Ursodeoxycholic acid

A bile acid used in the treatment of certain liver diseases

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), also known as ursodiol, is a bile acid used in the treatment of certain liver diseases. It is a secondary bile acid, which is a metabolic byproduct of intestinal bacteria. UDCA is used to dissolve gallstones and to treat primary biliary cholangitis, a chronic liver disease.

Chemical structure and properties

Chemical structure of ursodeoxycholic acid

Ursodeoxycholic acid is a white, crystalline powder that is odorless and tasteless. It is soluble in ethanol and acetic acid, but practically insoluble in water. The chemical formula of UDCA is C₂₄H₄₀O₄.

Mechanism of action

UDCA works by reducing the cholesterol content of bile and bile stones by reducing the secretion of cholesterol from the liver and the reabsorption of cholesterol by the intestines. It also protects liver cells from injury caused by toxic bile acids.

Medical uses

Ursodeoxycholic acid is primarily used to treat primary biliary cholangitis, a condition where the bile ducts in the liver are slowly destroyed. It is also used to dissolve small cholesterol gallstones in patients who do not wish to undergo surgery.

Primary biliary cholangitis

UDCA is the first-line treatment for primary biliary cholangitis. It helps to improve liver function tests and may delay the progression of the disease.

Gallstones

UDCA is used to dissolve cholesterol gallstones in patients with a functioning gallbladder. It is most effective for small stones and in patients who are not candidates for surgery.

Side effects

Common side effects of UDCA include diarrhea, nausea, and headache. Rarely, it can cause severe liver problems.

History

Ursodeoxycholic acid was first identified in bear bile, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It was first synthesized in the 1950s and has been used in Western medicine since the 1980s.

Related pages

• Bile acid
• Gallstone
• Primary biliary cholangitis

References

Ball-and-stick model of ursodeoxycholic acid

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  Ursodeoxycholic acid chemical structure

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  Ursodeoxycholic acid ball-and-stick model