Steroids Bile Salts

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is a bile acid derivative, which is synthesized endogenously in the human body as a liver metabolite. It originates from the conjugation of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) with taurine, which enhances its solubility and biological activity. TUDCA functions primarily by inhibiting apoptosis and reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress within cells. It achieves this by mitigating the accumulation of misfolded proteins and enhancing proper protein folding, thereby maintaining cellular homeostasis.

Chenodeoxycholic acid is a human primary bile acid which is also found the bile of geese. Its C-7 epimer, Ursodeoxycholic acid is found in bear’s bile. Both bile acids are used for the treatment of gallstones, although Ursodeoxycholic acid has shown superior efficacy (bear’s bile extracts are also used in Chinese medicine).

Glycohyodeoxycholic acid is a bile acid derivative, which is synthesized from hyodeoxycholic acid in the liver. It is a naturally occurring compound found in certain animal sources, particularly in the bile of pigs. The mode of action of glycohyodeoxycholic acid involves its role in the emulsification and absorption of dietary fats, contributing to the digestion process. Additionally, as a bile acid, it is involved in cholesterol metabolism and regulation within the liver.

Ursodeoxycholic acid is a secondary bile acid, which is derived from the metabolism of primary bile acids by intestinal bacteria. It modifies the composition of bile and reduces the absorption of cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract by decreasing the cholesterol saturation of bile. This leads to a solubilization of cholesterol gallstones, making it an essential therapeutic agent in the management of cholesterol gallstone disease.