title: Treatment of cholesterol gallstones with litholytic bile acids.
abstract: Cholesterol gallstone disease is reversible and can be treated medically with either CDCA or UDCA. Both bile acids correct the hepatic metabolic defect that is responsible for hypersecretion of cholesterol into the bile, and both desaturate the bile. UDCA is preferred because it is more effective, desaturate the bile to a greater extent than CDCA, and eliminates cholesterol as stable liquid crystalline dispersions. UDCA is virtually free of side effects and does not produce toxicity. Symptoms are relieved rapidly, and the quality of life improves. Dietary restrictions can be relaxed as the stones dissolve.
authors.affiliation: University of Medicine and Dentistry-New Jersey Medical School, Newark.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Salen
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Tint
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shefer
mesh_terms: D002635:Chenodeoxycholic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000628:therapy*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D014580:Ursodeoxycholic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D002635:Chenodeoxycholic Acid; D014580:Ursodeoxycholic Acid; D002784:Cholesterol