The therapeutic effects of ursodeoxycholic acid as an anti-apoptotic agent

摘要: The dihydroxy bile acid, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), has been in widespread clinical use the Western world since mid 1980s, when it was initially used for gallstone dissolution [1,2] and subsequently treatment of chronic cholestatic liver diseases [3,4]. Many trials UDCA a variety disorders established biochemical improvements, most importantly showed significant prolongation transplant-free survival after four years with patients primary biliary cirrhosis [5]. Despite its efficacy, precise mechanism(s) by which improves function during cholestasis is still matter debate [6]. It considered that choleretic effect UDCA, coupled ability to cause marked shift composition pool towards hydrophilicity, accounted mechanism action. In recent years, however, become evident conjugated derivatives are capable exerting direct effects at cellular, subcellular, molecular levels stabilising cell membranes, affecting signal transduction pathways, regulating immune responses. addition, we have shown plays unique role modulating apoptotic threshold both hepatic non-hepatic cells [7-10]. purpose this article examine prevents death associated cholestasis. will also review potentially novel and, heretofore, unrecognised as therapeutic agent non-liver increased apoptosis pathogenesis disorder.