Mechanisms of Fibrosis in Primary Biliary Cholangitis

AbstractBackgroundPrimary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease featured with bile duct injury, ductopenia and proliferation, periportal inflammation and fibrosis. Clinical manifestations of PBC vary from almost no symptoms to different degrees of pruritus plus symptoms of liver dysfunction.Purpose of ReviewThis review intends to update our understanding in the mechanisms of hepatic fibrogenesis under chronic biliary injury.Recent FindingsUnderlying mechanisms are proposed for a better understanding and more effective therapeutic targets. With genetic predisposition, lesions from bile ducts cause damage to biliary epithelial cells (BECs); and simultaneous autoimmunity reinforces a vicious cycle of BEC damage, inflammatory infiltration, BEC proliferation and fibrogenic responses. Therapeutic efficacy of immunosuppressive agents has been unsatisfactory.SummaryAs a major variable in PBC progression, fibrosis has been paid a great deal of attention but has not been responsive to various treatments.
Source: Current Hepatitis Reports - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research