Ursodeoxycholic acid inhibits hepatic cystogenesis in experimental models of polycystic liver disease.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Polycystic liver diseases (PLDs) are genetic disorders characterized by progressive biliary cystogenesis. Current therapies show short-term and/or modest beneficial effects. Cystic cholangiocytes hyperproliferate as a consequence of diminished intracellular calcium levels ([Ca(2+)]i). Here, the therapeutic value of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) was investigated.

Methods

Effect of UDCA was examined in vitro and in polycystic (PCK) rats. Hepatic cystogenesis and fibrosis, and the bile acid (BA) content were evaluated from the liver, bile, serum, and kidneys by HPLC-MS/MS.

Results

Chronic treatment of PCK rats with UDCA inhibits hepatic cystogenesis and fibrosis, and improves their motor behaviour. As compared to wild-type animals, PCK rats show increased

SUBMITTER: Munoz-Garrido P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4575914 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature