Ursodeoxycholic acid therapy in gallbladder disease, a story not yet completed.

Abstract

Gallstone disease represents an important issue in the healthcare system. The principal non-invasive non-surgical medical treatment for cholesterol gallstones is still represented by oral litholysis with bile acids. The first successful and documented dissolution of cholesterol gallstones was achieved in 1972. Since then a large number of investigators all over the world, have been dedicated in biochemical and clinical studies on ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), demonstrating its extreme versatility. This editorial is aimed to provide a brief review of recent developments in UDCA use, current indications for its use and, the more recent advances in understanding its effects in terms of an anti-inflammatory drug.

• Authors: Michele Pier Luca Guarino, Silvia Cocca, Annamaria Altomare, Sara Emerenziani, Michele Cicala
• Journal: World journal of gastroenterology (World J Gastroenterol) Vol. 19 Issue 31 Pg. 5029-34 (Aug 21 2013) ISSN: 2219-2840 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23964136 (Publication Type: Editorial, Review)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Gastrointestinal Agents
• Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Topics

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (therapeutic use)
• Gallstones (drug therapy)
• Gastrointestinal Agents (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Treatment Outcome
• Ursodeoxycholic Acid (therapeutic use)