Research

TUDCA (Ursodeoxycholic Acid Derivative)

67 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.

17
Meta-analyses
5
Systematic reviews
43
RCTs
2
Other studies
Meta-analyses (25%)
Systematic reviews (7%)
RCTs (64%)
Observational (1%)

Studies

Sorted by quality and recency

2025·Journal of gastrointestinal and liver diseases : JGLD·Marco Valvano, Antonio Vinci, Filippo Antonini, et al

Effectiveness of Plastic Stent for the Treatment of Incomplete Clearance of Common Bile Duct Stone: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 902

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 studies involving 902 patients with incomplete clearance of common bile duct stones treated with plastic stents. The pooled success rate of stenting intervention was 79%. Ursodeoxycholic acid and stenting showed a higher probability of being effective treatments.

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2025·BMC cardiovascular disorders·Elaheh Rashidbeygi, Niloufar Rasaei, Mohammad Reza Amini, et al

The effects of ursodeoxycholic acid on cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Meta-analysisInflammation -Heart Health Physique

Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs investigating the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid on cardiometabolic risk factors. UDCA significantly decreased BMI and diastolic blood pressure, increased systolic blood pressure, and had no effect on weight loss or inflammation markers IL-6 and TNF-α.

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2024·International journal of surgery (London, England)·Dong Kee Jang, Young Suk Park, Moon-Won Yoo, et al

Efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid for bile reflux after distal gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: a secondary analysis of the PEGASUS-D randomized clinical trial.

RCTn = 521

Secondary analysis of the PEGASUS-D randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in preventing bile reflux after gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients. UDCA administration significantly reduced bile reflux and gastritis by ~50% at 12 months postoperation in the 300 mg group compared to placebo.

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2024·Current neuropharmacology·Jiaxian Li, Ziyang Huang, Yu Jin, et al

Neuroprotective Effect of Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid (TUDCA) onandModels of Retinal Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Systematic reviewBrain Health

Systematic review of 24 studies on the neuroprotective effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) in various models of retinal disorders. TUDCA was found to delay degeneration and apoptosis of retinal neurons, preserve retinal structure and function, and its mechanisms may involve inhibiting apoptosis, decreasing inflammation, and reducing oxidative and ER stress.

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2024·Fundamental & clinical pharmacology·Rajendra Prasad Anne, Srikanth Puttaiah Kadyada, Abhishek Somasekhara Aradhya, et al

Ursodeoxycholic acid for preventing parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis in neonates: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisGut Health

Systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating ursodeoxycholic acid for preventing parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis in neonates. Evidence from randomised trials showed no reduction in cholestasis, mortality, sepsis, and necrotising enterocolitis, but reduced feed intolerance, peak conjugated bilirubin levels, and time to full enteral feeds. The certainty of the evidence was low to very low.

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2023·Obesity surgery·Amit Sharma, Hiba Shanti, Haritharan Nageswaran, et al

Role of Ursodeoxycholic Acid in the Prevention of Gallstones Formation in Bariatric Patients-a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Trials.

Meta-analysisn = 3,619Gut Health

Meta-analysis of 14 RCTs with 3619 bariatric patients assessing ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for gallstone prevention. UDCA significantly reduced gallstone formation risk from 38% to 8% compared to control. Effective dose is 500-600 mg for 6 months post-surgery.

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2023·PloS one·Liang Huang, Siyu Li, Jingjing Chen, et al

Efficacy and safety of ursodeoxycholic acid in children with cholestasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 2,153

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 RCTs involving 2153 children with cholestasis, evaluating the efficacy and safety of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). UDCA improved symptoms and certain serum markers in children with cholestasis, with gastrointestinal adverse reactions being the most common. No significant difference in adverse reaction incidence between UDCA and control groups.

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2023·Obesity surgery·Maimoena S S Guman, Sylke Haal, Yair I Z Acherman, et al

Ursodeoxycholic Acid Use After Bariatric Surgery: Effects on Metabolic and Inflammatory Blood Markers.

RCTn = 513

RCT of 513 patients post-bariatric surgery comparing UDCA 900 mg daily to placebo for 6 months. UDCA led to a higher, but clinically irrelevant increase in alkaline phosphatase levels. No significant changes in other metabolic or inflammatory markers were observed.

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2023·Journal of gastroenterology·Hanxiao Wang, You Li, Xiting Pu, et al

MGAT5/TMEM163 variant is associated with prognosis in ursodeoxycholic acid-treated patients with primary biliary cholangitis.

Meta-analysisn = 347

Retrospective analysis of 347 PBC patients treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for at least 1 year. The study found that the rs661899 T allele near MGAT5 and TMEM163 is associated with poor prognosis and adverse outcomes in PBC patients after 1-year UDCA therapy.

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2023·BJS open·Lewis Hall, James Halle-Smith, Richard Evans, et al

Ursodeoxycholic acid in the management of symptomatic gallstone disease: systematic review and clinician survey.

Systematic review

Systematic review and clinician survey on the use of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for symptomatic gallstones. The review included eight studies, with seven showing favorable outcomes for UDCA in managing biliary pain. Clinician survey indicated clinical equipoise regarding UDCA's benefit, with a need for RCTs to establish clear evidence.

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2022·Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)·Jingjing Ying, Senjie Dai, Rongrong Fu, et al

Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on gallstone formation after bariatric surgery: An updated meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 4,827

Meta-analysis of 18 studies with 4,827 participants assessing the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on gallstone formation after bariatric surgery. The incidence of gallstones in the UDCA group was significantly lower than in the control group, and the occurrence of symptomatic gallstones and cholecystectomy was significantly reduced.

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2022·Journal of gastroenterology·Andrea Mulliri, Benjamin Menahem, Arnaud Alves, et al

Ursodeoxycholic acid for the prevention of gallstones and subsequent cholecystectomy after bariatric surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Meta-analysisn = 2,363

This meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials evaluated the prophylactic use of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) after bariatric surgery. It found that UDCA significantly decreased gallstone formation, symptomatic gallstone disease, and the need for cholecystectomy compared to controls.

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2022·Italian journal of pediatrics·Glen Lazarus, Jerrell Francie, Rosalina Dewi Roeslani, et al

Role of ursodeoxycholic acid in neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Meta-analysisn = 1,116

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing the role of ursodeoxycholic acid in neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia. The analysis included eight studies with 1116 neonates, showing that ursodeoxycholic acid significantly reduced phototherapy duration and mean total serum bilirubin levels post-treatment.

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2022·Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery·Maimoena S S Guman, Sylke Haal, L Maurits de Brauw, et al

Factors associated with adherence to ursodeoxycholic acid or placebo in patients after bariatric surgery.

RCTn = 967

The study aimed to identify factors associated with poor adherence to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) or placebo after bariatric surgery in the UPGRADE trial. It found that younger age, foreign origin, unemployment, and undergoing sleeve gastrectomy were associated with poor adherence. The adherence rate to UDCA and placebo was suboptimal, and the findings can help identify patients who may benefit from extra guidance to improve adherence.

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2022·Obesity surgery·Sylke Haal, Maimoena S S Guman, Sjoerd Bruin, et al

Risk Factors for Symptomatic Gallstone Disease and Gallstone Formation After Bariatric Surgery.

RCTn = 959

The study aimed to identify risk factors for symptomatic gallstone disease and gallstone formation after bariatric surgery, using data from the UPGRADE trial. It found that young patients with preoperative pain syndrome and/or asymptomatic gallstones are at increased risk for symptomatic gallstone disease. UDCA prophylaxis did not significantly reduce risk, but statin use and advanced age were protective against gallstone formation.

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2022·World journal of pediatrics : WJP·Ilari Kuitunen, Panu Kiviranta, Ulla Sankilampi, et al

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

Meta-analysisn = 880

Systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) as an adjuvant to phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Six studies with 880 neonates were included, showing that UDCA treatment decreased total bilirubin levels faster and shortened phototherapy duration compared to standard treatment. Evidence quality was low, and further studies are needed to confirm efficacy and safety.

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2022·Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology·Xiaozhuan Lin, Meiqing Mai, Tai-ping He, et al

Efficiency of ursodeoxycholic acid for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Meta-analysisn = 655Inflammation

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 RCTs with 655 participants assessing the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). UDCA significantly reduced serum levels of ALT and GGT but had no significant effects on anthropometric characteristics or liver histology.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar
2022·Surgical endoscopy·Mohamed AbdAlla Salman, Ahmed Salman, Usama Shaker Mohamed, et al

Ursodeoxycholic acid for the prevention of gall stones after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a prospective controlled study.

RCTn = 258Gut Health

This prospective controlled study evaluated the effect of 500 mg ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) daily for 12 months on gallstone development after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in 258 patients. The UDCA group had a significantly lower incidence of gallstones (8.5%) compared to the control group (32.0%) during the first postoperative year.

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2022·Medicine·Zi-Long Wang, Kai-Min Song, Rui Jin, et al

Combination therapy of ursodeoxycholic acid and glucocorticoid and (or) immunosuppressant in patients with primary biliary cholangitis: A meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 201

Meta-analysis of six studies with 201 patients evaluating the combination of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) with glucocorticoids and/or immunosuppressants in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The combination therapy improved some biochemical and immunological indexes but showed no significant improvement in key biochemical parameters or liver pathology, and had higher adverse event incidence.

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2022·Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver·Jakub Gazda, Sylvia Drazilova, Matej Gazda, et al

Treatment response to ursodeoxycholic acid in primary biliary cholangitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysis

Systematic review and meta-analysis of UDCA treatment response endpoints in primary biliary cholangitis. The study identifies GLOBE and UK-PBC Risk Scores as the most accurate predictive models for long-term outcomes, suggesting alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin normalization as new therapeutic targets.

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2021·Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery·Naomi M Fearon, Emma C Kearns, Czara A Kennedy, et al

The impact of ursodeoxycholic acid on gallstone disease after bariatric surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized control trials.

Meta-analysisn = 2,583

Meta-analysis of 10 randomized control trials with 2583 patients evaluating the impact of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on gallstone formation after bariatric surgery. UDCA significantly reduced gallstone formation, with a dose of 600 mg/day showing improved compliance and outcomes.

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2021·The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology·Sylke Haal, Maimoena S S Guman, Thomas C C Boerlage, et al

Ursodeoxycholic acid for the prevention of symptomatic gallstone disease after bariatric surgery (UPGRADE): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled superiority trial.

RCTn = 985Gut Health

This multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial assessed the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid versus placebo for preventing symptomatic gallstone disease after bariatric surgery. Ursodeoxycholic acid did not significantly reduce symptomatic gallstone disease in all patients, but it was effective in patients without gallstones before Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

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2021·Brain, behavior, and immunity·Fei Huang, Carmine M Pariante, Alessandra Borsini

From dried bear bile to molecular investigation: A systematic review of the effect of bile acids on cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, across pre-clinical models of neurological, neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Systematic reviewBrain Health Inflammation

Systematic review of 35 pre-clinical studies investigating the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA), and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) on apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in neurological, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorder models. Findings suggest therapeutic potential of these bile acids in reducing apoptosis, reactive oxygen species, and inflammatory markers.

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2020·The Cochrane database of systematic reviews·Kate F Walker, Lucy C Chappell, William M Hague, et al

Pharmacological interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Meta-analysisn = 2,007

This meta-analysis included 26 trials involving 2007 women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, assessing nine different pharmacological interventions. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) showed a small improvement in pruritus scores compared to placebo, but the effect may not be clinically significant. Evidence for other interventions like SAMe, guar gum, and Chinese herbal medicines was insufficient.

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2013·The Cochrane database of systematic reviews·Vinita Gurung, Philippa Middleton, Stephen J Milan, et al

Interventions for treating cholestasis in pregnancy.

Meta-analysisn = 1,197

Meta-analysis of 21 trials with 1197 women evaluating interventions for cholestasis in pregnancy. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) showed improvement in pruritus compared to placebo, with fewer preterm births. S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) showed mixed results. Other interventions like cholestyramine, Danxiaoling, and Yiganling showed varying effectiveness. Large trials are needed to determine fetal benefits or risks of UDCA.

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2013·BMC gastroenterology·Zun Xiang, Yi-peng Chen, Kui-fen Ma, et al

The role of ursodeoxycholic acid in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: a systematic review.

Systematic reviewn = 1,160

Systematic review of 12 randomized clinical trials involving 1160 subjects assessing the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). UDCA monotherapy and combination therapy showed improvements in liver function, steatosis, and fibrosis, though study quality varied and results were heterogeneous.

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2012·Gastroenterology·Yannick Bacq, Loïc Sentilhes, Humberto B Reyes, et al

Efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid in treating intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: a meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 454Womens Health Inflammation

Meta-analysis of 9 RCTs evaluating ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in treating intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). UDCA was associated with total resolution of pruritus, improved liver test results, and better fetal outcomes compared to controls.

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2026·Cancer biotherapy & radiopharmaceuticals·Elinaz Hosseinzadeh, Maryam Arefnia, Mohadeseh Bayat, et al

Evaluating the Impact of Ursodeoxycholic Acid on Hepatic Clearance of [Tc]Tc-Sestamibi: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve Myocardial Perfusion Imaging.

RCTn = 174

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of a single 300 mg oral dose of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on hepatic clearance of [Tc]Tc-sestamibi in 174 patients undergoing myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. The study found no statistically significant improvement in hepatic clearance or image quality, suggesting the dosing regimen was insufficient for a significant choleretic effect.

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2025·American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM·Catalina de Paco Matallana, Jose E Blanco-Carnero, Ana Company Calabuig, et al

Randomized controlled trial of the impact of ursodeoxycholic acid on glycemia in gestational diabetes mellitus: the GUARDS trial.

RCTn = 113Womens Health

RCT of 113 women with gestational diabetes mellitus comparing ursodeoxycholic acid to placebo for improving maternal glycemia. No significant difference in fasting glycemia was found between groups, but higher serum concentrations of ursodeoxycholic acid were associated with better glycemic control.

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2025·Arab journal of gastroenterology : the official publication of the Pan-Arab Association of Gastroenterology·Lin Jiang, Qiuyu Jiang, Can Yang

Clinical efficacy of phenobarbital combined with ursodeoxycholic acid in the treatment of neonatal patients with cholestasis.

RCTn = 100

RCT of 100 infants with neonatal cholestasis comparing phenobarbital alone to phenobarbital combined with ursodeoxycholic acid. The combination group showed improved liver function, reduced serum bilirubin levels, and a higher total effective rate compared to the phenobarbital group. The combination treatment was well-tolerated with mild adverse reactions.

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2024·Journal of diabetes research·Biljana Lakić, Ranko Škrbić, Snežana Uletilović, et al

Beneficial Effects of Ursodeoxycholic Acid on Metabolic Parameters and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study.

RCTn = 60Inflammation Nutrition

RCT of 60 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus evaluating the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) versus placebo. UDCA treatment significantly reduced body mass index, diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, and liver enzyme activity. It also improved prooxidative and antioxidative parameters, suggesting beneficial effects on metabolic and oxidative stress parameters.

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2023·PloS one·Marjaneh Zarkesh, Sadroddin Mahdipour, Safoora Aghili, et al

Evaluation of therapeutic effect of oral Ursodeoxycholic Acid on indirect hyperbilirubinemia in term neonates undergoing phototherapy: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

RCTn = 106Womens Health

RCT evaluating the effect of oral Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) on indirect hyperbilirubinemia in 106 term neonates undergoing phototherapy. UDCA plus phototherapy significantly reduced total serum bilirubin levels and shortened hospital stay compared to phototherapy alone, with no observed side effects.

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2023·European review for medical and pharmacological sciences·A Aloun, S Akbulut, I U Garzali, et al

Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on liver regeneration capacity after living donor hepatectomy: a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

RCTn = 60

This prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial studied the effect of postoperative administration of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on liver regeneration capacity in 60 living liver donors. The UDCA group showed significant improvements in liver function tests and INR compared to the non-UDCA group.

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2023·Trials·Flavia L Lombardo, Stefania Spila Alegiani, Flavia Mayer, et al

A randomized double-blind clinical trial on safety and efficacy of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) as add-on treatment in patients affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): the statistical analysis plan of TUDCA-ALS trial.

RCT

The TUDCA-ALS study is a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized multicenter phase III trial assessing the efficacy and safety of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) as add-on therapy to riluzole in ALS patients. The primary outcome is a 20% improvement in the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised slope over 18 months compared to a 3-month lead-in period.

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2022·World journal of pediatrics : WJP·Si-Ying Liu, Li-Wen Chang, Jing Wang, et al

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

RCTn = 102Gut Health

RCT examining the prophylactic effect of oral ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on preventing cholestasis associated with total parenteral nutrition in preterm infants. The study found that UDCA significantly reduced peak serum levels of direct and total bilirubin and the incidence of neonatal cholestasis compared to the control group.

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2022·Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society·Yaping Guan, Fei Xu, Xiaodong Zhang, et al

Roles of ursodeoxycholic acid in the bile biochemistry and metabolomics in patients with choledocholithiasis: a prospective study.

RCTn = 89

Prospective study of 89 patients with choledocholithiasis examining the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on bile biochemistry and metabolomics. UDCA treatment decreased bile levels of cholesterol and endotoxins and evoked changes in metabolomics related to lipid and amino acid metabolism.

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2022·Journal of clinical gastroenterology·Junyi Duan, Xin Chen, Yixing Wang, et al

Acupoint Catgut Embedding as Adjunctive Therapy for Patients With Gallstones.

RCTn = 63

RCT investigating the efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) as adjunctive therapy to tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) in patients with gallstones. The ACE group showed improved gallbladder emptying and decreased symptom scores compared to the Sham group.

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2022·Systematic reviews·Rivfka Shenoy, Patrick Kirkland, Joseph E Hadaya, et al

Management of symptomatic cholelithiasis: a systematic review.

Systematic review

Systematic review analyzing clinical effectiveness of treatment options for symptomatic cholelithiasis, including surgery, observation, lithotripsy, ursodeoxycholic acid, electro-acupuncture, and ED pain management strategies. Highlights gaps in knowledge and suggests future trials to guide treatment comparisons.

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2022·The British journal of surgery·Sylke Haal, Maimoena S S Guman, L Maurits de Brauw, et al

Cost-effectiveness of ursodeoxycholic acid in preventing new-onset symptomatic gallstone disease after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

RCT

The study evaluated the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) prophylaxis for preventing symptomatic gallstone disease after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in patients without pre-existing gallstones. Patients receiving UDCA were more likely to remain free from symptomatic gallstone disease compared to placebo, with a gain in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The study found UDCA prophylaxis to be cost-effective.

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2024·Med (New York, N.Y.)·Dimitrios C Ladakis, Kimystian L Harrison, Matthew D Smith, et al

Bile acid metabolites predict multiple sclerosis progression and supplementation is safe in progressive disease.

RCTn = 47

The study investigated bile acid metabolism in multiple sclerosis (MS) and the effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) supplementation. An observational cohort showed that higher primary bile acid levels predicted slower brain and retinal atrophy. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 47 participants assessed the safety and tolerability of TUDCA in progressive MS, finding it safe with measurable biological effects, though no significant differences in clinical outcomes were noted.

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2024·Journal of the American Heart Association·Reindert F Oostveen, Yannick Kaiser, Merel L Hartgers, et al

Ursodeoxycholic Acid for Trans Intestinal Cholesterol Excretion Stimulation: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Crossover Study.

RCTn = 20Heart Health

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial in 20 male participants to assess the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on trans intestinal cholesterol excretion (TICE). UDCA increased plasma bile acid hydrophilicity but did not increase fecal neutral sterols or decrease LDL cholesterol, suggesting TICE is not stimulated by increased bile acid hydrophilicity in humans.

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2023·Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society·Thomas Payne, Matthew Appleby, Ellen Buckley, et al

A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) in Parkinson's Disease.

RCTn = 30Brain Health

A phase II, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of high-dose ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in 30 participants with Parkinson's disease over 48 weeks. UDCA was safe and well tolerated, with mild transient gastrointestinal adverse events. Midbrain P-MRS showed improved ATP hydrolysis, and sensor-based gait analysis indicated possible improvement in gait parameters.

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2022·Hepatology international·Chunmei Yang, Guanya Guo, Bo Li, et al

Prediction and evaluation of high-risk patients with primary biliary cholangitis receiving ursodeoxycholic acid therapy: an early criterion.

Observationaln = 569

The study aimed to develop a new criterion for early identification of non-responsive primary biliary cholangitis patients to ursodeoxycholic acid therapy. The Xi'an criterion, evaluated at 1 month, showed a 97% 5-year adverse outcome-free survival rate for responders, significantly higher than non-responders.

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2016·Medicine·Hong Ma, Minde Zeng, Ying Han, et al

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial comparing the efficacy and safety of TUDCA and UDCA in Chinese patients with primary biliary cholangitis.

RCTn = 199

RCT comparing the efficacy and safety of TUDCA and UDCA in 199 Chinese patients with primary biliary cholangitis over 24 weeks. Both TUDCA and UDCA showed similar improvements in serum ALP, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin levels. TUDCA may be better at relieving symptoms like pruritus compared to UDCA.

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2006·Ceska gynekologie·T Binder, P Salaj, T Zima, et al

[Ursodeoxycholic acid, S-adenosyl-L-methionine and their combinations in the treatment of gestational intrahepatic cholestasis (ICP)].

RCTn = 78Womens Health

RCT comparing monotherapy with ursodeoxycholic acid and S-adenosyl-L-methionine to their combination in treating intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Combined therapy and UDCA monotherapy improved serum concentrations of bile acids and liver enzymes more effectively than SAMe monotherapy. No adverse effects on fetuses or neonates were noted.

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2006·Journal of perinatal medicine·Tomás Binder, Peter Salaj, Tomás Zima, et al

Randomized prospective comparative study of ursodeoxycholic acid and S-adenosyl-L-methionine in the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

RCTn = 78Womens Health

RCT comparing the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) monotherapy with their combined effect on intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) in 78 women. All therapies improved pruritus, with combined therapy and UDCA monotherapy improving serum concentrations of bile acids and transaminases more than SAMe monotherapy. Combined therapy showed a faster decrease in these concentrations compared to UDCA alone.

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2002·The Journal of pediatrics·James E Heubi, David A Wiechmann, Vivian Creutzinger, et al

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) in the prevention of total parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease.

RCTn = 52

RCT evaluating the effect of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) on preventing liver injury in neonates treated with total parenteral nutrition. TUDCA was administered to 22 subjects, with 30 in a control group. No significant differences in liver-related blood chemistries were observed between the groups, indicating TUDCA was ineffective in preventing TPN-associated cholestasis.

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1993·Annali italiani di chirurgia·E Croce, M Golia, M Trignano, et al

[Rationale for the use of bile salts after cholecystectomy: results of a controlled clinical study using tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA)].

RCTn = 203Gut Health

RCT studying the activity and safety of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) in preventing dyspepsia in cholecystectomized patients. TUDCA group showed a prompt regression in severity of symptoms compared to the untreated group, with significant differences noted at the first control after one month.

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2018·Scientific reports·Da Jung Kim, Seonghae Yoon, Sang Chun Ji, et al

Ursodeoxycholic acid improves liver function via phenylalanine/tyrosine pathway and microbiome remodelling in patients with liver dysfunction.

RCTn = 19

RCT involving 19 patients with obesity and liver dysfunction, comparing the effects of UDCA and vitamin E. UDCA significantly improved liver function scores and regulated uremic toxins, antioxidants, and the phenylalanine/tyrosine pathway, with microbiome involvement. Vitamin E reduced uremic toxins and liver dysfunction but did not show the same alterations as UDCA.

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2016·Clinical science (London, England : 1979)·Lauren K Walsh, Robert M Restaino, Martha Neuringer, et al

Administration of tauroursodeoxycholic acid prevents endothelial dysfunction caused by an oral glucose load.

RCTn = 12Heart Health

This study tested the effect of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) on endothelial dysfunction caused by an oral glucose load in 12 healthy subjects. The results showed that TUDCA prevented the reduction in flow-mediated dilation observed under placebo conditions, suggesting it mitigates hyperglycaemia-induced endothelial dysfunction.

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2015·European journal of neurology·A E Elia, S Lalli, M R Monsurrò, et al

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid in the treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

RCTn = 34Brain Health

RCT of 34 ALS patients comparing tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) to placebo over 54 weeks. TUDCA was well tolerated and showed a higher proportion of responders with improved ALSFRS-R scores and slower disease progression compared to placebo.

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2013·Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis·Patrizia Simoni, Maria Magliulo, Mara Mirasoli, et al

A new point-of-care portable immunosensor for non-invasive assessment of oro-ileal transit time by oral fluid tauroursodeoxycholate measurement after its oral load.

RCTn = 24

A non-invasive test for oro-ileal transit time (OITT) was developed using oral fluid tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) concentration measurement after oral administration. The test was validated in 24 healthy subjects, showing increased OITT after Loperamide treatment. The CL immunosensor provides a new point-of-care method for OITT evaluation.

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2013·Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Medical sciences = Hua zhong ke ji da xue xue bao. Yi xue Ying De wen ban = Huazhong keji daxue xuebao. Yixue Yingdewen ban·Xiao-Li Pan, Li Zhao, Liang Li, et al

Efficacy and safety of tauroursodeoxycholic acid in the treatment of liver cirrhosis: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

RCTn = 18

Double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in 18 patients with liver cirrhosis. TUDCA showed significant reductions in serum ALT, AST, and ALP levels and increased serum albumin levels, suggesting it may be more effective than UDCA in improving biochemical markers of liver health. Both treatments were well tolerated with no significant side effects.

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2012·Amyloid : the international journal of experimental and clinical investigation : the official journal of the International Society of Amyloidosis·Laura Obici, Andrea Cortese, Alessandro Lozza, et al

Doxycycline plus tauroursodeoxycholic acid for transthyretin amyloidosis: a phase II study.

RCTn = 20

Phase II open-label study evaluating the efficacy, tolerability, safety, and pharmacokinetics of doxycycline and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) in 20 patients with transthyretin amyloidosis. The combination stabilized the disease for at least 1 year in the majority of patients with an acceptable toxicity profile.

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2010·Diabetes·Marleen Kars, Ling Yang, Margaret F Gregor, et al

Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid may improve liver and muscle but not adipose tissue insulin sensitivity in obese men and women.

RCTn = 20Hormone Health

RCT of 20 obese subjects evaluating the effect of TUDCA therapy on insulin sensitivity. TUDCA treatment increased hepatic and muscle insulin sensitivity by approximately 30% and improved muscle insulin signaling, but did not affect markers of ER stress in muscle or adipose tissue.

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2002·European journal of clinical investigation·G Rudolph, P Kloeters-Plachky, P Sauer, et al

Intestinal absorption and biliary secretion of ursodeoxycholic acid and its taurine conjugate.

RCTn = 8

The study investigated the absorption and biliary secretion of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and its taurine conjugate (TUDCA) in patients with complete extrahepatic biliary obstruction. Results showed no significant differences in absorption and biliary bile acid secretion between UDCA and TUDCA, though TUDCA was preferentially taurine-conjugated.

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1998·Hepato-gastroenterology·A Crosignani, G Budillon, L Cimino, et al

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid for the treatment of HCV-related chronic hepatitis: a multicenter placebo-controlled study.

RCTn = 150

RCT of 150 patients with chronic hepatitis comparing tauroursodeoxycholic acid at daily doses of 500 mg or 750 mg to placebo for 6 months. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid treatment resulted in a consistent decrease in aminotransferase serum levels and progressive improvement over time.

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1996·Gut·K D Setchell, C M Rodrigues, M Podda, et al

Metabolism of orally administered tauroursodeoxycholic acid in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.

RCT

The study investigates the metabolism of orally administered tauroursodeoxycholic acid in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Patients received 500, 1000, or 1500 mg/day for six months, showing changes in bile acid composition and a shift towards a more hydrophilic bile acid pool, potentially more favorable than ursodeoxycholic acid therapy.

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1996·The Italian journal of gastroenterology·P Portincasa, A DiCiaula, V Palmieri, et al

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid and gallbladder motility in gallstone patients and healthy subjects.

RCT

RCT measuring fasting and postprandial gallbladder volumes in healthy subjects and gallstone patients ingesting tauroursodeoxycholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid, or placebo. Acute ingestion did not modify postprandial gallbladder emptying, but chronic treatment increased fasting gallbladder volume without affecting postprandial emptying.

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1994·Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition·M Merli, S Bertasi, R Servi, et al

Effect of a medium dose of ursodeoxycholic acid with or without taurine supplementation on the nutritional status of patients with cystic fibrosis: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

RCTn = 51Nutrition -

RCT investigating the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid, with or without taurine, on the nutritional status of malnourished young adult CF patients with chronic liver disease. The study found no significant improvement in nutritional status or fat absorption, though liver function tests improved in patients with chronic liver disease.

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1999·Italian journal of gastroenterology and hepatology·M Angelico, G Tisone, L Baiocchi, et al

One-year pilot study on tauroursodeoxycholic acid as an adjuvant treatment after liver transplantation.

RCTn = 33

RCT of tauroursodeoxycholic acid as an adjuvant treatment after liver transplantation in 33 patients. Treatment was safe and well tolerated but did not affect graft function and survival. It was associated with lower serum cholesterol levels and milder cholestasis during early postoperative months.

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1995·International journal of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics·M Muraca, M T Vilei, V Cianci, et al

Effect of tauroursodeoxycholic acid on biliary lipid composition. A dose-response study.

RCTn = 33

The study investigated the effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid on biliary lipid composition in 33 patients with radiolucent stones. Administration of tauroursodeoxycholic acid resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in cholesterol saturation and an increase in the percentage of ursodeoxycholic acid in bile. The study found that tauroursodeoxycholic acid is effective in reducing biliary cholesterol saturation and enriching bile with ursodeoxycholate.

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1993·La Clinica terapeutica·F Ferri, P Bernocchi, S Fedeli

[Taurodeoxycholic acid in the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis. A controlled study in comparison to ursodeoxycholic acid].

RCTn = 30

RCT comparing taurodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in 30 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis over 6 months. UDCA was found to be more effective than TUDCA in improving liver function, particularly GGT levels, and had better tolerability.

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1992·Minerva medica·G Buzzelli, S Moscarella, G Focardi, et al

[Ursodeoxycholic hemisuccinate in the treatment of chronic active hepatitis. A controlled clinico-therapeutic study].

RCTn = 36

Controlled study on 36 patients with chronic hepatitis, comparing UDCA-hemisuccinate and SAMe. UDCA-hemisuccinate significantly reduced ALT, AST, and y-GT levels, suggesting its usefulness in long-term treatment of chronic liver diseases of viral aetiology.

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1990·Gastroenterology·M Podda, C Ghezzi, P M Battezzati, et al

Effects of ursodeoxycholic acid and taurine on serum liver enzymes and bile acids in chronic hepatitis.

RCTn = 24

Double-blind, randomized trial comparing ursodeoxycholic acid, taurine, and their combination on liver injury indices in 24 chronic hepatitis patients. Ursodeoxycholic acid improved liver enzyme levels, while taurine alone did not. The combination showed minor changes compared to ursodeoxycholic acid alone.

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1986·The American journal of clinical nutrition·P G Frenkiel, D W Lee, H Cohen, et al

The effect of diet on bile acid kinetics and biliary lipid secretion in gallstone patients treated with ursodeoxycholic acid.

RCTn = 49

RCT investigating the effects of dietary alterations on bile acid kinetics and biliary lipid secretion in gallstone patients treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The study found that while medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) further decreased the synthesis of chenodeoxycholic acid, no diet significantly altered the UDCA-induced changes in bile acid pools or cholesterol saturation.

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2019·European review for medical and pharmacological sciences·K-Y Bian, H-F Jin, W Sun, et al

DCA can improve the ACI-induced neurological impairment through negative regulation of Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Animal studyn = 60Brain Health

The study investigated the effect of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) on neurological impairment induced by acute cerebral infarction in rats. TUDCA improved neurological symptoms, reduced serum triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL-C, and alleviated inflammatory and oxidative stress responses by negatively regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

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