Hi all, I only recently learned that Urso has suppressive effects on the immune system.
One research paper I read, and there are others, lists the effects - apologies for scientific jargon! Urso suppresses the production of immunoglobulins IgA, IgG and IgM (although IgM is generally chronically raised in PBC) also B and T cells, Interleukin-2 Interleukin-4, interferon-gamma and thymocyte proliferation.
The short version is, as the paper summarises, “these results suggest that the beneficial effects of ursodeoxycholic acid in PBC is mediated in part by immuno suppression”.
The tests for this paper were done ‘in vitro’ but as there is other evidence I assume it is accepted knowledge… although I wonder why I only just found this out?
I haven’t had a chance to drill down into it yet, but wanted to put it out there for anybody to comment on, or maybe it’s helpful. The reason I was interested is that I’ve been plagued by extremely long-lasting respiratory and throat infections for the last 5 years and was trying to understand why.
Very interested to hear your views on this.
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Skypony
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Hi Skypony,I've been taking 1.5g of Urso daily for the past (approx) 6 years and have not had any significant problems with immunity suppression.Happy to answer any specific questions if needed?
News to me. Not being up on the science I can only guess that urso is to treat the disease which coincidentally happens to be an autoimmune disease. However, it certainly is worth looking into although as urso is proven to work we do not really have a choice do we?
That’s right of course, taking the Urso is so important, I’d never consider stopping
Hi, I've only just heard about this, thanks for telling us. I have been on urso for 8 years and have never had or heard of any of the effects you are describing. I am in PBC pages on Facebook, maybe join them as they are very helpful and you can write and get good responses. PBC uncensored is one but there are others. Best wishes
Wow! I didn't know this either, but have gone from being someone who rarely got sick and when I did, fought it off fast to someone who is hit hard when I get sick.
Thanks for the info. I too have been regularly plagued by quite awful respiratory infections in recent years although I have been on URSO for around 18 years. I'd love to hear more from anyone with expertise in this field.
Yes I would too. Will maybe send the question for the PBC Foundation’s Q&A. Similar pattern to me I think, taking Urso for 12 years, but increased infections only last 5. Maybe no connection!
how interesting. Thinking like everything else, some may have issues whereas others may not. I’ve been on Urso for 25 years now and haven’t had any other issues. I work in public schools so please know there’s plenty of things to catch but I very rarely get ill.
Whether true or not, I think ironically what we want IS suppression of the immune system. We have an autoimmune disease. Our immune system is in overdrive. I recall my hepatologist talking about this years ago. I get less sick with colds, etc. but since Covid I mask and wash my hands like crazy. What I do NOT believe is that we are immune compromised just from URSO.
My immunoglobulins have been low for some time, so I know I’m immunocompromised, but common sense dictates that if this was happening on a large scale and linked to Urso, we’d know about it!
I think that you are on the right track Skypony. Wash hands and make sure that you are in a well ventilated place. This is a complex subject and it is easy to come to wrong conclusions. Cambridge University research suggests that urso forms a barrier against Covid entering. cam.ac.uk/stories/UDCA-COVID19 . Stay healthy.
I've been working in PBC for 20 years and have never heard this discussed anywhere- congresses with multiple thousands attending; PBC-specific conferences; any of our Q&A sessions. The paper is from 1992 and refers to in vitro (testtube) . I have seen many papers not taking up by the community, e.g. PBC being caused by a retrovirus.
Interestingly, most people with PBC (and taking Urso) had a relatively mild form of Covid.
Thanks for responding Robert. Yes I noticed and mentioned in my original post that this was in vitro research, but when following this up I found another mention which had used mice. Haven’t seen one for people yet! When I have time I might do a bit more searching, because as I said, I’d like to understand my own issue of immune suppression.
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