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

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is a hydrophilic bile acid that is produced in the liver and used for treatment of chronic cholestatic liver diseases. Experimental studies suggest that TUDCA may have cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic action, with potential neuroprotective activity. A proof of principle approach was adopted to provide preliminary data regarding the efficacy and tolerability of TUDCA in a series of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods

As a proof of principle, using a double-blind placebo controlled design, 34 ALS patients under treatment with riluzole who were randomized to placebo or TUDCA (1 g twice daily for 54 weeks) were evaluated after a lead-in period of 3 months. The patients were examined every 6 weeks. T

SUBMITTER: Elia AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5024041 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature