The bile acid TUDCA and neurodegenerative disorders: An overview

Bear bile has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years due to its therapeutic potential and clinical applications. The tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), one of the acids found in bear bile, is a hydrophilic bile acid and naturally produced in the liver by conjugation of taurine to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Several studies have shown that TUDCA has neuroprotective action in several models of neurodegenerative disorders (ND), including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, based on its potent ability to inhibit apoptosis, attenuate oxidative stress, and reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress in different experimental models of these illnesses. Our research extends the knowledge of the bile acid TUDCA actions in ND and the mechanisms and pathways involved in its cytoprotective effects on the brain, providing a novel perspective and opportunities for treatment of these diseases.

Automated summary

TUDCA, a bile acid found in bear bile, has been shown to have neuroprotective effects in various neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease by inhibiting apoptosis, attenuating oxidative stress, and reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress in experimental models. This research expands the understanding of TUDCA's actions in ND and provides novel perspectives and opportunities for the treatment of these diseases.