Evaluating the Effect of Ursodeoxycholic Acid in Comparison with Dexamethasone and Diclofenac in a Rat Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis

This study evaluated the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in rats, comparing it to dexamethasone and diclofenac. UDCA was administered at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, and its impact was assessed through changes in paw size, IL-17, pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers (GSH, MDA), and radiological changes. The results showed that UDCA reduced cartilage damage, paw edema, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress, with notable X-ray joint alterations compared to the other treatments. These findings indicate that UDCA possesses anti-rheumatoid arthritis properties by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the affected rats.