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Glyceric Prodrug of Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA): Novozym 435-Catalyzed Synthesis of UDCA-Monoglyceride. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26195966. [PMID: 34641510 PMCID: PMC8513054 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bile acids (BAs) are a family of steroids synthesized from cholesterol in the liver. Among bile acids, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the drug of choice for treating primary biliary cirrhosis and dissolving cholesterol gallstones. The clinical effectiveness of UDCA includes its choleretic activity, the capability to inhibit hydrophobic bile acid absorption by the intestine under cholestatic conditions, reducing cholangiocyte injury, stimulation of impaired biliary output, and inhibition of hepatocyte apoptosis. Despite its clinical effectiveness, UDCA is poorly soluble in the gastro-duodeno-jejunal contents, and pharmacological doses of UDCA are not readily soluble in the stomach and intestine, resulting in incomplete absorption. Indeed, the solubility of 20 mg/L greatly limits the bioavailability of UDCA. Since the bioavailability of drug products plays a critical role in the design of oral administration dosages, we investigated the enzymatic esterification of UDCA as a strategy of hydrophilization. Therefore, we decided to enzymatically synthesize a glyceric ester of UDCA bile acid to produce a more water-soluble molecule. The esterification reactions between UDCA and glycerol were performed with an immobilized lipase B from Candida antarctica (Novozym 435) in solvent-free and solvent-assisted systems. The characterization of the UDCA-monoglyceride, enzymatically synthesized, has been performed by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, IR, and MS spectroscopy.
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El-Serafi I, Remberger M, El-Serafi A, Benkessou F, Zheng W, Martell E, Ljungman P, Mattsson J, Hassan M. The effect of N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) on liver toxicity and clinical outcome after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8293. [PMID: 29844459 PMCID: PMC5974141 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26033-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Busulphan (Bu) is a myeloablative drug used for conditioning prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Bu is predominantly metabolized through glutathione conjugation, a reaction that consumes the hepatic glutathione. N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) is a glutathione precursor used in the treatment of acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. NAC does not interfere with the busulphan myeloablative effect. We investigated the effect of NAC concomitant treatment during busulphan conditioning on the liver enzymes as well as the clinical outcome. Prophylactic NAC treatment was given to 54 patients upon the start of busulphan conditioning. These patients were compared with 54 historical matched controls who did not receive NAC treatment. In patients treated with NAC, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased after conditioning compared to their start values. Within the NAC-group, liver enzymes were normalized in those patients (30%) who had significantly high start values. No significant decrease in enzyme levels was observed in the control group. Furthermore, NAC affected neither Bu kinetics nor clinical outcome (sinusoidal obstruction syndrome incidence, graft-versus-host disease and/or graft failure). In conclusion: NAC is a potential prophylactic treatment for hepatotoxicity during busulphan conditioning. NAC therapy did not alter busulphan kinetics or affect clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim El-Serafi
- ECM, KFC, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mats Remberger
- Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ahmed El-Serafi
- ECM, KFC, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Fadwa Benkessou
- ECM, KFC, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wenyi Zheng
- ECM, KFC, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Martell
- Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Ljungman
- Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Mattsson
- Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Moustapha Hassan
- ECM, KFC, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Experimental Cancer Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden.
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Zuo P, Dobbins RL, O'Connor-Semmes RL, Young MA. A Systems Model for Ursodeoxycholic Acid Metabolism in Healthy and Patients With Primary Biliary Cirrhosis. CPT-PHARMACOMETRICS & SYSTEMS PHARMACOLOGY 2016; 5:418-26. [PMID: 27537780 PMCID: PMC4999605 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A systems model was developed to describe the metabolism and disposition of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and its conjugates in healthy subjects based on pharmacokinetic (PK) data from published studies in order to study the distribution of oral UDCA and potential interactions influencing therapeutic effects upon interruption of its enterohepatic recirculation. The base model was empirically adapted to patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) based on current understanding of disease pathophysiology and clinical measurements. Simulations were performed for patients with PBC under two competing hypotheses: one for inhibition of ileal absorption of both UDCA and conjugates and the other only of conjugates. The simulations predicted distinctly different bile acid distribution patterns in plasma and bile. The UDCA model adapted to patients with PBC provides a platform to investigate a complex therapeutic drug interaction among UDCA, UDCA conjugates, and inhibition of ileal bile acid transport in this rare disease population.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Zuo
- PAREXEL International, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - R L Dobbins
- Cempra Pharmaceuticals, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - M A Young
- PAREXEL International, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Miyanishi K, Hoki T, Tanaka S, Kato J. Prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma: Focusing on antioxidant therapy. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:593-599. [PMID: 25848483 PMCID: PMC4381182 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i3.593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been investigated in the context of alcoholic liver injury for many years and shown to be a causal factor of chronic hepatitis C (CHC), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), drug-induced liver injury, Wilson’s disease, and hemochromatosis. In CHC, it has been demonstrated that oxidative stress plays an important role in hepatocarcinogenesis. In cases with persistent hepatitis due to failure of hepatitis C virus eradication, or chronic liver disease, such as NASH, the treatment of which remains unestablished, it is important to reduce serum alanine aminotransferase levels and prevent liver fibrosis and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. This also suggests the importance of antioxidant therapy. Among treatment options where it would be expected that anti-inflammatory activity plays a role in their confirmed efficacy for chronic hepatitis, iron depletion therapy, glycyrrhizin, ursodeoxycholic acid, Sho-Saiko-To, and vitamin E can all be considered antioxidant therapies. To date, however, the ability of these treatments to prevent cancer has been confirmed only in CHC. Nevertheless, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects have been demonstrated in other liver diseases and these therapies may potentially be effective for cancer prevention.
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Nojiri S, Nakao H, Sugauchi F, Miyaki T, Senda K, Sasaki M, Kataoka H, Kamiya T, Nakazawa T, Ohara H, Orito E, Joh T. Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on serum liver enzymes and bile acid metabolism in chronic active hepatitis C virus infection. Hepatol Res 2009; 39:21-30. [PMID: 18721155 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2008.00406.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Many reports have revealed ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to be effective against chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, some cases resist this therapy and the mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, UDCA was administered to patients with chronic HCV and the correlation between the bile acids of the biliary bile and serum and the drug efficacy was investigated. METHODS Fifteen patients were given 600 mg/day of UDCA for more than 24 weeks. The serum bile acid concentrations and biliary and serum bile acid were collected before and after 24 weeks of UDCA treatment, and composition determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS The treatment was effective in nine cases (ALT decreased to less than twice the normal values 80 IU/L) and ineffective in six cases. There was no significant difference in the serum bile acid concentrations before and after UDCA treatment between the values of both cases. After UDCA treatment, the serum percentage of UDCA (effective, 62.5 +/- 2.0; ineffective, 53.5 +/- 2.5, (P = 0.02)) and the percentage of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) showed no remarkable changes. In the biliary bile the percentage of CDCA (effective, 30.9 +/- 2.0; ineffective, 20.0 +/- 3.0, (P = 0.007)) and the percentage of UDCA showed no remarkable changes. CONCLUSION In the effective cases, the percentage of UDCA in the serum and the percentage of CDCA in biliary bile were significantly higher than in the ineffective cases. This indicates that, when effective, CDCA decreases in hepatocytes and this reduction contributes to hepatoprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Nojiri
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Trials have assessed bile acids for patients with viral hepatitis, but no consensus has been reached regarding their usefulness. OBJECTIVES To assess the beneficial and harmful effects of bile acids for viral hepatitis. SEARCH STRATEGY Searches were performed in The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register (July 2007), The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2007), MEDLINE (July 2007), EMBASE (July 2007), Science Citation Index Expanded (July 2007), and Chinese Biomedical Database (July 2007). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised clinical trials comparing any dose or duration of bile acids versus placebo or no intervention for viral hepatitis were included, irrespective of language, publication status, or blinding. Co-interventions were allowed in the included randomised clinical trials. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors extracted the data independently. The methodological quality of the trials was evaluated with respect to generation of the allocation sequence, allocation concealment, double blinding, and follow-up. The outcomes were presented as relative risks (RR) or weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS We identified 29 randomised trials of bile acids for hepatitis B or C; none were of high methodological quality. We were unable to extract data from two trials. In one trial, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) versus placebo for acute hepatitis B significantly reduced the risk of hepatitis B surface antigen positivity at the end of treatment and serum HBV DNA level at the end of follow-up. In another trial, UDCA versus no intervention for chronic hepatitis B significantly reduced the risk of having abnormal serum transaminase activities at the end of treatment. Twenty-five trials compared bile acids (21 trials UDCA; four trials tauro-UDCA) versus placebo or no intervention with or without co-interventions for chronic hepatitis C. Bile acids did not significantly reduce the risk of having detectable serum HCV RNA (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.07), cirrhosis, or portal and periportal inflammation score at the end of treatment. Bile acids significantly decreased the risk of having abnormal serum alanine aminotransferase activity at the end of treatment (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.90) and follow-up (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.98). Bile acids significantly increased the Knodell score (WMD 0.20, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.31) at the end of treatment. No severe adverse events were reported. We did not identify trials including patients with hepatitis A, acute hepatitis C, hepatitis D, or hepatitis E. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Bile acids lead to a significant improvement in serum transaminase activities in hepatitis B and C but have no effects on the clearance of virus. There is insufficient evidence either to support or to refute effects on long-term outcomes including hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic decompensation, and liver related mortality. Randomised trials with high methodological quality are required before clinical use is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Chen
- Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Liver Clinic, Room 181, 6B Fell Pav, 399 Bathurst St, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5T 2S8.
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Csepregi A, Malfertheiner P. Do we need alternative treatment options for autoimmune hepatitis? Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2006; 8:177-8. [PMID: 16764782 DOI: 10.1007/s11894-006-0069-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antal Csepregi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Leipziger Strasse 44, D-39120, Magdeburg, Germany
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Duclos-Vallée JC, Di Martino V, Cazier A, Ballot E, Johanet C, Yamamoto AM, Emile JF, Guettier C, Coutarel P, Cadranel JF. Remission with ursodeoxycholic acid of type 1 autoimmune hepatitis resistant to azathioprine and steroids. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 29:1173-6. [PMID: 16505766 DOI: 10.1016/s0399-8320(05)82185-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Combination therapy with steroids and azathioprine is the reference treatment for autoimmune hepatitis, but potential adverse effects are numerous and intolerance can occur. We report a patient with a well-documented type 1 autoimmune hepatitis intolerant to corticosteroids and azathioprine therapy, in whom eight years of ursodeoxycholic acid monotherapy was associated with biochemical and histological remission.
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Czaja AJ, Bianchi FB, Carpenter HA, Krawitt EL, Lohse AW, Manns MP, McFarlane IG, Mieli-Vergani G, Toda G, Vergani D, Vierling J, Zeniya M. Treatment challenges and investigational opportunities in autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatology 2005; 41:207-15. [PMID: 15690485 DOI: 10.1002/hep.20539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
New drugs and advances in molecular biology afford opportunities to upgrade the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. The aims of this study were to define treatment problems, identify possible solutions, and stimulate investigations to improve patient care. A clinical subcommittee of the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group reviewed current management difficulties and proposed corrective actions. The assessment of new front-line and salvage therapies for adults and children were given top priority. Cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil were endorsed as drugs worthy of rigorous study in severe disease, and budesonide was endorsed for study as front-line therapy in mild disease. Diagnostic criteria and treatment regimens for children required codification, and pharmacokinetic studies were encouraged to develop optimal dosing schedules based on therapeutic ranges. Collaborative efforts were proposed to help understand racial, geographical, and genetic factors affecting outcome and to establish definitions and therapies for variant syndromes and graft dysfunction after transplantation. The development of experimental animal models was deemed essential for the study of site-specific molecular interventions, and gene therapy was endorsed as a means of bolstering reparative processes. In conclusion, evolving pharmacological and technical advances promise to improve the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis, and investigations of these advances are timely, feasible, and necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Nguyen-Khac E, Kairis L, Gournay N, Bonniere M, Thevenot T, Mathurin P, Hachulla E, Paris JC, Dupas JL. « Overlap syndrome » ou syndrome de chevauchement entre cirrhose biliaire primitive et hépatite auto-immune. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 28:1107-16. [PMID: 15657534 DOI: 10.1016/s0399-8320(04)95189-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Santos VN, Lanzoni VP, Szejnfeld J, Shigueoka D, Parise ER. A randomized double-blind study of the short-time treatment of obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with ursodeoxycholic acid. Braz J Med Biol Res 2003; 36:723-9. [PMID: 12792701 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2003000600007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to determine the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, 30 patients with body mass indices higher than 25, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) at least more than 1.5 times the upper limit of normality, and hepatic steatosis demonstrated by ultrasonography were randomized into two groups of 15 patients to receive placebo or 10 mg kg-1 day-1 ursodeoxycholic acid for three months. Abdominal computed tomography was performed to quantify hepatic fat content, which was significantly correlated with histological grading of steatosis (r s = -0.83, P < 0.01). Patient body mass index remained stable for both groups throughout the study, but a significant reduction in mean ( +/- SEM) serum levels of ALT, AST and gamma-GT was observed only in the treated group (ALT = 81.2 +/- 9.7, 44.8 +/- 7.7, 48.1 +/- 7.7 and 52.2 +/- 6.3 IU/l at the beginning and after the first, second and third months, respectively, N = 14, P < 0.05). For the placebo group ALT values were 66.4 +/- 9.8, 54.5 +/- 7, 60 +/- 7.6 and 43.7 5 IU/l, respectively. No alterations in hepatic lipid content were observed in these patients by computed tomography examination (50.2 +/- 4.2 Hounsfield units (HU) at the beginning versus 51.1 +/- 4.1 HU at the third month). These results show that ursodeoxycholic acid is able to reduce serum levels of hepatic enzymes in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, but this effect is not related to modifications in liver fat content.
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Affiliation(s)
- V N Santos
- Disciplina de Gastroenterologia, Departamento de Medicina, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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Cadranel JF, Di Martino V, Dorent R, Bernard B, Hoang C, Myara A, Pauwels A, Ghoussoub JJ, Perrin M, Grippon P, Thabut D, Trivin F, Huraux JM, Gandjbakhch I, Opolon P, Lunel F. Effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (ursodiol) treatment on chronic viral hepatitis in heart transplant patients: results of a prospective, double-blind, placebo-randomized study. Transplantation 2003; 75:977-82. [PMID: 12698083 DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000055831.63841.b6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic viral hepatitis averages 15% to 20% in heart transplant patients. Several studies have shown that ursodiol may improve liver biochemistry in patients with chronic hepatitis. We used a double-blind randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of ursodiol in heart transplant patients with chronic viral hepatitis. METHODS Thirty heart patients with chronic viral hepatitis B, C, or non-A-G received ursodiol, 800 mg per day (group 1), and 30 received placebo (group 2) for 12 months. Endpoints were improvement in liver biochemical tests and in total Knodell score. Intent-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were performed. RESULTS At entry, both groups were comparable for all of the studied parameters. During the study period, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase variations were not different between group 1 and group 2 patients. Knodell score improved in 20% of group 1 patients and in 43% of group 2 patients (NS). Adverse events or mortality were not different in the two groups during the study period. Similar results were observed by intent-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. CONCLUSIONS A 12-month course of ursodiol therapy had no effect on liver enzymes or liver histology in heart transplant patients with chronic hepatitis.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Alanine Transaminase/blood
- Aspartate Aminotransferases/blood
- Bile Acids and Salts/blood
- Cholagogues and Choleretics/adverse effects
- Cholagogues and Choleretics/therapeutic use
- Chronic Disease
- Double-Blind Method
- Female
- Heart Transplantation
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/blood
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/complications
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/drug therapy
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/pathology
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/blood
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/complications
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/drug therapy
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/pathology
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/blood
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/drug therapy
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/pathology
- Humans
- Liver/pathology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Placebos/therapeutic use
- Ursodeoxycholic Acid/adverse effects
- Ursodeoxycholic Acid/therapeutic use
- gamma-Glutamyltransferase/blood
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Kobayashi N, Kubota K, Oiwa H, Goto J, Niwa T, Kobayashi K. Idiotype-anti-idiotype-based noncompetitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of ursodeoxycholic acid 7-N-acetylglucosaminides in human urine with subfemtomole range sensitivity. J Immunol Methods 2003; 272:1-10. [PMID: 12505707 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-1759(02)00115-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We have established a noncompetitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the group-specific determination of 7-N-acetylglucosaminide of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA 7-NAG) and its glycine- and taurine-amidated metabolites (UDCA 7-NAGs) in human urine. These metabolites are expected to be a diagnostic marker for patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). This assay is based on the idiotype-antiidiotype reaction where the analyte was captured by an excess amount of anti-UDCA 7-NAG antibody, and the unoccupied paratope was blocked with a beta-type antiidiotype antibody. The hapten-occupied antibody was then selectively detected with a biotin-labeled alpha-type antiidiotype antibody. The amount of bound biotin, increasing proportionally to the increase in the analyte, was colorimetrically determined using a peroxidase-labeled streptavidin. This assay provided subfemtomole range sensitivity (detection limit 118 amol) and allowed group-specific measurement of the UDCA 7-NAGs in urine without any pretreatment. The present ELISA revealed that significant amounts of UDCA 7-NAGs are excreted even in healthy subjects. Daily excretion rates for healthy males were determined to be 246+/-184 (S.D.) microg (n=5) as the glycine-amidated UDCA 7-NAG equivalent. Randomly collected urine specimens from patients with PBC (n=7) were also measured, and the assay values (standardized to creatinine excretion) ranged from 1.82 to 13.4 microg/mg Ucre with the average of 5.41+/-4.53 (S.D.) microg/mg Ucre.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norihiro Kobayashi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Aobayama, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The viral hepatitides are common causes of liver diseases globally. Trials have assessed bile acids for patients with viral hepatitis, but no consensus was reached regarding their usefulness. OBJECTIVES To assess the beneficial and harmful effects of bile acids for viral hepatitis. SEARCH STRATEGY Searches were performed of the trial registers of The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group (September 2002), The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2002), MEDLINE (September 2002), EMBASE (September 2002), and The Chinese Biomedical Database (April 2001). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised clinical trials comparing any dose or duration of bile acids versus placebo or no intervention for viral hepatitis were included, irrespective of language, publication status, or blinding. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers extracted the data independently. The methodological quality of the trials was evaluated with respect to generation of the allocation sequence, allocation concealment, double blinding, and follow-up. The outcomes were presented as relative risks (RR) or weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS We identified 27 randomised trials of bile acids for hepatitis B or C; none were of high methodological quality. In one trial, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) versus placebo for acute hepatitis B significantly reduced the risk of hepatitis B surface antigen positivity at the end of treatment and serum HBV DNA level at the end of follow-up. In another trial, UDCA versus no intervention for chronic hepatitis B significantly reduced the risk of having abnormal serum transaminase activities at the end of treatment. Twenty-five trials compared bile acids (21 trials UDCA; four trials tauro-UDCA) versus placebo or no intervention with or without co-interventions for chronic hepatitis C. Bile acids did not significantly reduce the risk of having detectable serum HCV RNA (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.07), cirrhosis, or portal and periportal inflammation score at the end of treatment. Bile acids significantly decreased the risk of having abnormal serum alanine aminotransferase activity at the end of treatment (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.90) and follow-up (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.98). Bile acids significantly increased the Knodell score (WMD 0.20, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.31) at the end of treatment. No severe adverse events were reported. We did not identify trials including patients with hepatitis A, acute C, D, or E. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS Bile acids lead to a significant improvement in serum transaminase activities in hepatitis B and C. There is insufficient evidence either to support or to refute effects on viral markers, mortality, incidence of cirrhosis, or liver histology. Trials with high methodological quality are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Chen
- Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, H:S Rigshospitalet, Dept. 7102, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Carubbi F, Guicciardi ME, Concari M, Loria P, Bertolotti M, Carulli N. Comparative cytotoxic and cytoprotective effects of taurohyodeoxycholic acid (THDCA) and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) in HepG2 cell line. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2002; 1580:31-9. [PMID: 11923098 DOI: 10.1016/s1388-1981(01)00184-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study was performed to compare the effects of two hydrophilic bile acids, taurohyodeoxycholic acid (THDCA) and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), on HepG2 cells. Cytotoxicity was evaluated at different times of exposure by incubating cells with increasing concentrations (50-800 micromol/l) of either bile acid, while their cytoprotective effect was tested in comparison with deoxycholic acid (DCA) (350 micromol/l and 750 micromol/l)-induced cytotoxicity. Culture media, harvested at the end of each incubation period, were analyzed to evaluate aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase release. In addition, the hemolytic effect of THDCA and TUDCA on human red blood cells was also determined. At 24 h of incubation neither THDCA nor TUDCA was cytotoxic at concentrations up to 200 and 400 micromol/l. At 800 micromol/l both THDCA and TUDCA induced a slight increase in AST release. At this concentration and with time of exposure prolonged up to 72 h, THDCA and TUDCA induced a progressive increase of AST release significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of controls being AST values for THDCA (2.97+/-0.88 time control value (tcv) at 48 h and 4.50+/-1.13 tcv at 72 h) significantly greater than those of TUDCA (1.50+/-0.20 tcv at 48 h and 1.80+/-0.43 tcv at 72 h) (P<0.01). In cytoprotection experiments, the addition of 50 micromol/l THDCA decreased only slightly (-5%) AST release induced by 350 micromol/l DCA, while the addition of 50 micromol/l TUDCA was significantly effective (-23%; P<0.05). Higher doses of THDCA or TUDCA did not reduce toxicity induced by 350 micromol/l DCA, but were much less toxic than an equimolar dose of DCA alone. At the concentration used in this experimental model neither THDCA nor TUDCA was hemolytic; however at a very high concentration (6 mmol/l) both bile acids induced 5-8% hemolysis. We conclude that bile acid molecules with a similar degree of hydrophilicity may show different cytotoxic and cytoprotective properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Carubbi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Policlinico, Via del Pozzo 71, 41100 Modena, Italy
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Kobayashi N, Katsumata H, Katayama H, Oiwa H, Goto J, Takeuchi Y. A monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of ursodeoxycholic acid 3-sulfates in human urine. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2000; 72:265-72. [PMID: 10822016 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-0760(00)00032-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Sulfation of the 3-hydroxy group is assumed to be a major metabolic route of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) which is used for treating various hepatobiliary diseases. We have developed a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for determining the total amount of nonamidated, glycine- and taurine-amidated ursodeoxycholic acid 3-sulfates (UDCA 3-Suls) using a newly established monoclonal antibody. In this study, 12 kinds of antibody-secreting hybridoma clones were generated by a fusion experiment between P3/NS1/1-Ag4-1 myeloma cells and the spleen cells from a BALB/c or an A/J mouse which had been immunized with a conjugate of nonamidated UDCA 3-Sul and bovine serum albumin. One of the monoclonal antibodies, Ba-10 (gamma2a, kappa), had suitable binding properties for clinical application, which was group-specific to the UDCA 3-Suls, and showed negligible cross-reactivities with various related bile acids including potentially interfering compounds, namely, the unconjugated UDCA, UDCA 7-N-acetylglucosaminide, the 3-sulfates of cholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid. The antibody Ba-10 allowed us to develop a sensitive competitive ELISA system whose measurable range was approximately 2-200 pg per assay. A serial dilution study indicated that the ELISA enables the direct measurement of the UDCA 3-Suls in human urine before and after the administration of exogenous UDCA. The daily urinary excretion rate of UDCA 3-Suls from healthy male volunteers (n = 5) was determined to be a mean of 131 +/- 61.2 (SD) microgram as the nonamidated UDCA 3-Sul equivalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Kobayashi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Aobayama, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
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20
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Boucher E, Guyader D, Jacquelinet S, Andre P, Mendler MH, Turlin B, Canva V, Nousbaum JB, Bernard PH, Nouel O, Raabe JJ, Dao T, Gasser P, Verger P, Boutin J, Bergerault P, Joram F, Colmar P, Messner M, Brissot P, Deugnier Y. Interferon and ursodeoxycholic acid combined therapy in chronic viral C hepatitis: controlled randomized trial in 203 patients. Dig Liver Dis 2000; 32:29-33. [PMID: 10975752 DOI: 10.1016/s1590-8658(00)80041-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This prospective randomized trial was carried out in order to determine whether the long-term administration of ursodeoxycholic acid after discontinuation of interferon had any beneficial effect on the clinical course of hepatitis C virus infection. METHODS Enrolled in the study were 203 patients with chronic active hepatitis C. They were all given: interferon alpha-2a (3 MU subcutaneously thrice a week) and ursodeoxycholic acid (10 mg/kg/day) for 9 months. At month 9, biochemical responders only were randomized into ursodeoxycholic acid treatment or placebo for 12 additional months (double blind study). RESULTS At the end of interferon therapy, 71 patients (37%) were virological responders and 107 (56%) patients were biochemical responders and were randomized: 54 into the ursodeoxycholic acid group and 53 into the placebo group. Sustained response was evaluated 12 months after withdrawal of interferon. Sustained biochemical and virological responses were, respectively, 30% and 22% in the ursodeoxycholic acid group and 46% and 32% in the placebo group, which did not significantly differ. Histological evolution of fibrosis and necrotic inflammatory activity were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION Continuation of ursodeoxycholic acid therapy after withdrawal of interferon in patients with end-of-treatment response did not result in any significant improvement either in the maintenance of response to interferon or in liver histology.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Boucher
- Clinique des Maladies du Foie et INSERM U49, Hôpital Pontchaillou Rennes, France.
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21
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Czaja AJ, Carpenter HA, Lindor KD. Ursodeoxycholic acid as adjunctive therapy for problematic type 1 autoimmune hepatitis: a randomized placebo-controlled treatment trial. Hepatology 1999; 30:1381-6. [PMID: 10573515 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510300603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid as adjunctive therapy in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis, 37 patients who had experienced treatment failure, repeated relapse, or incomplete response were randomized to ursodeoxycholic acid (13-15 mg/kg daily) or placebo for 6 months in addition to their usual corticosteroid schedule. Serum aspartate transaminase (70% vs. 31%, P =.04) and alkaline phosphatase (47% vs. 7%, P =.02) levels improved more commonly in the 21 patients randomized to ursodeoxycholic acid. Mean serum levels, however, were similar before and after the treatment period. The frequency of dose reduction or corticosteroid withdrawal was comparable in both groups (29% versus 31%, P >.9), and clinical improvement (48% vs. 44%, P >.9) or its absence (52% vs. 56%, P >.9) occurred as commonly in patients receiving ursodeoxycholic acid or placebo. The modified histological activity score (3.5 +/- 0.8 vs. 3. 5 +/- 0.9) and the modified fibrosis score (2.4 +/- 0.4 vs. 2.4 +/- 0.4) were similar before and after treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid and no different than after placebo therapy. We conclude that ursodeoxycholic acid can improve certain laboratory tests in problematic patients with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis when administered adjunctively for 6 months. Short-term therapy, however, does not facilitate reduction in the dose of corticosteroids or its withdrawal, affect clinical outcome, or reduce histological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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22
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Fabris P, Tositti G, Mazzella G, Zanetti AR, Nicolin R, Pellizzer G, Benedetti P, de Lalla F. Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid administration in patients with acute viral hepatitis: a pilot study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1999; 13:1187-93. [PMID: 10468700 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.1999.00592.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is able to improve biochemical markers of cholestasis, with a parallel decrease in transaminases, in various cholestatic liver diseases. AIM To evaluate the effects of UDCA administration on acute viral hepatitis-related cholestasis and the course of acute viral hepatitis. METHODS Seventy-nine consecutive patients with acute viral hepatitis (HBV: 43, HCV: 11, HAV: 15, HEV: 3, Non A-E: 7) were randomized to receive either UDCA for 3 weeks or no treatment. Liver biochemistry and serum bile acid determinations were run at weekly intervals. RESULTS No significant differences were observed in mean percentage decreases in transaminases between treated and untreated patients. By contrast, cholestatic indexes decreased significantly more quickly in patients treated with UDCA than in controls, and this effect was more evident in patients with increasing alanine transaminase levels at admission. After a peak at the end of the first week of therapy, serum levels of conjugated ursodeoxycholic acid (CUDCA) showed a gradual decrease. Conjugated cholic acid (CCA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CCDCA) showed a progressive decrease with the resolution of viral hepatitis, but no influence of UDCA administration was observed. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that UDCA significantly improves cholestatic indices in patients with acute viral hepatitis, but this effect does not seem to affect the course of the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Fabris
- Department of Infectious Diseases, S. Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy.
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23
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Levine A, Maayan A, Shamir R, Dinari G, Sulkes J, Sirotta L. Parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis in preterm neonates: evaluation of ursodeoxycholic acid treatment. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 1999; 12:549-53. [PMID: 10417972 DOI: 10.1515/jpem.1999.12.4.549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Parenteral nutrition is an integral part of the care of premature infants. Cholestatic liver disease is a frequent complication of prolonged parenteral nutrition, especially in premature infants. It has been suggested that ursodeoxycholic acid may alter the course of parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis in children and adults. We attempted to determine the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid in premature infants with parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis. METHODS Retrospective chart review of all infants receiving ursodeoxycholic acid for parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis in a 40 bed neonatal intensive care unit. Efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid was evaluated by response of bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase over a treatment period of at least 1 month. RESULTS Six infants with parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis who had received ursodeoxycholic acid for one month were identified. Doses of ursodeoxycholic acid ranged from 15-30 mg/kg/day. Cholestasis appeared at a mean age of 47 +/- 17 (mean +/- SD) days after a mean of 42 +/- 15 days of parenteral nutrition. Transaminase levels decreased in three, and either increased or did not change in the other three infants. Bilirubin levels decreased in all infants. Alkaline phosphatase showed a non significant trend to decreased levels. Consistent improvement in all infants was noted only after 10 days of full enteral nutrition. No toxicity was found during ursodeoxycholic acid treatment. CONCLUSIONS Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment in premature infants appears to be safe, and leads to an early sustained decrease in bilirubin levels by two weeks of therapy. The response of transaminase levels was not sustained in our small cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Levine
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel
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Simultaneous determination of ursodeoxycholic acid and its glycine-conjugate in serum as phenacyl esters using multidimensional liquid chromatography. Chromatographia 1999. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02493624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Invernizzi P, Setchell KD, Crosignani A, Battezzati PM, Larghi A, O'Connell NC, Podda M. Differences in the metabolism and disposition of ursodeoxycholic acid and of its taurine-conjugated species in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Hepatology 1999; 29:320-7. [PMID: 9918905 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510290220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
The clinical effectiveness of ursodeoxycholate in the treatment of liver disease may be limited by its poor absorption and extensive biotransformation. Because in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that the more hydrophilic bile acid tauroursodeoxycholate has greater beneficial effects than ursodeoxycholate, we have compared for the first time the absorption, metabolism, and clinical responses to these bile acids in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Twelve female patients with PBC were sequentially administered tauroursodeoxycholate and ursodeoxycholate (750 mg/d for 2 months) in a randomized, cross-over study. Bile acids were measured in serum, duodenal bile, urine, and feces by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Biliary ursodeoxycholate enrichment was higher during tauroursodeoxycholate administration (32.6% vs. 29.2% during ursodeoxycholate; P <.05). Lithocholic acid concentration was consistently higher in all biological fluids during ursodeoxycholate administration. Fecal bile acid excretion was the major route of elimination of both bile acids; ursodeoxycholate accounted for 8% and 23% of the total fecal bile acids during tauroursodeoxycholate and ursodeoxycholate administration, respectively (P <.05). Tauroursodeoxycholate was better absorbed than ursodeoxycholate, and, although it was partially deconjugated and reconjugated with glycine, it underwent reduced biotransformation to more hydrophobic metabolites. This comparative study suggests that tauroursodeoxycholate has significant advantages over ursodeoxycholate that may be of benefit for long-term therapy in PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Invernizzi
- Division of Internal Medicine, Ospedale San Paolo School of Medicine, University of Milan, Italy.
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26
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Van Hoogstraten HJ, De Smet MB, Renooij W, Breed JG, Engels LG, Den Ouden-Muller JW, Rijk MC, Smit AM, Zwertbroek R, Hop WC, van Berge Henegouwen GP, Schalm SW, van Buuren HR. A randomized trial in primary biliary cirrhosis comparing ursodeoxycholic acid in daily doses of either 10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg. Dutch Multicentre PBC Study Group. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1998; 12:965-71. [PMID: 9798800 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.1998.00395.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) prolongs transplantation-free survival in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). However, the optimal therapeutic dose has not been established. AIM To compare the effects of UDCA administered in daily doses of 10 vs. 20 mg/kg on symptoms, liver biochemistry and biliary UDCA enrichment. METHODS A 6-month multicentre randomized open controlled trial was conducted to assess the effects of an increase in the dose of UDCA to 20 mg/kg/day vs. continuation of 10 mg/kg/day for patients who had not achieved biochemical normalization during treatment for at least 6 months with the 10 mg/kg dose. Clinical and laboratory evaluations were performed at entry and at 3-month intervals. The percentage UDCA in duodenal bile was assessed at entry and at 6 months. RESULTS Sixty-one patients were enrolled. No side-effects of UDCA were observed. Within the 20 mg/kg/day group significant decreases were found for alkaline phosphatase (- 8%; P = 0.003), aspartate aminotransferase (- 11%; P = 0.01), alanine aminotransferase (- 17%; P < 0.001), gamma-glutamyl transferase (- 34%; P < 0.001), immunoglobulin M (- 11%; P = 0.002) and cholesterol (- 8.1%; P < 0.001). In the 10 mg/kg group none of these parameters differed significantly from baseline. No significant differences between dose groups for symptom scores or serum bilirubin were found. Biliary enrichment with UDCA increased from 37% to 46% in the 20 mg/kg group (P = 0.02) while remaining stable in the 10 mg/kg group. CONCLUSIONS Liver biochemistry improved in PBC patients receiving UDCA 20 mg/kg/day compared to a dose of 10 mg/kg/day. Both doses were equally well tolerated. These results indicate that UDCA 10 mg/kg/ day is a suboptimal dose for treating PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J Van Hoogstraten
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, University Hospital Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Abdelmalek MF, Harrison ME, Gross JB, Poterucha JJ, Gossard AA, Spivey JR, Rakela J, Lindor KD. Treatment of chronic hepatitis C with interferon with or without ursodeoxycholic acid: a randomized prospective trial. J Clin Gastroenterol 1998; 26:130-4. [PMID: 9563925 DOI: 10.1097/00004836-199803000-00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The only effective and approved therapy for chronic hepatitis C is interferon-alpha. Because sustained response rates with interferon alone are disappointingly low, multidrug treatment regimens are currently being investigated. Ursodeoxycholic acid has been used in other chronic liver diseases and can limit hepatocyte injury. To evaluate the potential benefit of ursodeoxycholic acid in combination with interferon-alpha for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, we conducted a prospective, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial comparing the combination therapy of interferon-alpha 2b and ursodeoxycholic acid with interferon alone. Thirty-one patients with chronic hepatitis C were randomized to receive 3 million units of interferon-alpha 2b subcutaneously three times per week and either 13 to 15 mg/kg/day ursodeoxycholic acid or placebo orally for 6 months. The 6-month treatment period was followed by 6 months of observation. Biochemical normalization at the end of treatment occurred in 5 of 14 (36%) patients receiving monotherapy versus 8 of 15 (53%) patients (p = 0.34) receiving combination therapy. No patient treated with interferon alone had a sustained biochemical response 6 months after therapy; however, 3 of 12 patients (25%) treated with combination interferon and ursodeoxycholic acid maintained biochemical normalization at 6 months after therapy (p = 0.08). No difference in liver histology or clearance of hepatitis C viral RNA was noted 6 months after treatment. We conclude that combination therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid and interferon-alpha 2b was no more effective than interferon monotherapy in inducing a biochemical response in previously untreated patients with chronic hepatitis C. Ursodeoxycholic acid, however, may be useful in prolonging the biochemical response to interferon therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Abdelmalek
- Division of Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
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Coleman JP, Kirby LC, Setchell KD, Hylemon PB, Pandak M, Heuman DM, Vlahcevic ZR. Metabolic fate and hepatocyte toxicity of reverse amide analogs of conjugated ursodeoxycholate in the rat. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 1998; 64:91-101. [PMID: 9569014 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-0760(97)00138-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Reverse amide analogs of conjugated bile acids were tested for their effects on the viability of cultured primary rat hepatocytes, for their transport and metabolism in the intact rat, and for their susceptibility to hydrolysis by intestinal bacteria. Succinylnorursodeoxycholanylamide (SNUDCN) and its parent C23 amine showed the same general lack of toxicity toward hepatocytes as the normal conjugates of ursodeoxycholic acid, at concentrations up to 500 microM. The 3alpha,7alpha,12alpha-trihydroxy analog and its parent amine were more toxic than the corresponding dihydroxy compounds, although their effects were similar to those observed for the normal conjugates of cholic acid. Following intraduodenal infusion, greater than 80% of administered SNUDCN appeared in the bile of bile fistula rats. Analysis of bile fractions indicated the presence of SNUDCN (81.5 mol% of original amount) and two metabolites, the taurine conjugate of SNUDCN (9.4 mol%) and SNUDCN containing an additional hydroxy group (9.1 mol%). Although SNUDCN underwent an efficient first pass enterohepatic circulation, it displayed a shorter biological half life than taurocholate (T1/2: 8.9 h vs 39.6 h, respectively). The reverse amide analogs were not hydrolyzed by any of a variety of intestinal bacteria known to hydrolyze normal conjugated bile acids. Despite the shorter half-life, the reverse amide analogs may be of potential use in the targeting of therapeutic bile acids to the colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Coleman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
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Brites D, Rodrigues CM, Oliveira N, Cardoso M, Graça LM. Correction of maternal serum bile acid profile during ursodeoxycholic acid therapy in cholestasis of pregnancy. J Hepatol 1998; 28:91-8. [PMID: 9537870 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(98)80207-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is characterized by pruritus and increased levels of serum bile acids, and is often associated with premature delivery, fetal distress, and perinatal mortality. The aims of the present study were: (i) to better define the serum bile acid profile in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and its potential usefulness for differential diagnosis; (ii) to investigate the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid treatment on the bile acid pool; and (iii) to investigate possible adverse effects of therapy. METHODS Fifteen patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy were enrolled in this study. Ursodeoxycholic acid (14 mg/kg body weight per day) was administered for 13 +/- 5 days. Twenty normal pregnant women served as controls. Serum bile acid profile was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS Patients with cholestasis of pregnancy showed significant alterations in the proportion of primary bile acids, with an increase in cholic acid (64.0 +/- 3.0% vs. 32.2 +/- 1.8%, p < 0.01), and a decrease in chenodeoxycholic acid (20.8 +/- 1.4% vs. 31.9 +/- 1.3%, p < 0.01), as compared to controls, resulting in a marked elevation in the cholic/chenodeoxycholic acid ratio (3.4 +/- 0.5 vs. 1.1 +/- 0.1, p < 0.01). The glycine/taurine ratio was reduced in cholestasis of pregnancy (0.8 +/- 0.1 vs. 1.4 +/- 0.1, p < 0.01). During ursodeoxycholic acid administration its proportion in serum increased from 1.4 +/- 0.6% (0.6 +/- 0.2 micromol/l) at baseline to 24.7 +/- 2.3% (5.9 +/- 1.9 micromol/l) with therapy (p < 0.01). This increment was accompanied by a significant decrease in the percentage of cholic acid (28.2 +/- 2.6%, p < 0.01) and an elevation in chenodeoxycholic acid proportion (25.0 +/- 1.9%, N.S.). Although lithocholic acid concentration in serum was maintained with treatment (1.2 +/- 0.2 micromol/l vs. 1.7 +/- 0.5 micromol/l), there was a significant increase in lithocholic acid proportion (p < 0.01) from 3.3 +/- 0.5% at baseline to 7.4 +/- 1.3% during therapy. The glycine/taurine ratio of serum bile acid pool returned to normal after ursodeoxycholic acid administration (1.7 +/- 0.3). CONCLUSIONS These results establish the importance of ursodeoxycholic acid treatment for the correction of maternal serum bile acid profile in cholestasis of pregnancy, indicating that ursodeoxycholic acid may improve fetal prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Brites
- Centro de Patogénese Molecular, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
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30
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González-Koch A, Brahm J, Antezana C, Smok G, Cumsille MA. The combination of ursodeoxycholic acid and methotrexate for primary biliary cirrhosis is not better than ursodeoxycholic acid alone. J Hepatol 1997; 27:143-9. [PMID: 9252088 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(97)80294-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Many therapies have been tried in primary biliary cirrhosis. It has been suggested that a combination of ursodeoxycholic acid and methotrexate may offer advantages. Because the benefit and safety of this combination is uncertain, we conducted this prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. METHODS Twenty-five patients with well-defined primary biliary cirrhosis were randomly assigned to receive either ursodeoxycholic acid (500 mg/day) plus methotrexate (10 mg/week) or ursodeoxycholic acid plus placebo for a period of 48 weeks. Clinical, biochemical and histologic evolution were assessed. RESULTS In both groups the clinical response was similar and heterogeneous. In patients of ursodeoxycholic acid alone group, biochemical and histologic changes were comparable to those of patients of ursodeoxycholic acid plus methotrexate at 48 weeks. The addition of methotrexate was not associated with substantial adverse affects. CONCLUSIONS The use of methotrexate in combination with ursodeoxycholic acid was not followed by an additive benefit over ursodeoxycholic acid alone, nor was substantial toxicity added. Unless larger and longer controlled trials with clinical, biochemical and histologic controls show it to be a safe and effective therapy for primary biliary cirrhosis, ursodeoxycholic acid+methotrexate should not be used as a proven and accepted treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A González-Koch
- Gastroenterology Center, University of Chile Clinical Hospital, Santiago
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31
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Balistreri WF. Bile acid therapy in pediatric hepatobiliary disease: the role of ursodeoxycholic acid. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1997; 24:573-89. [PMID: 9161955 DOI: 10.1097/00005176-199705000-00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- W F Balistreri
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3039, USA
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Marschall HU, Roeb E, Yildiz Y, Busch N, Nguyen H, Purucker E, Thomas HG, Matern S. Study of human isoursodeoxycholic acid metabolism. J Hepatol 1997; 26:863-70. [PMID: 9126801 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(97)80254-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The aim of this study was to examine the metabolism of isoursodeoxycholic acid (isoUDCA) in humans. METHODS IsoUDCA was synthesized of >99% purity and administered orally for 1 week, 3 x 250 mg/day, to six healthy male subjects. Bile acids were extracted from duodenal bile, serum, and 24-h urine samples collected before and at the end of the study period, separated into groups of conjugates, and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. RESULTS IsoUDCA was tolerated without any side effect. Liver function tests did not change. Bile acid concentrations (mean+/-SEM) increased from 11.9+/-1.87 to 15.3+/-1.37 mmol/l in bile (n.s.), and from 3.4+/-0.10 to 6.8+/-0.43 micromol/l in serum (p<0.05). Urinary excretion of bile acids increased from 5.3+/-0.29 to 82.2+/-7.84 micromol/24 h (p<0.01). All changes were due to significant increases of isoUDCA and UDCA in bile, serum and urine, and of 3-dehydro-UDCA, the 3-oxo intermediate of isomerization, in bile and in serum. The relative enrichments of isoUDCA, UDCA, and 3-dehydro-UDCA, were: in bile, 2.2%, 25.7%, and 0.7%; in serum, 24.7%, 23.5%, and 6.1%; and in urine, 83.7%, 2.0%, and 2.4%. Whereas 78% of serum isoUDCA was unconjugated, 93-94% of biliary and urinary isoUDCA was conjugated with N-acetylglucosamine. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates good tolerance and significant intestinal absorption of orally administered isoUDCA. IsoUDCA is extensively isomerized, probably both by intestinal and hepatic enzymes to yield UDCA which became the major biliary compound. In vitro, using the human hepatoblastoma cell line Hep G2, isoUDCA was found to be cytoprotective towards ethanol-induced cell injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- H U Marschall
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Aachen University of Technology, Germany
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Kiso S, Kawata S, Tamura S, Imai Y, Inui Y, Nagase T, Maeda Y, Yamasaki E, Tsushima H, Igura T, Himeno S, Seki K, Matsuzawa Y. Efficacy of combination therapy of interferon-alpha with ursodeoxycholic acid in chronic hepatitis C: a randomized controlled clinical trial. J Gastroenterol 1997; 32:56-62. [PMID: 9058296 DOI: 10.1007/bf01213297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of interferon-alpha therapy in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C is still limited. A combination therapy of interferon-alpha with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) was tested for its efficacy in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C by a randomized controlled study. Eighty consecutive Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C were randomly divided into two groups: one group was treated with interferon-alpha (group A, n = 40) and the other with a combination of interferon-alpha and UDCA (group B, n = 40). In both groups, human interferon-alpha (6 million units per day) was intramuscularly injected daily for 2 weeks and then three times a week for 22 weeks: this 24-week period was followed by 24 weeks of observation. In group B, UDCA was also administered, daily at a dose of 600 mg orally, from the beginning of the interferon therapy and administration was continued for 48 weeks. The rates for ALT normalization and clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) viremia at the end of the 24-week interferon therapy were similar for groups A and B (58% vs 60% and 55% vs 48%, respectively). At the end of the 24-week follow-up, the sustained normalization rates for ALT levels for the two groups were not different (35% vs 43%), while the rate of clearance was higher in group B (40%) than in group A (23%), but the difference was not significant (P = 0.14). The sustained complete response, i.e., HCV RNA negativity at the end of the follow-up, as well as the maintenance of ALT normalization during the follow-up period, was more frequent in group B (38%) than in group A (18%) although the difference was not significant (P = 0.08). The rate of HCV reactivation after interferon was discontinued was significantly lower in group B (16%) than in group A (59%) (P < 0.01). Although this combination therapy did not lead to a sufficiently sustained complete response, it could serve as adjuvant antiviral therapy when a suitable dosage and administration period are determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kiso
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka University Medical School, Japan
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Abstract
The diagnostic criteria for autoimmune hepatitis have been codified by international consensus. Standardized clinical criteria or a scoring system that grades each relevant feature secure the diagnosis. Three types of autoimmune hepatitis have been proposed based on immunoserologic markers, but various forms exist. Multiple autoantibodies have diagnostic capability, but their clinical relevancy remains uncertain. Prednisone alone or in combination with azathioprine is effective therapy in most patients. Poor outcomes justify alternative strategies and evaluation of promising new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
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Kiso S, Kawata S, Imai Y, Tamura S, Inui Y, Ito N, Matsuzawa Y. Efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid therapy in chronic viral hepatitis C with high serum gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase levels. J Gastroenterol 1996; 31:75-80. [PMID: 8808432 DOI: 10.1007/bf01211190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
We administered ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) orally, at a daily dose of 600 mg, for 4 months to 36 patients with chronic viral hepatitis C. Another 36 patients with chronic viral hepatitis C, treated with placebo for 4 months, served as controls. None of the patients were alcoholics and none suffering from autoimmune hepatitis. Of the 36 patients in the UDCA-treated group, 13 had high levels of serum gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), i.e., exceeding 150 U/l (normal < 50 U/l). Histological examination of liver biopsy specimens obtained from 10 patients in this group before treatment suggested that damage of the interlobular bile ducts was prominent in patients with higher levels of serum GGT. After 1 month of UDCA treatment, significant decreases in the levels of serum GGT, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were observed (P < 0.05 for GGT and AST), and the decreases continued for the 4-month treatment period. The reduction of GGT levels was the most prominent change in the liver function indices; the percent change in the GGT level was -25.2 +/- 4.4 (mean percent change +/- SE) at 1 month and -38.0 +/- 5.0 at 4 months. A significant correlation was observed between the serum delta GGT level (GGT value before treatment minus value after 3 months of treatment) and the total score for morphological injury of the bile ducts (P < 0.05). These results suggested that UDCA has the potential to reverse hepatocellular damage in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C, in whom high GGT levels may be due, in part, to a damaged interlobular bile duct. UDCA may be useful for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis C, especially in patients exhibiting a high level of GGT.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kiso
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka University Medical School, Japan
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Rodrigues CM, Kren BT, Steer CJ, Setchell KD. The site-specific delivery of ursodeoxycholic acid to the rat colon by sulfate conjugation. Gastroenterology 1995; 109:1835-44. [PMID: 7498648 DOI: 10.1016/0016-5085(95)90750-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Because ursodeoxycholate has been shown to act as a tumor-suppressive agent in the colon, the absorption and metabolism of its sulfate conjugates were examined in rats to show that sulfation would facilitate the site-specific delivery of ursodeoxycholate to the colon. METHODS Bile acids were measured in intestinal contents, feces, urine, plasma, and liver tissue after oral administration of ursodeoxycholate and its C-3, C-7, and C-3,7 sulfate derivatives. RESULTS Ursodeoxycholate was found in the jejunum after administration of all bile acids, but the mass was greatest for ursodeoxycholic acid administration. In the colon, lithocholic acid, normally found in negligible amounts, became the major bile acid after ursodeoxycholate administration. In contrast, reductions in mass and proportions of lithocholate and deoxycholate occurred after administering the C-7 sulfates. The fecal lithocholate/deoxycholate ratio, a risk marker for colon cancer, increased markedly after administration of ursodeoxycholate and its C-3 sulfate, but did not change after administering the C-7 sulfates. Unlike ursodeoxycholate or its C-3 sulfate, which increased liver concentrations of lithocholate and ursodeoxycholate, the C-7 sulfates had the opposite effect, which was consistent with poor absorption. CONCLUSIONS Sulfation of ursodeoxycholate, specifically at the C-7 position, protects the molecule from bacterial degradation and inhibits its intestinal absorption, thereby facilitating delivery to the colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Rodrigues
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Rudi J, Schlenker T, Raedsch R, Waldherr R, Zorn M, Stremmel W. Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on biochemical parameters, hepatocyte proliferation and liver histology in galactosamine hepatitis in the rat. RESEARCH IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR DIE GESAMTE EXPERIMENTELLE MEDIZIN EINSCHLIESSLICH EXPERIMENTELLER CHIRURGIE 1995; 195:309-15. [PMID: 8579639 DOI: 10.1007/bf02576801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The effect of oral administration of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on biochemical parameters, liver histology and liver cell proliferation was investigated in rats with galactosamine hepatitis. Treatment with UDCA led to a decrease of aminotransferases, but did not show any significant changes in liver histology or liver cell proliferation. The improvement of liver enzymes without change of histology in this animal model of hepatitis following treatment with UDCA is in agreement with results obtained from clinical trials with UDCA in patients with chronic viral hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Rudi
- Department of Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Germany
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Mass spectrometry in hepatic diseases. Clin Chim Acta 1995. [DOI: 10.1016/s0009-8981(00)89109-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905
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Takano S, Ito Y, Yokosuka O, Ohto M, Uchiumi K, Hirota K, Omata M. A multicenter randomized controlled dose study of ursodeoxycholic acid for chronic hepatitis C. Hepatology 1994. [PMID: 7521313 DOI: 10.1002/hep.1840200303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on liver function tests and on bile acid metabolism was investigated in a multi-center randomized controlled dose study for chronic hepatitis C. Twenty, 18 and 19 patients were administered 150, 600 and 900 mg/day, respectively of ursodeoxycholic acid every day for 16 wk. Serum liver parameters and bile acid composition in the treatment groups were compared with 17 control patients. A similarly significant decrease of serum alanine aminotransferase and serum gamma-glutamyltransferase was observed in patients administered 600 and 900 mg of ursodeoxycholic acid. Serum bile acid composition was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. At entry, the relative proportions of major bile acids were similar to those observed in normal individuals. Maximal concentrations of total ursodeoxycholic acid were 0.30 mumol/L, 5.59 mumol/L, 21.42 mumol/L and 14.73 mumol/L in the control, 150, 600 and 900 mg/day groups, respectively. The fraction of the total ursodeoxycholic acid increased in a dose-dependent manner, and it was significantly higher than in controls (p < 0.001). The hydrophobicity index of bile acids was calculated by the method of Heuman, and its correlation with serum parameter levels was analyzed. In the 600 and 900 mg/day dose groups, serum alanine aminotransferase decreased in the cases in which hydrophobicity index significantly decreased during treatment. The same correlation was observed between the hydrophobicity index and serum gamma = glutamyltransferase in these two groups. There was no correlation between these parameters in the control and 150-mg groups. There was no correlation between reduction rate of serum alanine aminotransferase and initial liver histology.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- S Takano
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kawasaki Chuo Hospital, Japan
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Benefits of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in cholestatic disorders have been well documented. However, the therapeutic potential of UDCA in parenchymal liver disease is unclear. METHODS We tested UDCA in rat models of hepatotoxicity: (a) in subacute liver injury induced by repetitive CCl4 and dietary ethyl alcohol (ETH) over seven weeks while receiving oral UDCA; and, (b) in liver slides incubated with CCl4, ETH or p-acetaminophen (APAP) when UDCA was added to the incubating solution. RESULTS Experiment 1: CCl4 combined with ETH reduced the body weights and resulted in 43% mortality. There was a significant rise in serum ALT, alkaline phosphatase, lipoperoxides (LPO) and in hepatic weight, triglycerides, LPO and histological scores of liver injury. Experiment 2: When liver slides were incubated with hepatotoxins there was an increased transfer of AST and LPO from the tissue into the incubate and a reduction in the valine and thymidine incorporation into the liver proteins or DNA. In none of these situations, whether the liver damage was severe or mild, in vivo or in vitro, UDCA did abolish these hepatotoxic effects. CONCLUSION In contrast to clinical cholestatic disorders where the reported benefits of UDCA depend on replacement of the accumulated hydrophobic bile acids, these bile acids have a less prominent role in toxic liver injury and UDCA is ineffective.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Simko
- Section of Gastroenterology, Brooklyn VA Medical Center, NY 11209
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Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV), identified in 1989, is the main agent of Non-A, Non-B hepatitis. The number of HCV carriers in France is estimated between 500,000 and 2 millions. The main risk factors for HCV infection are blood products transfusion and i.v. drug abuse. Cirrhosis occurs in 30% of cases with a delay ranging from 10 to 30 years, and hepatocellular carcinoma in 2.5% of cases. Interferon is, for instance, the only effective therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C; however, prolonged response (in terms of transaminase normalization) after stopping treatment occurs only in 20% of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Giral
- Unité d'hépatologie, hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
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Hofmann AF. Pharmacology of ursodeoxycholic acid, an enterohepatic drug. SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY. SUPPLEMENT 1994; 204:1-15. [PMID: 7824870 DOI: 10.3109/00365529409103618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The pharmacokinetics, metabolism, as well as the pharmacodynamic actions of ursodeoxycholic acid are reviewed and related to its physicochemical properties. Ursodeoxycholic acid is absorbed incompletely because of its low aqueous solubility. After absorption, it is conjugated with glycine or taurine and circulates with the endogenous bile acids. At usual doses (8-10 mg/kg/day), the pool of ursodeoxycholyl conjugates constitutes 30-60% of circulating bile acids. Ursodeoxycholic acid is metabolized by intestinal bacteriae to lithocholic acid which does not accumulate in the circulating bile acids because of efficient hepatic sulfation. Administration of ursodeoxycholic acid causes decreased cholesterol absorption, increased bile acid biosynthesis, and decreased biliary cholesterol secretion. Ursodeoxycholic acid is a choleretic agent, as all bile acids, but differs from other dihydroxy-bile acids in being non-cytotoxic because it has less affinity for membranes, and when present at micellar concentrations does not solubilize membranes. Chronic administration of ursodeoxycholic acid appears to increase canalicular transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Hofmann
- Dept. of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0813
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Bellentani S, Podda M, Tiribelli C, Callea F, Marazzi M, Sodde M, Merlini R, Batezzati PM, Crosignani A, Zuin M. Ursodiol in the long-term treatment of chronic hepatitis: a double-blind multicenter clinical trial. J Hepatol 1993; 19:459-64. [PMID: 8151107 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(05)80558-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA or ursodiol) administration has been associated with a reduction of serum liver enzymes in patients with chronic liver disease and with improvement of liver histology in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. To establish the potential therapeutic efficacy of ursodiol in chronic hepatitis, serum biochemistry and liver histology were investigated in a multicenter, double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial. Sixty patients with non-cholestatic chronic active (mild or severe) hepatitis, mainly of viral (virus C) etiology and almost completely asymptomatic, were enrolled in 3 centers: 29 were assigned to receive placebo and 31 UDCA (600 mg/day) for 1 year. Demographic, biochemical, virological and histological features were balanced between the 2 groups at the entrance into the study. Fifty-six patients (34 males, 22 females; 19 with cirrhosis; 5 HBsAg-positive; 45 anti-HCV positive) were included in the final analysis. Compliance was checked by measuring UDCA levels at the 3 follow-up visits (3, 6 and 12 months). Liver biopsy was performed at the beginning and at the end of treatment and was evaluated blindly by our pathologist (F.C.). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT) levels were significantly reduced by 25% from baseline values during treatment with ursodiol but not with placebo. The efficacy of UDCA in lowering serum AST and ALT was more pronounced in the presence of cirrhosis. The semiquantitative liver histological score used remained substantially unchanged after treatment and no differences between placebo and UDCA were found for portal or periportal necrosis or inflammation, intralobular degeneration, cholestasis or fibrosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bellentani
- Fondo Studio Fegato, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
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Frezza EE, Gerunda GE, Plebani M, Galligioni A, Giacomini A, Neri D, Faccioli AM, Tiribelli C. Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid administration on bile duct proliferation and cholestasis in bile duct ligated rat. Dig Dis Sci 1993; 38:1291-6. [PMID: 8325189 DOI: 10.1007/bf01296081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The origin, mechanism, and significance of the bile duct proliferation (BDP) associated with cholestasis remain unexplained. This study examined the effect of oral administration of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on both BDP and cholestasis in the rat. After bile duct ligation, male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated for 30 days with either UDCA (5 mg/day) (group A) or saline solution (group B). Animals were sacrificed at day 30. The serum activity of aminotransferase (ALT, AST), alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in the UDCA-treated rats. Total serum bilirubin and total serum bile acids were lower (P < 0.001) in group A. Moreover, the control of BA in bile was reduced also (P < 0.02). Conversely, serum cholesterol levels were not different between the two groups. Histological examination showed that the number of ductular cells in the portal areas was significantly (P < 0.001) reduced in UDCA-treated as compared to saline-treated rats. The replication activity, assessed as the number of bromodeoxyuridine-positive cells, was also significantly lower in treated animals (33 +/- 11 vs 64 +/- 22 per 1000 cells; P < 0.001). Lobular bile ductules were three times larger in group B, and extrahepatic duct measurements confirmed this increase in size of the larger biliary ducts (P < 0.001). These findings demonstrate that UDCA reduces BDP in response to BD ligation. Although the mechanism(s) of this effect is still hypothetical, UDCA may reduce the level of irritating bile salts such as chenodeoxycholic acid and lithocolate and increase periductular bile acid recirculation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- E E Frezza
- Istituto di Patologia Chirurgica II, Università di Padova, Italy
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Portincasa P, Palmieri V, Doronzo F, Vendemiale G, Altomare E, Sabbà C, Palasciano G, Albano O. Effect of tauroursodeoxycholic acid on serum liver enzymes and dyspeptic symptoms in patients with chronic active hepatitis. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 1993. [DOI: 10.1016/s0011-393x(05)80659-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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