (29%). which shows that Ursodeoxycholic acid remarkable reduce the risk of gall stone formation post wight reduction surgery. Conclusion: In conclusion, bariatric procedures come with the risk of leading to the formation of gallstones. This is especially in the stage when a patient experiences rapid loss of weight. This is why a preventive measure is necessary and UDCA have been considered for this purpose. This study has shown that patients who use UDCA are less bound to have gallstone formations.

Efficacy and Safety of Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid in the Treatment of Liver Cirrhosis: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial

No direct comparison of tauroursodeoxycholic acid （TUDCA） and ursodeoxycholic acid （UDCA） has yet been carried out in the treatment of liver cirrhosis in China. We designed a double-blind randomized trial to evaluate the potential therapeutic efficacy of TUDCA in liver cirrhosis, using UDCA as parallel control. The enrolled 23 patients with liver cirrhosis were randomly divided into TUDCA group （n=12） and UDCA group （n=l 1）, and given TUDCA and UDCA respectively at the daily dose of 750 mg, in a randomly assigned sequence for a 6-month period. Clinical, biochemical and histological features, and liver ultrasonographic findings were evaluated before and after the study. Ac- cording to the inclusion criteria, 18 patients were included in the final analysis, including 9 cases in both two groups. Serum ALT, AST and ALP levels in TUDCA group and AST levels in UDCA group were significantly reduced as compared with baseline （P〈0.05）. Serum albumin levels were significantly increased in both TUDCA and UDCA groups （P〈0.05）. Serum markers for liver fibrosis were slightly decreased with the difference being not significant in either group. Only one patient in TUDCA group had significantly histological relief. Both treatments were well tolerated and no patient complained of side effects. It is suggested that TUDCA therapy is safe and appears to be more effective than UDCA in the treatment of liver cirrhosis, particularly in the improvement of the biochemical expression. However, both drugs exert no effect on the serum markers for liver fibrosis during 6-month treatment.

Ursodeoxycholic acid as a means of preventing atherosclerosis,steatosis and liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD)is the leading cause of mortality in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Weight loss is a key factor for successful NAFLD and CVD therapy.Ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA),which is one of the first-line therapeutic agents for treatment of NAFLD,is reported to have a beneficial effect on dyslipidemia and ASCVD risk because of antioxidant properties.AIM To evaluate the effects of 6 mo of UDCA treatment on hepatic function tests,lipid profile,hepatic steatosis and fibrosis,atherogenesis,and ASCVD risk in men and women with NAFLD,as well as to assess the impact of>5%weight reduction on these parameters.METHODS An open-label,multicenter,international noncomparative trial was carried out at primary health care settings and included 174 patients with ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD who received 15 mg/kg/d UDCA for 6 mo and were prescribed lifestyle modification with diet and exercise.The efficacy criteria were liver enzymes,lipid profile,fatty liver index(FLI),noninvasive liver fibrosis tests(nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score and liver fibrosis index),carotid intima-media thickness(CIMT),and ASCVD risk score.To test statistical hypotheses,the Wilcoxon test,paired t-test,Fisher’s exact test,and Pearson's chi-squared test were used.RESULTS The alanine aminotransferase(ALT)level changed by-14.1 U/L(-31.0;-5.3)from baseline to 3 mo and by-6.5 U/L(-14.0;0.1)from 3 to 6 mo.The magnitude of ALT,aspartate transaminase,and glutamyltransferase decrease was greater during the first 3 mo of treatment compared to the subsequent 3 mo(P<0.001,P<0.01,P<0.001,respectively).At 6 mo,in the total sample,we observed a statistically significant decrease in body weight and levels of FLI:84.9±10.4 vs 72.3±17.6,P<0.001,total cholesterol:6.03±1.36 vs 5.76±1.21,Р<0.001,lowdensity lipoprotein:3.86±1.01 vs 3.66±0.91,Р<0.001,and triglyceride:3.18(2.00;4.29)vs 2.04(1.40;3.16),Р<0.001.No effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score or liver fibrosis index was found.The CIMT decreased significantly in the total sample(0.985±0.243 vs 0.968±0.237,P=0.013),whereas the highdensity lipoprotein(Р=0.036)and 10-year ASCVD risk(Р=0.003)improved significantly only in women.Fifty-four patients(31%)achieved>5%weight loss.At the end of the study,the FLI decreased significantly in patients with(88.3±10.2 vs 71.4±19.6,P<0.001)and without>5%weight loss(83.5±10.3 vs 72.8±16.7,P<0.001).The changes in ALT,aspartate transaminase,glutamyltransferase,total cholesterol,and low-density lipoprotein levels were similar between the subgroups.CONCLUSION UDCA normalizes liver enzymes greatly within the first 3 mo of treatment,improves lipid profile and hepatic steatosis independent of weight loss,and has a positive effect on CIMT in the total sample and 10-year ASCVD risk in women after 6 mo of treatment.

Protective effects of Balanites aegyptiaca extract, melatonin and ursodeoxycholic acid against hepatotoxicity induced by methotrexate in male rats

Objective: To compare the degree of ameliorative effects of Melatonin(MEL), Ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA) and Balanites aegyptiaca(BA) against hepatotoxicity induced by MTX for one month. Methods: Eighty adult male rats(Sprague Dawely) weighing(190±10g), were randomly divided into eight equal groups: Control, MTX, MEL, BA, UDCA, MTX+MEL, MTX+BA, MTX+UDCA. Liver function biomarker enzymes, liver tissue oxidative stress parameters, together with total antioxidant capacity and tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α) were determined. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry examinations for TNF-α were also done. Results: MTX showed significant increase in alanine transaminase(ALT), aspartate transaminase(AST), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase(GGT), total and direct bilirubin, as well as TNF-α levels, oxidized glutathione(GSSG), malodialdehyde(MDA) and nitric oxide(NO). whereas, total protein, albumin, total antioxidant capacity, reduced glutathione(GSH), glutathione peroxidase(GPx), glutathione reductase(GR), glutathione S-transferase(GST), superoxide dismutase(SOD) and catalase(CAT) levels were significantly decreased in MTX treated group. These alterations were improved by MEL and BA treatment, whereas no improvement was noticed in UDCA treatment. Conclusions: BA may be as promising as MEL in the hepatoprotection against MTX toxicity through their antioxidant and radical scavenging activities. In addition, it is not recommended to co-administer UDCA with MTX as it enhanced inflammation and damage to the liver.

Ursodeoxycholic Acid in the Treatment of Intraheptic Cholestasis of Pregnancy

In order to observe the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid （UDCA） in the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy （ICP）, 68 patients with ICP were equally divided into treatment group and control group at random. The patients in treatment group were administered with UDCA 300 mg three times every day and those in control group received a combination of 10 % glucose, Vitamin C and Inosine. Itching scores, serum ALT and total bile acids （TBA） were measured before, during and after treatment. The results showed that as compared with those before treatment, itching scores, serum ALT and TBA were significantly reduced after treatment （P〈0.05）. The occurrences of premature labor, fetal asphyxia and meconium staining in amniotic fluid were significantly lower in treatment group than in control group （P〈0. 05）. It was suggested that UDCA was an effective drug in the treatment of ICP.

The therapeutic efficiency of ursodeoxycholic acid on Gilbert syndrome complicated by aplastic anemia: a series of case reports

Objective:To reduce the potential risk in aplastic anemia patients complicated with Gilbert syndrome,and find an effective treatment for the unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.Material and Methods:The mutation of UGT1A1 gene was identified first via sequencing in patients with Gilbert syndrome complicated by aplastic anemia.Before the treatment for aplastic anemia,bilirubin and phenobarbitone tests were conducted.Patients were then treated for their primary disease and given ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)either with or without phenobarbitone.Results:The clinical practice of UDCA,which can alleviate increased bilirubin levels,did not affect the key treatments for aplastic anemia.Conclusions:These results indicate that Gilbert syndrome should be addressed when treating aplastic anemia.Furthermore,abnormal bilirubin levels can be controlled effectively by the UDCA treatment.

Anti-Tuberculosis Drug Induced Liver Injury and Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Hepatotoxicity induced by standard anti-tuberculosis drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide) can result in significant morbidity and, rarely, even mortality. This major adverse side-effect of anti-tuberculosis treatment has a negative impact on patient adherence and patient outcomes as well as on tuberculosis control. Early recognition and prompt withdrawal of the offending drugs are the most critical interventions in the management of anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury. No drug or herbal extract has been shown until recently to prevent or reverse anti-tuberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Ursodeoxycholic acid is the only FDA approved drug for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis and has also been successfully used in various cholestatic liver diseases. Although still experimental, recent controlled clinical studies suggested that oral administration of ursodeoxycholic acid may prevent the onset of anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury and accelerate the recovery of liver injury. These clinical data are supported by experimental models of anti-tuberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity. There is an urgent need for further randomized clinical trials to document the promising hepatoprotective properties of ursodeoxycholic acid.

Efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid as an adjuvant treatment to prevent acute cellular rejection after liver transplantation: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND： Acute cellular rejection（ACR） after liver transplantation（LT） is one of the most common problems faced by transplant recipients in spite of advances in immunosuppressive therapy. Recently, clinical trials reported that ursodeoxycholic acid（UDCA） reduced the incidence of ACR significantly.However, others have shown contradictory conclusion. Therefore,we performed a meta-analysis of rigorous randomized controlled trials（RCTs） to determine the efficacy of UDCA in reducing ACR after LT.DATA SOURCES： All RCTs that evaluated efficacy of UDCA as an adjuvant treatment to prevent ACR after LT were searched from PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ScienceDirect databases and Web of Science（from January 1981 to March 2012）. There was no language limitation in these searches. Relevant abstracts of international meetings were also searched. References of each included study were searched manually.RESULTS： A total of 234 patients from four high-quality RCTs（Jadad score 4 to 5） were included in this meta-analysis.Prophylactic use of UDCA did not decrease the incidence of ACR（RR： 0.94, 95% CI： 0.77-1.16, P0.05）, steroid-resistant rejection（RR： 0.77, 95% CI： 0.47-1.27, P0.05） and the number of patients with the multiple episodes of ACR（RR： 0.60, 95% CI：0.28-1.30, P0.05）. Different intervention programs（high-dose vs low-dose UDCA; early vs delayed UDCA treatment） also did not alter the outcomes.CONCLUSIONS： UDCA, as an adjuvant treatment, was not ableto prevent ACR and steroid-resistant rejection after LT. Further trials should be done to determine whether higher dose of UDCA will be beneficial.

Can Ursodeoxycholic Acid Prevent SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Reduce the COVID-19 Severity? Current Knowledge and Unresolved Issues

A recent study revealed that the inhibition of the farnesoid X receptor using ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)significantly reduces angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)expression.Therefore,considerable attention has been paid to the use of UDCA to prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection and reduce the severity of the disease.This review compre-hensively summarizes the role of ACE2 in SARS-CoV-2 infection and the potential role and mechanisms of UDCA in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection or reinfection.It also discusses unresolved issues and the potential use of UDCA in the treatment of patients with coronavirus disease.

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid: a potential therapeutic tool in neurodegenerative diseases

Most neurodegenerative disorders are diseases of protein homeostasis, with misfolded aggregates accumulating. The neurodegenerative process is mediated by numerous metabolic pathways, most of which lead to apoptosis. In recent years, hydrophilic bile acids, particularly tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), have shown important anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective activities, with numerous experimental and clinical evidence suggesting their possible therapeutic use as disease-modifiers in neurodegenerative diseases. Experimental evidence on the mechanisms underlying TUDCA’s neuroprotective action derives from animal models of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and cerebral ischemia. Preclinical studies indicate that TUDCA exerts its effects not only by regulating and inhibiting the apoptotic cascade, but also by reducing oxidative stress, protecting the mitochondria, producing an anti-neuroinflammatory action, and acting as a chemical chaperone to maintain the stability and correct folding of proteins. Furthermore, data from phase II clinical trials have shown TUDCA to be safe and a potential disease-modifier in ALS. ALS is the first neurodegenerative disease being treated with hydrophilic bile acids. While further clinical evidence is being accumulated for the other diseases, TUDCA stands as a promising treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.

Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on TGF betal/Smad signaling pathway in rat hepatic stellate cells

Background Hepatic fibrosis is the key stage of the pathological progress from hepatic injury to cirrhosis. Ursodeoxycholic acid （UDCA） has been known as having significant clinical therapeutic effects on chronic liver diseases. Our research aimed to study the effect of UDCA on the signaling pathway of transforming growth factor beta1 （TGFβ1）/Smad and discuss its possible molecular mechanisms of inhibiting hepatic fibrosis. Methods Rat hepatic stellate cells were cultured in vitro and randomly assigned to 4 groups. Group A was control group with only DMEM culture medium applied, and groups B, C, D were experimental groups, with different doses of UDCA （1.0 mmol/L, 0.5 mmol/L and 0.25 mmol/L respectively） added into their DMEM culture medium for further culture of 24 hours and 48 hours. The protein expressions of TGFβ1, TGF type 1 receptor, Smad3, Smad4 and Smad7 were measured by Western blotting, as well as the expressions of TGFβ1, Smad3, Smad7 and cAMP response element （CREB） binding protein （CBP） mRNA by real-time PCR. SPSS 11.5 statistical package was adopted for data analyses. Results Compared with control group, the mRNA expressions of TGFβ1 in the high and middle UDCA dose groups for 24 hours and 48 hours significantly decreased （P 〈0.05）, the protein expressions of TGFβ1 in the two above groups for 48 hours and in the high dose group for 24 hours significantly decreased （P 〈0.05）. The protein and mRNA expressions of Smad3 in each UDCA dose group for 24 hours and 48 hours significantly decreased, with significant difference among different UDCA dose groups and between that of 24 hours and 48 hours observed （P 〈0.05）. The protein and mRNA expressions of Smad7 in the high and middle UDCA dose groups for 24 hours and 48 hours significantly increased. The CBP mRNA expression in each UDCA dose group for 24 hours and 48 hours significantly decreased （P 〈0.05）, with significant difference among different UDCA dose groups observed （P 〈0.05）. Conclusion UDCA could curb the development of hepatic fibrosis through affecting the signaling pathway of TGFβ1/Smad by inhibiting the expressions of TGFβ1, Smad3 and CBP and increasing the expression of Smad7.

Efficacy of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Combined with Tongdan Decoction(通胆汤) on Immunological Indices and Histopathological Changes in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Patients

Objective： To observe the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid （UDCA） combined with Tongdan Decoction （通胆汤） on immunological indices and histopathological changes in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis （PBC） of 11 or ]I[ histological stage. Methods： Sixty PBC patients were assigned randomly and equally to the control group treated with UDCA alone and the treatment group treated with UDCA combined with Tongdan Decoction. The immunological indices and histopathological changes were detected before and after 24-week treatment, and the follow-up lasted for 1-3 years. Results： After 24-week treatment, CD4^＋CD28 in the peripheral blood was lowered and CD4^＋CD25^＋ was increased in both groups, and better effect was shown in the treatment group （P〈0.01）. The levels of IgM, IgG, and IgA decreased markedly after 96-week treatment in the treatment group （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）, while in the control group, only the latter two showed significant decrease after 148 week （all P〈0.05）. At the end of the 3-year follow-up, the medians of histopathological inflammation grading and fibrosis staging declined to a lower rank, and the effect on inflammation was superior in the treatment group to the control group shown by non-parameters Wilcoxon paired symbols test （Z= 2.761, P=0.006）. Conclusion： Combined therapy of Tongdan Decoction and UDCA showed a better therapeutic effect than UDCA monotherapy on PBC, especially in improving immunological indices and histopathological hepatic changes.

Ursodeoxycholic acid as adjuvant treatment to phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia:a systematic review and meta‑analysis

Background Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is observed in most newborns,and 5–15%of neonates require phototherapy.Phototherapy is efective but often prolongs hospitalization and has both short-term and potential long-term harms.The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the role of ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)combined with phototherapy in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.Methods A literature search was conducted on September 1,2021;590 studies were screened,and 17 full texts were assessed by two authors.We included randomized controlled trials with or without placebo intervention.Primary outcomes were changes in total bilirubin levels at 24 hours and phototherapy duration.We calculated mean diferences with 95%confdence intervals(CI).Results Six studies with 880 neonates were included.Of these studies,only two used a placebo-controlled double-blinded design.The overall risk of bias was high in one and moderate in four of the included studies.The mean decrease in the total bilirubin level during the frst 24 hours was 2.06 mg/dL(95%CI 0.82–3.30;six studies)greater in the UDCA treatment group.The phototherapy duration was 19.7 hours(95%CI 10.4–29.1;fve studies)shorter in the UDCA treatment group.Conclusions We found low-quality evidence that UDCA as an adjuvant to phototherapy seems to decrease total bilirubin faster and shorten phototherapy duration compared to standard treatment.Further studies are needed to confrm the efcacy,acute and long-term outcomes,and safety before implementing UDCA as an adjuvant to phototherapy in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Effects of ursodeoxycholic acid on intrahepatic cholestasis in rats

Objective To investigate the effects of treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on intrahepatic cholestasis in rats, and to explore its mechanism Method Rats suffering from intrahepatic cholestasis were treated with UDCA Their serum alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), γ glutamyl transpeptidase (γ GT), total cholesterol (TCH), bile flow, total bile acid excretion, total Na + and TCH of bile were measured before and after treatment In addition, the changes of liver tissue under microscrope were observed and recorded Results Compared with the control group, serum ALT, ALP, TBIL, DBIL, γ GT and TCH of rats in the treatment group decreased, while bile flow, total bile acid excretion, total Na + and TCH decreased significantly Degeneration of hepatocytes, infiltration of inflamed cells and proliferation of small bile ducts in the treatment group were improved under microscope ####Conclusion UDCA may have therapeutic effects on cholestatic hepatitis The mechanism may involve in its hydrophilicity, choleretic effect and immune modulation

Ursodeoxycholic acid prevention on cholestasis associated with total parenteral nutrition in preterm infants:a randomized trial

Background Preterm infants with long-term parenteral nutrition(PN)therapy are at risk for cholestasis associated with total parenteral nutrition(PNAC).This study examined the safety and efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)in preventing PNAC in preterm infants.Our research aimed to investigate the prophylactic effect of preventive oral UDCA on PNAC in preterm infants.Methods We compared oral administration of UDCA prophylaxis with no prophylaxis in a randomized,open-label,proof-of-concept trial in preterm neonates with PN therapy.The low-birth-weight preterm infants(<1800 g)who were registered to the neonatal intensive care unit(NICU)within 24 hours after birth were randomized.The main endpoint was the weekly values of direct bilirubin(DB)of neonates during the NICU stay.Results Eventually,a total of 102 preterm neonates from January 2021 to July 2021 were enrolled in this prospective study(42 in the UDCA group and 60 in the control group).Notably,the peak serum level of DB[13.0(12-16)vs.15.2(12.5-19.6)μmol/L,P<0.05]was significantly lower in the UDCA group than that in the control group without prevention.The peak serum level of total bilirubin(101.1±34 vs.116.5±28.7μmol/L,P<0.05)was also significantly lower in the UDCA group than in the control group.Furthermore,the proportion of patients who suffered from neonatal cholestasis(0.0%vs.11.7%,P<0.05)in the UDCA group was significantly lower.Conclusion UDCA prophylaxis is beneficial in preventing PNAC in NICU infants receiving prolonged PN.

Secondary bile acids and the biliary epithelia: The good and the bad

The biliary tract has been considered for several decades a passive system just leading the hepatic bile to the intestine.Nowadays several researches demonstrated an important role of biliary epithelia(i.e.cholangiocytes)in bile formation.The study of biliary processes therefore maintains a continuous interest since the possible important implications regarding chronic cholestatic human diseases,such as primary biliary cholangitis or primary sclerosing cholangitis.Bile acids(BAs),produced by the liver,are the most represented organic molecules in bile.The physiologic importance of BAs was initially attributed to their behavior as natural detergents but several studies now demonstrate they are also important signaling molecules.In this minireview the effect of BAs on the biliary epithelia are reported focusing in particular on secondary(deriving by bacterial manipulation of primary molecules)ones.This class of BAs is demonstrated to have relevant biological effects,ranging from toxic to therapeutic ones.In this family ursodeoxycholic and lithocholic acid present the most interesting features.The molecular mechanisms linking ursodeoxycholic acid to its beneficial effects on the biliary tract are discussed in details as well as data on the processes leading to lithocholic damage.These findings suggest that expansion of research in the field of BAs/cholangiocytes interaction may increase our understanding of cholestatic diseases and should be helpful in designing more effective therapies for biliary disorders.

Observation on therapeutic efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid in Chinese patients with primary biliary cirrhosis:a 2-year follow-up study

The efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)on long-term outcome of primary biliary cirrhosis(PBC)has been less documented in Chinese cohort.We aimed to assess the therapeutic effect of UDCA on Chinese patients with PBC.In the present study,67 patients with PBC were treated with UDCA(13–15 mg∙kg^(-1)∙day^(-1))and followed up for 2 years to evaluate the changes of symptoms,laboratory values and histological features.As the results indicated,fatigue and pruritus were obviously improved by UDCA,particularly in patients with mild or moderate symptoms.The alkaline phosphatase andγ-glutamyl transpetidase levels significantly declined at year 2 comparing to baseline values,with the most profound effects achieved in patients at stage 2.The levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase significantly decreased whereas serum bilirubin and immunoglobulin M levels exhibited no significant change.Histological feature was stable in patients at stages 1–2 but still progressed in patients at stages 3–4.The biochemical response of patients at stage 2 was much better than that of patients at stages 3–4.These data suggest that,when treated in earlier stage,patients in long-term administration of UDCA can gain favorable results not only on symptoms and biochemical responses but also on histology.It is also indicated that later histological stage,bad biochemical response and severe symptom may be indicators of poor prognosis for UDCA therapy.

Co-administration of ursodeoxycholic acid with rosuvastatin/ezetimibe in a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease model

Background Ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA),statins,and ezetimibe(EZE)have demonstrated beneficial effects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).We investigated the efficacy of the combination of UDCA and the mix of rosuvastatin(RSV)/EZE in the treatment of NAFLD.Methods NAFLD mouse models were developed by injecting thioacetamide,fasting,and high-carbohydrate refeeding,highfat diet,and choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined high-fat diet(CDAHFD).Low-dose UDCA(L-UDCA;15 mg/kg)or highdose UDCA(H-UDCA;30 mg/kg)was administered with RSV/EZE.We also employed an in vitro model of NAFLD developed using palmitic acid-treated Hepa1c1c7 cells.Results Co-administration of RSV/EZE with UDCA significantly decreased the collagen accumulation,serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels,and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related markers than those observed in the vehicle group in thioacetamide-treated mice(all P<0.01).In addition,in the group fasted and refed with a high-carbohydrate diet,UDCA/RSV/EZE treatment decreased the number of apoptotic cells and serum ALT levels compared with those observed in the vehicle group(all P<0.05).Subsequently,H-UDCA/RSV/EZE treatment decreased the number of ballooned hepatocytes and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1(SCD-1)mRNA levels(P=0.027)in the liver of high-fat diet-fed mice compared with those observed in the vehicle group.In the CDAHFD-fed mouse model,UDCA/RSV/EZE significantly attenuated collagen accumulation and fibrosis-related markers compared to those observed in the vehicle group(all P<0.05).In addition,UDCA/RSV/EZE treatment significantly restored cell survival and decreased the protein levels of apoptosis-related markers compared to RSV/EZE treatment in palmitic acid-treated Hepa1c1c7 cells(all P<0.05).Conclusion Combination therapy involving UDCA and RSV/EZE may be a novel strategy for potent inhibition of NAFLD progression.