Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) (UDCA)

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a naturally occurring, hydrophilic secondary bile acid that serves as a key therapeutic agent in the management of cholestatic liver disorders (PubChem CID 31401; StatPearls, "Ursodeoxycholic Acid"). Unlike hydrophobic bile acids, which can be detergent-like and toxic to cell membranes, UDCA is cytoprotective and helps to stabilize hepatocyte membranes and prevent apoptosis (DrugBank DB01586). Its primary clinical application is in the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), where it has been shown to improve biochemical markers of liver function and delay the need for liver transplantation (LiverTox, "Ursodiol"). UDCA functions by expanding the hydrophilic bile acid pool, inducing choleresis to flush out toxic metabolites, and modulating immune responses within the liver (PubMed, PMID: 25514390). It also reduces the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and is used to dissolve radiolucent gallstones in patients who are not candidates for surgery (StatPearls, "Ursodeoxycholic Acid"). Although it is a small molecule drug rather than a biological target, its complex interactions with bile acid transporters and signaling receptors like the Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) and TGR5 are central to its pharmacological profile (PubMed, PMID: 18452749). UDCA is generally well-tolerated, though its efficacy depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's biochemical response (LiverTox, "Ursodiol").

Other names

Ursodiol3α,7β-dihydroxy-5β-cholan-24-oic acidActigallUrsoDestolitUrsofalk

UDCA acts by displacing toxic, hydrophobic bile acids from the enterohepatic circulation, stimulating bicarbonate-rich bile flow (choleresis), protecting hepatocytes against bile acid-induced apoptosis, and exerting immunomodulatory effects by reducing the expression of MHC class I and II molecules on hepatocytes (StatPearls, "Ursodeoxycholic Acid"; DrugBank DB01586).