# Evaluating the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in comparison with dexamethasone and diclofenac in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis

## TL;DR

This study explores how ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) affects rheumatoid arthritis in rats, showing it reduces inflammation and joint damage better than some common drugs.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates UDCA's anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis for the first time.

## Key findings

- UDCA reduced paw edema and cartilage damage in arthritic rats.
- UDCA decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers.
- X-ray results showed less joint damage in UDCA-treated rats compared to other drugs.

## Abstract

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is known for its major effects on the liver, but its impact on autoimmune diseases is not well understood. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of UDCA in controlling rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in an in vivo setting. Experimental RA was induced in rats using Freund's complete adjuvant, and the effects of UDCA (50,100 mg/kg) were compared to those of dexamethasone and diclofenac by measuring changes in paw size, IL-17, pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress (GSH, MDA), and radiological changes. The administration of UDCA resulted in decreased cartilage damage, reduced paw edema, and a decrease in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Additionally, X-ray joint alterations were observed in the UDCA-treated group compared to the dexamethasone and diclofenac groups. These results suggest that UDCA has anti-rheumatoid arthritis properties due to its ability to minimize oxidative stress and inflammation in arthritis-affected rats.