Supplements

Bind Bio TUDCA Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) has gained attention for its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This opens possibilities for diverse therapeutic applications. It is a bile acid formed through the taurine conjugation of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Historically, bile acids have been a key part of traditional Chinese medicine due to their pharmacological value. TUDCA is especially notable for its protective effects on liver cells. It also plays a role in improving bile flow. In clinical settings, the FDA approval of UDCA for primary biliary cholangitis like cholestatic liver diseases demonstrates the potential of bile acids in treatment. Additionally, TUDCA offers flexibility in administration methods, such as oral, subcutaneous, or intravenous routes. It is generally considered to have low toxicity.[R] How does TUDCA work in liver cells? It is known that bile acids are less toxic when they are more hydrophilic (water-attracting). Conjugating hydrophilic bile acid with taurine makes them more polar, which increases their effectiveness. UDCA becomes TUDCA when taurine is added. TUDCA is better absorbed by the liver and intestines because it is water-soluble and fully ionized at different pH levels.[R] In UDCA and TUDCA studies, these bile acids improve bile flow and liver function. TUDCA was more effective than other bile acids, like taurocholate, in improving bile secretion. This happens because TUDCA boosts the amount of certain transport proteins in the liver cells. Thus helping move bile components. TUDCA also promotes bicarbonate release, which helps the liver create alkaline bile. These effects are driven by changes in calcium levels inside cells. Activation of certain proteins also affects liver function. This supports the idea that TUDCA has specific mechanisms for improving liver health. TUDCA also protects liver cells from damage caused by toxins. In liver cells, toxic bile acids can cause apoptosis, a process where cells die. UDCA and TUDCA have been shown to stop this process by preventing the typical signs of cell death, like changes in the cell’s nucleus. TUDCA reduces the release of cytochrome c, a molecule that plays a key role in apoptosis. By protecting the cell’s TUDCA protects mitochondria, which power cells, keeping them alive. TUDCA also increases liver survival signals, protecting cells. Besides protecting cells from damage, TUDCA also helps with oxidative stress. This occurs when harmful molecules called free radicals build up in the body. TUDCA has been shown to protect liver cells from damage caused by these harmful molecules. It does this by increasing the levels of antioxidants like glutathione, which protect cells from stress. Additionally, TUDCA helps stabilise cell membranes. It prevents damage from toxic bile acids. Together, these activities suggest that TUDCA may protect liver cells from harm and treat liver disorders [R]. Properties TUDCA CAS number 14605-22-2 Molar Mass 499.7 g/mol Chemical  Formula C26H45NO6S     IUPAC Name 2-[[(4R)-4-[(3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-tetradecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]pentanoyl]amino]ethanesulfonic acid Table Source: [R] Potential Benefits of TUDCA Liver Health essential nutrients Researchers examined TUDCA with UDCA for liver cirrhosis treatment. Both UDCA and TUDCA were well-tolerated for six months with no major adverse effects. TUDCA showed notable improvements in liver function markers like ALT, AST, and ALP. Serum albumin levels increased significantly in both groups, suggesting better liver health. TUDCA was shown to be safer and more effective than UDCA for liver cirrhosis management. [R]. In another study, TUDCA was shown to enhance liver function. This is done by increasing the expression of the insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE). This enzyme plays a critical role in insulin regulation and liver health. Treatment with TUDCA in high-fat diet mice restored normal insulin levels. It even further showed improved liver IDE expression. These findings imply TUDCA supports liver function, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic regulation [R]. Antioxidant activity In a study, TUDCA was observed to interact with cell membranes in a way that supports its antioxidant activity. This makes it great for detox and promoting cellular health. Instead of penetrating deeply into the lipid bilayer, TUDCA stays near the membrane surface. Its sulfate groups are exposed to water, interacting with liposomal phospholipids. This positioning allows TUDCA to neutralise water-soluble free radicals effectively. While it did not significantly alter membranes with different cholesterol levels, cholesterol may still influence how TUDCA interacts with essential fatty acids, fats and oils . TUDCA tends to accumulate in lipid regions susceptible to oxidation. This further enhances its protective role. In such products, TUDCA helps to support membrane health.[R]. Prevents nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) The potential of TUDCA to promote liver health has been investigated. Bile salts are compounds that facilitate the breakdown of lipids. TUDCA has been shown to lower liver fat accumulation and obesity. Additionally, it enhanced gut health. This is accomplished by boosting good bacteria and fortifying the gut wall. A healthy digestive system is maintained by these microorganisms. According to the study, TUDCA increased hepatic bile acids via activating NTCP, a transporter that delivers them into liver cells, and FXR, a receptor that controls bile acid synthesis. Fat absorption was reduced by blocking FATP5, a fat transport protein. This may help prevent fatty liver disease. The study suggests TUDCA may prevent and treat fatty liver disease.[R]. Neuroprotective Properties A study on Parkinson’s disease TUDCA showed potential in preventing the disease’s damaging effects on the brain. PD is marked by the death of dopamine-producing neurons, leading to motor problems. The study tested TUDCA in mice that had been treated with a toxic substance, MPTP, which mimics PD. It was found that TUDCA helped prevent the damage to dopamine transporters and the reduction in dopamine levels caused by MPTP. TUDCA lessened brain inflammation and prevented PD-linked protein accumulation like alpha-synuclein. These results suggest that TUDCA might be useful for protecting the brain in PD. More research is needed to confirm its potential for improving movement. TUDCA may also have implications for other neurodegenerative diseases.[R]. Another study examined TUDCA’s influence on neuroinflammation, a common neurological illness indicator. When brain cells like microglia and astrocytes are stimulated by injury or disease, neuroinflammation occurs. This activation can cause damage to neurons if it is not controlled. TUDCA was