Ursodeoxycholic acid

Ursodeoxycholic acid (Ursodeoxycholate) is a secondary bile acid issued from the transformation of (cheno)deoxycholic acid by intestinal bacteria, acting as a key regulator of the intestinal barrier integrity and essential for lipid metabolism. Ursodeoxycholic acid acts as signaling molecule, exerting its effects by interacting with bile acid activated receptors, including G-protein coupled bile acid receptor 5 (TGR5, GPCR19) and the farnesoid X receptor (FXR). Ursodeoxycholic acid can be used for the research of a variety of hepatic and gastrointestinal diseases. Ursodeoxycholic acid also reduces ACE2 expression and is beneficial for reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection. Orally active^[1][2][3][4]. IC50 & Target:FATP5^[3]
ACE2^[4] In Vitro: Ursodeoxycholic acid (10 μM; 24 h) reduces ACE2 and SHP levels in primary airway and intestinal organoids, and reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection in multiple cell types via FXR-mediated ACE2 regulation^[4]. In Vivo: Ursodeoxycholic acid (50, 150, and 450 mg/kg; p.o.; daily for 21 days) results in weight loss in C57BL/6J wildtype mice^[1].
Ursodeoxycholic acid (1% w/w or 416 mg/kg; oral; 7 days) reduces ACE2 expression in mice and hamsters^[4].
Ursodeoxycholic acid (416 mg/kg; oral; 7 days) reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection in hamsters^[4].