What is TUDCA?
TUDCA is a conjugate of ursodeoxycholic acid with taurine. In experimental models, it acts as a hydrophilic bile acid that can reduce the cytotoxicity of hydrophobic bile acids and contribute to membrane stabilization.
Research focuses on the area of hepatocellular protection, modulation of ER stress, and the impact on cellular homeostasis in the liver and outside of liver tissues.
Researched effects and interesting facts
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ER stress and UPR: Mitigating proteotoxic stress and promoting proteostasis.
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Hepatoprotection: Observed changes in liver markers in experimental models.
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Mitochondria and apoptosis: Stabilization of membranes and reduction of apoptotic signals.
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Cholestasis: Clues to the effect on bile flow and bile composition.
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Neuroprotection: The effect on neuronal survival under stressful conditions is being investigated.
How TUDCA works
In model systems, TUDCA is associated with modulation of the non-adaptive UPR response (IRE1/XBP1, PERK/ATF4, ATF6), reduction of misfolded protein accumulation, and limitation of proapoptotic signals.
The effect on mitochondria is also being monitored - stabilization of membrane potential, reduction of cytochrome c release and suppression of caspase cascades, which may reduce apoptosis in stressed cells.
In hepatobiliary models, an increase in the hydrophilicity of the bile pool and potential support of bile flow under conditions of cholestasis have been reported.
Dosage in studies
The values listed are derived solely from research studies and are not intended for real-world use outside of a laboratory environment.
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Dose: 250–1500 mg daily (model oral protocols; often 10–15 mg/kg/day in conversions)
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Form: oral (capsules)
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Frequency: 1–2 times daily depending on the study objective
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Duration: 4 – 12 weeks within experimental protocols
TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid) is a conjugated bile acid that has been linked in laboratory research to bile acid homeostasis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial function, and apoptotic pathways.
| Parameter |
Value |
| Form |
Capsules |
| Content |
500 mg TUDCA per capsule |
| Number of capsules |
60 capsules |
| Packaging |
Sealed bottle |
| Storage |
Store at room temperature, protect from light, keep desiccated |
| Molecular formula |
$C_{26}H_{45}NO_6S$ |
| Molecular weight |
~515.7 g·mol⁻¹
|
| IUPAC name |
2-[[(3α,5β,7β)-3,7-dihydroxy-24-oxocholan-24-yl]amino]ethanesulfonic acid |
| CAS number |
14605-22-2 |
In laboratory studies, TUDCA is associated with research in areas such as:
- cholestatic processes and bile flow,
- endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and UPR signaling,
- mitochondrial function and apoptosis,
- changes in liver enzymes and hepatocellular integrity,
- neuroprotective models and cell survival.
Possible side effects
- Gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea, flatulence, nausea)
- Abdominal pain or cramps at higher doses in models
- Rarely skin manifestations (itching) depending on the protocol
Resources
- Review papers on bile acids, ER stress and UPR signaling
- Experimental studies of hepatoprotection and cholestasis in model systems
- Publications on mitochondrial stability and apoptosis using hydrophilic bile acids
- Methodological protocols for oral dosages of TUDCA in capsule form
