1
|
Gros B, Gómez Pérez A, Pleguezuelo M, Serrano Ruiz FJ, de la Mata M, Rodríguez-Perálvarez M. Helicobacter Species and Hepato-Biliary Tract Malignancies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:595. [PMID: 36765552 PMCID: PMC9913828 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter species may cause chronic inflammation of the biliary tract, but its relationship with cancer is controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between Helicobacter species and hepatobiliary tract malignancies. Twenty-six studies (4083 patients) were included in qualitative synthesis, and 18 studies (n = 1895 qualified for meta-analysis. All studies were at high-intermediate risk of bias. Most studies combined several direct microbiological methods, mostly PCR (23 studies), culture (8 studies), and/or CLOtest (5 studies). Different specimens alone or in combination were investigated, most frequently bile (16 studies), serum (7 studies), liver/biliary tissue (8 studies), and gastric tissue (3 studies). Patients with Helicobacter species infection had an increased risk of hepatobiliary tract malignancies (OR = 3.61 [95% CI 2.18-6.00]; p < 0.0001), with high heterogeneity in the analysis (I2 = 61%; p = 0.0003). This effect was consistent when Helicobacter was assessed in bile (OR = 3.57 [95% CI 1.73-7.39]; p = 0.0006), gastric tissue (OR = 42.63 [95% CI 5.25-346.24]; p = 0.0004), liver/biliary tissue (OR = 4.92 [95% CI 1.90-12.76]; p = 0.001) and serum (OR = 1.38 [95% CI 1.00-1.90]; p = 0.05). Heterogeneity was reduced in these sub-analyses (I2 = 0-27%; p = ns), except for liver/biliary tissue (I2 = 57%; p = 0.02). In conclusion, based on low-certainty data, Helicobacter species chronic infection is associated with a tripled risk of hepatobiliary tract malignancy. Prospective studies are required to delineate public health interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Gros
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Alberto Gómez Pérez
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - María Pleguezuelo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Serrano Ruiz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Manuel de la Mata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Rodríguez-Perálvarez
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cao S, Miao J, Qian M, Zhu C, Ding S, Yin J, Zhu L, Zhang Q. Helicobacter hepaticus Infection Promotes the Progression of Liver Preneoplasia in BALB/c Mice via the Activation and Accumulation of High-Mobility Group Box-1. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:789752. [PMID: 35046917 PMCID: PMC8763329 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.789752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been documented that Helicobacter hepaticus (H. hepaticus) infection is linked to chronic hepatitis and fibrosis in male BALB/c mice. However, the mechanism underlying the mice model of H. hepaticus–induced hepatocellular carcinoma is not fully known. In this study, male BALB/c mice were infected with H. hepaticus for 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. H. hepaticus colonization, histopathology, expression of proinflammatory cytokines, key signaling pathways, and protein downstream high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) in the liver were examined. Our data suggested that the H. hepaticus colonization level in the colon and liver progressively increased over the duration of the infection. H. hepaticus–induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were aggravated during the infection, and hepatic preneoplasia developed in the liver of infected mice at 12 and 18 months post-inoculation (MPI). H. hepaticus infection increased the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in the infected mice. In addition, the mRNA levels of IL-6, Tnf-α, Tgf-β, and HMGB1 were significantly elevated in the liver of H. hepaticus–infected mice from 3 to 18 MPI as compared to the controls. In addition, Ki67 was increased throughout the duration of the infection. Furthermore, HMGB1 protein was activated and translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in the hepatocytes and activated the proteins of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (Stat3) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) [extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (Erk1/2) and mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 (p38)] upon H. hepaticus infection. In conclusions, these data demonstrated that male BALB/c mice infected with H. hepaticus are prone to suffering hepatitis and developing into hepatic preneoplasia. To verify the effect of HMGB1 in the progression of liver preneoplasia, mice were infected by H. hepaticus for 2 months before additional HMGB1 recombinant adenovirus treatment. All mice were sacrificed at 4 MPI, and the sera and liver tissues from all of the mice were collected. Immunology and histopathology evaluation showed that HMGB1 knockdown attenuated the H. hepaticus–induced hepatic and fibrosis at 4 MPI. Therefore, we showed that H. hepaticus–induced liver preneoplasia is closely correlated with the activation and accumulation of HMGB1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuyang Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jiancheng Miao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Miao Qian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Chen Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Shiping Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jun Yin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Liqi Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Quan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kato I, Zhang J, Sun J. Bacterial-Viral Interactions in Human Orodigestive and Female Genital Tract Cancers: A Summary of Epidemiologic and Laboratory Evidence. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:425. [PMID: 35053587 PMCID: PMC8773491 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, have been linked to pathogenesis of human cancers, whereas viruses and bacteria account for more than 99% of infection associated cancers. The human microbiome consists of not only bacteria, but also viruses and fungi. The microbiome co-residing in specific anatomic niches may modulate oncologic potentials of infectious agents in carcinogenesis. In this review, we focused on interactions between viruses and bacteria for cancers arising from the orodigestive tract and the female genital tract. We examined the interactions of these two different biological entities in the context of human carcinogenesis in the following three fashions: (1) direct interactions, (2) indirect interactions, and (3) no interaction between the two groups, but both acting on the same host carcinogenic pathways, yielding synergistic or additive effects in human cancers, e.g., head and neck cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, gastric cancer, and cervical cancer. We discuss the progress in the current literature and summarize the mechanisms of host-viral-bacterial interactions in various human cancers. Our goal was to evaluate existing evidence and identify gaps in the knowledge for future directions in infection and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ikuko Kato
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Jilei Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jun Sun
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- UIC Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Silbergleit M, Vasquez AA, Miller CJ, Sun J, Kato I. Oral and intestinal bacterial exotoxins: Potential linked to carcinogenesis. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 171:131-193. [PMID: 32475520 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that imbalances in resident microbes (dysbiosis) can promote chronic inflammation, immune-subversion, and production of carcinogenic metabolites, thus leading to neoplasia. Yet, evidence to support a direct link of individual bacteria species to human sporadic cancer is still limited. This chapter focuses on several emerging bacterial toxins that have recently been characterized for their potential oncogenic properties toward human orodigestive cancer and the presence of which in human tissue samples has been documented. These include cytolethal distending toxins produced by various members of gamma and epsilon Proteobacteria, Dentilisin from mammalian oral Treponema, Pasteurella multocida toxin, two Fusobacterial toxins, FadA and Fap2, Bacteroides fragilis toxin, colibactin, cytotoxic necrotizing factors and α-hemolysin from Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica AvrA. It was clear that these bacterial toxins have biological activities to induce several hallmarks of cancer. Some toxins directly interact with DNA or chromosomes leading to their breakdowns, causing mutations and genome instability, and others modulate cell proliferation, replication and death and facilitate immune evasion and tumor invasion, prying specific oncogene and tumor suppressor pathways, such as p53 and β-catenin/Wnt. In addition, most bacterial toxins control tumor-promoting inflammation in complex and diverse mechanisms. Despite growing laboratory evidence to support oncogenic potential of selected bacterial toxins, we need more direct evidence from human studies and mechanistic data from physiologically relevant experimental animal models, which can reflect chronic infection in vivo, as well as take bacterial-bacterial interactions among microbiome into consideration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrian A Vasquez
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Wayne State University, Healthy Urban Waters, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Carol J Miller
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Wayne State University, Healthy Urban Waters, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Jun Sun
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ikuko Kato
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States; Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chang SS, Hu HY. Helicobacter pylori: Effect of coexisting diseases and update on treatment regimens. World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther 2015; 6:127-136. [PMID: 26558147 PMCID: PMC4635153 DOI: 10.4292/wjgpt.v6.i4.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of concomitant diseases is an independent predictive factor for non-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) peptic ulcers. Patients contracting concomitant diseases have an increased risk of developing ulcer disease through pathogenic mechanisms distinct from those of H. pylori infections. Factors other than H. pylori seem critical in peptic ulcer recurrence in end stage renal disease (ESRD) and cirrhotic patients. However, early H. pylori eradication is associated with a reduced risk of recurrent complicated peptic ulcers in patients with ESRD and liver cirrhosis. Resistances to triple therapy are currently detected using culture-based and molecular methods. Culture susceptibility testing before first- or second-line therapy is unadvisable. Using highly effective empiric first-line and rescue regimens can yield acceptable results. Sequential therapy has been included in a recent consensus report as a valid first-line option for eradicating H. pylori in geographic regions with high clarithromycin resistance. Two novel eradication regimens, namely concomitant and hybrid therapy, have proven more effective in patients with dual- (clarithromycin- and metronidazole-) resistant H. pylori strains. We aim to review the prevalence of and eradication therapy for H. pylori infection in patients with ESRD and cirrhosis. Moreover, we summarized the updated H. pylori eradication regimens.
Collapse
|
6
|
Dietary blueberry and bifidobacteria attenuate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rats by affecting SIRT1-mediated signaling pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2014; 2014:469059. [PMID: 25544867 PMCID: PMC4265704 DOI: 10.1155/2014/469059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 11/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
NAFLD model rats were established and divided into NAFLD model (MG group), SIRT1 RNAi (SI group), blueberry juice (BJ group), blueberry juice + bifidobacteria (BJB group), blueberry juice + SIRT1 RNAi (BJSI group), and blueberry juice + bifidobacteria + SIRT1 RNAi groups (BJBSI group). A group with normal rats was a control group (CG). BJB group ameliorated NAFLD, which was better than BJ group (P < 0.05). The lipid accumulation was lower in CG, BJ, and BJB groups than that in MG, SI, BJSI, and BJBSI groups (P < 0.05). The levels of SIRT1 and PPAR-α were higher in CG, BJ, and BJB groups than those in MG, SI, BJSI, and BJBSI groups (P < 0.05). The levels of SREBP-1c were lower in CG, BJ, and BJB groups than those in MG, SI, BJSI, and BJBSI groups (P < 0.05). The biochemical indexes SOD, GSH, and HDL-c were improved from CG to BJB group (P < 0.05). Inversely, the levels of AST and ALT, TG, TC, LDL-c, and MDA were decreased from CG to BJB group (P < 0.05). These changes enhance antioxidative capability and biochemical index of rats. Blueberry juice and bifidobacteria improve NAFLD by activating SIRTI-mediating signaling pathway.
Collapse
|
7
|
Jiang Q, Huang YQ, Huang ZS. Relationship between Helicobacter hepaticus infection and hepatocellular carcinoma. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2014; 22:1959-1965. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v22.i14.1959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high incidence worldwide, with a low diagnostic rate in the early period and therefore a high death rate. Causes for some cases of liver cancer are not completely clear. The finding that the rate of liver cancer in male A/Jr mice is significantly higher makes researchers realize that Helicobacter hepaticus may cause HCC in human beings. To get a new perspective for exploring causes of liver cancer, this paper introduces the biological nature of and detecting methods for Helicobacter hepaticus, as well as the relationship between Helicobacter hepaticus infection and HCC. Helicobacter hepaticus infection may play an important role in some HCC cases.
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang K, Lv S, Li X, Feng Y, Li X, Liu L, Li S, Li Y. Preparation, characterization, and in vivo pharmacokinetics of nanostructured lipid carriers loaded with oleanolic acid and gentiopicrin. Int J Nanomedicine 2013; 8:3227-39. [PMID: 24009420 PMCID: PMC3758216 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s45031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of this work was to develop nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded simultaneously with oleanolic acid and gentiopicrin. Methods An aqueous dispersion of NLCs was prepared successfully using a film-ultrasonic method, with glycerin monostearate as the solid lipid and oleic acid as the liquid lipid. Poloxamer 188 was used as the surfactant. A central composite design was used to optimize the technologic parameters. The characteristics of the NLCs were then investigated. Results The encapsulation efficiency was 48.34% ± 2.76%, drug loading was 8.06% ± 0.42%, particle size was 111.0 ± 1.56 nm, polydispersity index was 0.287 ± 0.01, and zeta potential was −23.8 ± 0.36 mV for the optimized NLCs. The other physicochemical properties were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Drug release followed first-order kinetics and release studies confirmed that oleanolic acid and gentiopicrin fitted a sustained-release model. Compared with NLCs loaded with oleanolic acid or gentiopicrin alone, NLCs loaded with both oleanolic acid and gentiopicrin produced drug concentrations which persisted for a significantly longer time in plasma, with a linear decrement following second-order kinetics. Aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly lower on exposure to NLCs loaded with both oleanolic acid and gentiopicrin than in negative controls. Conclusion The results of this study confirm that oleanolic acid and gentiopicrin can be loaded simultaneously into NLCs. Compared with oleanolic acid and gentiopicrin loaded alone, sustained release and protective effects against hepatic injury were observed using NLCs loaded with both oleanolic acid and gentiopicrin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kunchi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Significant advances have been made over the last 12 months in the understanding of the biology of non-H. pylori Helicobacter species (NHPH). Several studies have investigated the association between NHPH and human disease, including Crohn's disease, lithiasis, liver disease, coronary disease, gastritis, and pyoderma gangrenosum-like ulcers. Novel Helicobacter taxa were identified in new vertebrate hosts, and new methodologies in the fields of identification of Helicobacter spp. and evaluation of antibiotic resistance were described. The genome of the first human-derived gastric NHPH strain (Helicobacter bizzozeronii CIII-1) was sequenced, and several studies elucidated functions of different genes in NHPH. A number of important investigations regarding pathogenesis and immunopathobiology of NHPH infections have been published including the description of a new urease in Helicobacter mustelae. Finally, the effects of the gut microbiota and probiotics on NHPH infections were investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Rossi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Murakami K. Infection of Helicobacter species and liver disease. J Gastroenterol 2012; 47:724-5. [PMID: 22492219 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-012-0584-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
|
11
|
Abenavoli L, Arena V. Helicobacter species and liver disease. J Gastroenterol 2012; 47:723. [PMID: 22488350 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-012-0583-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
|
12
|
Uibo R, Kisand K, Yang CY, Gershwin ME. Primary biliary cirrhosis: a multi-faced interactive disease involving genetics, environment and the immune response. APMIS 2012; 120:857-71. [PMID: 23009110 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2012.02914.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is considered a model autoimmune disease based on several features, including the presence of a highly directed and very specific immune response to mitochondrial autoantigens, a female predominance, a targeted destruction of the biliary epithelium, and homogeneity between patients. It is essentially a chronic progressive cholestatic liver disease characterized by immune-mediated destruction of small- and medium-sized intrahepatic bile ducts. There is considerable variation in the incidence and prevalence of the disease between regions of the world, although such differences likely reflect not only a true disparity in disease but also differences in awareness; for example, in the United States, PBC is often detected in an asymptomatic stage based on multi-phasic clinical testing. There has been considerable progress at defining the immune response in this disease, including quantitation of autoreactive T cells against PDC-E2, the major mitochondrial autoantigen. The overwhelming data suggests that patients develop PBC based on a genetic predisposition and loss of tolerance to one or more environmental agents. In this review, we will present an updated overview of PBC and place it in the context of autoimmunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raivo Uibo
- Institute of General and Molecular Pathology, Centre of Excellence for Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|