Med Journal News: Does Ursodeoxycholic Acid Change the Proliferation of the Col

December 31, 2003

Background: In animal models ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) showed a

chemoprotective effect against colon cancer. To explain this, a

reduced proliferation of the colorectal mucosal proliferation was

suggested. We, therefore, examined the influence of UDCA on the

proliferation of normal colorectal mucosa in humans. Methods:

Following endoscopic polypectomy, 20 patients with colorectal

adenomas were randomized to receive either UDCA (750 mg/day, n = 10,

group A) or placebo (n = 10, group for 6 months in a double-

blinded way. Colorectal biopsies were sampled before and at the end

of the medication by total colonoscopy. Colorectal mucosal

proliferation was measured by FACScan analysis of propidium iodine

labeling. Serum was sampled, and serum bile acids were analyzed by

gas chromatography. Results: The proliferation rates at the end of

the study were similar in both groups (median 15.4%; range 12.0-20.9

in group A; median 16.0%, 14.0-20.2 in group B, p = 0.41). Serum

lithocholic acid levels at the end of the study were significantly

higher in group A (1.3 µmol/l, 0.9-1.8) than in group B (0.7 µmol/l,

0-1.7, p < 0.02), whereas serum deoxycholic acid levels were similar

in both groups. Conclusions: In this study, UDCA treatment for 6

months does not seem to induce changes in the proliferative behavior

of the colorectal mucosa in patients with adenomas. It seems likely

that a putative chemopreventive effect of UDCA in humans is not

exerted by a reduction of the colorectal proliferation.

- Maine Dx UC 1975 PSC 1990 www.pscf.org

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