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Rashad E, Moazam MM, Chaudhry R, El Eraky N, Mirza MSS, Nazmin F. Efficacy of Combination Therapies for Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus 2024; 16:e60049. [PMID: 38854256 PMCID: PMC11162748 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a hepatocellular disorder thought to be caused by an immune system that cannot tolerate autoantigens specific to hepatocytes. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of using corticosteroids (prednisolone and azathioprine) as a combination therapy in treating AIH. This study aims to synthesize and analyze existing evidence to inform clinical practices concerning the overall clinical efficacy of this treatment approach in managing AIH. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple online databases and search engines, including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Medline, and Embase. RevMan 5.4 software was used for meta-analysis, with forest plots created for each outcome. Thirteen studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The results indicate that the combination of prednisolone and azathioprine for treating AIH leads to less recurrence and better disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essam Rashad
- Hospital Medicine, Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, USA
| | - Mustafa M Moazam
- Psychiatry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, USA
| | | | - Noha El Eraky
- Radiology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, IRL
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2
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Shiffman ML. Autoimmune Hepatitis: Epidemiology, Subtypes, and Presentation. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:1-14. [PMID: 37945151 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic immunologic disorder in which the immune system targets the liver. The disease has a genetic basis and this accounts for the epidemiologic variation observed in serologic testing and clinical presentation across different populations. The incidence of AIH increases with age into the 70s and seems to be increasing in prevalence. Most patients test positive for antinuclear antibody, ASMA, or anti-LKM but about 20% of patients do not have these serologic markers. At clinical presentation, patients may be asymptomatic, symptomatic, have acute liver failure, or decompensated cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell L Shiffman
- Bon Secours Liver Institute of Richmond, Bon Secours Mercy Health, 5855 Bremo Road, Suite 509, Richmond, VA 23226, USA; Bon Secours Liver Institute of Hampton Roads, Bon Secours Mercy Health, 12720 Mc Manus Boulevard, Suite 313, Newport News, VA, 23602, USA.
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3
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Lapierre P, Alvarez F. Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis: Genetic susceptibility. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1025343. [PMID: 36248826 PMCID: PMC9556705 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1025343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Two types of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are recognized; AIH-1 is characterized by the presence of anti-nuclear and/or anti-smooth muscle autoantibodies, while AIH-2 is associated with the presence of anti-Liver kidney microsome and/or anti-Liver Cytosol antibodies. The autoantigens targeted by AIH-2 autoantibodies are the cytochrome P450 2D6 and Formiminotransferase-cyclodeaminase for anti-LKM1 and anti-LC1 respectively. Both autoantigens are expressed in hepatocytes at higher levels than in any other cell type. Therefore, compared to AIH-1, the autoantigens targeted in AIH-2 are predominantly tissue-specific. Distinct clinical features are specific to AIH-2 compared to AIH-1, including diagnosis in younger patients (mean age 6.6 years), onset as fulminant hepatitis in very young patients (3 years of age or less), higher frequency in children than in adults and is frequently associated with extrahepatic T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. AIH-2 is also often diagnosed in patients with primary immunodeficiency. AIH-2 is associated with specific HLA class II susceptibility alleles; DQB1*0201 is considered the main determinant of susceptibility while DRB1*07/DRB1*03 is associated with the type of autoantibody present. HLA DQB1*0201 is in strong linkage disequilibrium with both HLA DRB1*03 and DRB1*07. Interestingly, as in humans, MHC and non-MHC genes strongly influence the development of the disease in an animal model of AIH-2. Altogether, these findings suggest that AIH-2 incidence is likely dependent on specific genetic susceptibility factors combined with distinct environmental triggers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Lapierre
- Laboratoire d’hépatologie cellulaire, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Fernando Alvarez
- Service de gastroentérologie, hépatologie et nutrition, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Fernando Alvarez,
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4
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Jindal A, Sarin SK. Epidemiology of liver failure in Asia-Pacific region. Liver Int 2022; 42:2093-2109. [PMID: 35635298 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
The global burden of deaths caused by liver failure is substantial. The Asia-Pacific region is home to more than half of the global population and accounted for 62.6% of global deaths because of liver diseases in 2015. The aetiology of liver failure varies in different countries at different times. Viruses (Hepatitis A, B and E), drugs (herbs and anti-tuberculous drugs), toxins (alcohol use) and autoimmune flares are mainly responsible of majority of liver failure in individuals with normal liver (acute liver failure; ALF); else these may precipitate liver failure in those with chronic liver disease (acute-on-chronic liver failure; ACLF). Concomitant increases in alcohol misuse and metabolic syndrome in recent years are concerning. Ongoing efforts to address liver failure-related morbidity and mortality require accurate contemporary estimates of epidemiology and outcomes. In light of the ever-changing nature of liver disease epidemiology, accurate estimates for the burden of liver failure across the countries are vital for setting clinical, research and policy priorities. In this review, we aimed to describe the current as well as changing epidemiological trends of common liver failure syndromes, ALF and ACLF in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Jindal
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shiv K Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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5
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Kawada A, Iwamura S, Yorita K, Daike R, Tanaka Y, Kuroda N, Zen Y, Okazaki M, Uchita K. The Acute Onset of Autoimmune Hepatitis During Pregnancy in the Absence of Hypergammaglobulinemia and Autoantibodies. Intern Med 2021; 60:3231-3237. [PMID: 33840701 PMCID: PMC8580773 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.7155-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The onset of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) during pregnancy is rare and often poses a diagnostic challenge. A 29-year-old Japanese woman experienced epigastric pain and nausea during the third trimester of her third pregnancy. Three days after the symptom onset, an emergency Caesarean section was performed because of suspected acute fatty liver of pregnancy; however, the patient's liver dysfunction worsened afterward. Despite normal serum IgG concentration and absence of autoantibodies, biopsy-proven severe hepatitis with centrilobular zonal necrosis and good biochemical response to corticosteroids led to a diagnosis of AIH. Therefore, AIH should be included in the differential diagnosis of liver dysfunction during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Kawada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Kochi Hospital, Japan
| | - Shinichi Iwamura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Kochi Hospital, Japan
| | - Kenji Yorita
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Japanese Red Cross Kochi Hospital, Japan
| | - Rikiya Daike
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Kochi Hospital, Japan
| | - Yu Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Japanese Red Cross Kochi Hospital, Japan
| | - Naoto Kuroda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe Kyodo Hospital, Japan
| | - Yoh Zen
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital and King's College London, UK
| | - Michiyo Okazaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Kochi Hospital, Japan
| | - Kunihisa Uchita
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Kochi Hospital, Japan
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6
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Zachou K, Arvaniti P, Lyberopoulou A, Dalekos GN. Impact of genetic and environmental factors on autoimmune hepatitis. J Transl Autoimmun 2021; 4:100125. [PMID: 34622188 PMCID: PMC8479787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2021.100125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic non-resolving liver disease characterized by diffuse hypergammaglobulinemia, the presence of autoantibodies and characteristic histological findings. The disease can have catastrophic outcome with the development of end-stage liver disease if misdiagnosed/undiagnosed and left untreated. AIH pathogenesis remains obscure and the main hypothesis supports its development in genetically predisposed individuals after being exposed to certain environmental triggers. Genetic predisposition is linked to the presence of certain HLA alleles, mainly HLA-DR3 and HLA-DR4. However, a wide number of non-HLA epitopes have also been associated with the disease although data vary significantly among different ethnic groups. Therefore, it is likely that epigenetic alterations may also play a crucial role in disease's pathogenesis, although not yet extensively studied. The aim of this review was to summarize the genetic and environmental factors that have been associated with AIH, but also to open new insights towards the role of epigenetic modifications in the etiology of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Arvaniti
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Aggeliki Lyberopoulou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
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7
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Wang G, Tanaka A, Zhao H, Jia J, Ma X, Harada K, Wang FS, Wei L, Wang Q, Sun Y, Hong Y, Rao H, Efe C, Lau G, Payawal D, Gani R, Lindor K, Jafri W, Omata M, Sarin SK. The Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver clinical practice guidance: the diagnosis and management of patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatol Int 2021; 15:223-257. [PMID: 33942203 PMCID: PMC8144150 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10170-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guiqiang Wang
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China. .,Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | | | - Hong Zhao
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jidong Jia
- Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiong Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kenichi Harada
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine Kanazawa, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lai Wei
- Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qixia Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Hong
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huiying Rao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cumali Efe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Harran University, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
| | - George Lau
- Humanity and Health Medical Group, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Diana Payawal
- Department of Hepatology, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Manila, Philippines
| | - Rino Gani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Keith Lindor
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Masao Omata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamanashi Prefectural Central Hospital, Kofu-City, Yamanashi, Japan.,The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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8
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Engel B, Laschtowitz A, Janik MK, Junge N, Baumann U, Milkiewicz P, Taubert R, Sebode M. Genetic aspects of adult and pediatric autoimmune hepatitis: A concise review. Eur J Med Genet 2021; 64:104214. [PMID: 33812046 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) is a heterogenous, mostly chronic liver disease that affects people of all age groups, women more often than men. The aim of therapy is to prevent cirrhosis, as it mainly accounts for liver-related mortality in patients with AIH. Rates of remission are high in patients with AIH, but life-long immunosuppressive therapy is required. AIH is hypothesized to originate from immunologic reactivity targeted against mostly unknown self-antigens, potentially triggered by viral infections among other factors. While AIH does not follow a Mendelian inheritance pattern, part of the risk of developing AIH or worse disease course, is attributed to specific genetic risk factors. Major associations for the risk of development of AIH were found for HLA-DRB1*03:01 and HLA-DRB1*04:01 in adult AIH in the only genome-wide association study on AIH. However, other potential risk loci in SH2B3, CARD10 and KIR genes were described. This review covers the current knowledge on genetic risk factors in adult and pediatric AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Engel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany.
| | - Alena Laschtowitz
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
| | - Maciej K Janik
- Liver and Internal Medicine Unit, Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
| | - Norman Junge
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
| | - Ulrich Baumann
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
| | - Piotr Milkiewicz
- Liver and Internal Medicine Unit, Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; Translational Medicine Group, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
| | - Richard Taubert
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
| | - Marcial Sebode
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
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Fedrizzi RS, Coral GP, Mattos AAD, Mattos ÂZD, Tovo CV. EVALUATION OF PATIENTS WITH AUTOIMMUNE HEPATITIS IN A SPECIALIZED OUTPATIENT CLINIC IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2021; 57:361-365. [PMID: 33237214 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.202000000-69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease, characterized by necroinflammation and autoimmune etiology. Studies evaluating the characteristics of patients with AIH are scarce in Brazil. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to evaluate the profile of patients with AIH in a specialized center in Southern Brazil and to verify factors related to treatment response. METHODS this was a retrospective cohort study, which analyzed demographic, epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and histologic data. Patients with AIH diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) were included. In liver biopsies, the degree of fibrosis, histological activity, presence of hepatocyte rosettes, plasma cell infiltrates, and confluent necrosis were evaluated. In the statistical analysis, the significance level was 5%. RESULTS Forty adults patients diagnosed with AIH were included. The evaluated population predominantly consisted of women (75.0%) and the average age at diagnosis was 44.2 years. The association with extrahepatic autoimmune diseases occurred in 20.0% of cases. Clinically, 35.0% of patients presented with acute onset hepatitis, 37.5% with cirrhosis, and 27.5% with other forms of presentation. The most common clinical manifestation was jaundice (47.5%). Thirty-five patients were treated, and of these, 97.1% used prednisone combined with azathioprine. The average treatment time was 2.7 years. Response to treatment was complete or partial in 30 (85.7%) and absent in 5 (14.3%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference when evaluating response to treatment in relation to forms of presentation, histological findings, and the presence of autoantibodies. Regarding fibrosis, regression was observed in 18.75% of the cases. CONCLUSION Most patients with AIH were young at presentation and of female sex. The association with extrahepatic autoimmune diseases and cirrhosis at presentation was seen in a considerable proportion of patients. Treatment was effective, but there were no clinical, histological or serological parameters capable of predicting treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata S Fedrizzi
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Gabriela P Coral
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Angelo A de Mattos
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Ângelo Z de Mattos
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Cristiane V Tovo
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
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10
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Higuchi T, Oka S, Furukawa H, Tohma S, Yatsuhashi H, Migita K. Genetic risk factors for autoimmune hepatitis: implications for phenotypic heterogeneity and biomarkers for drug response. Hum Genomics 2021; 15:6. [PMID: 33509297 PMCID: PMC7841991 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-020-00301-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare chronic progressive liver disease with autoimmune features. It mainly affects middle-aged women. AIH is occasionally complicated with liver cirrhosis that worsens the prognosis. Genetic and environmental factors are involved in the pathogenesis of AIH. Genetic studies of other diseases have been revealing of pathogenesis and drug efficacy. In this review, we summarize the genetic risk factors for AIH, including human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and non-HLA genes. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) on European AIH revealed the strongest associations to be with single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in HLA. Predisposing alleles for AIH were DRB1*03:01 and DRB1*04:01 in Europeans; DRB1*04:04, DRB1*04:05, and DRB1*13:01 in Latin Americans; and DRB1*04:01 and DRB1*04:05 in Japanese. Other risk SNVs in non-HLA genes for AIH were found by a candidate gene approach, but several SNVs were confirmed in replication studies. Some genetic factors of AIH overlapped with those of other autoimmune diseases. Larger-scale GWASs of other ethnic groups are required. The results of genetic studies might provide an explanation for the phenotypic heterogeneity of AIH and biomarkers for drug responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Higuchi
- Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, 305-8575, Japan.,Department of Nephrology, Ushiku Aiwa General Hospital, 896 Shishiko-cho, Ushiku, 300-1296, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, 3-1-1 Takeoka, Kiyose, 204-8585, Japan
| | - Shomi Oka
- Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, 305-8575, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, 3-1-1 Takeoka, Kiyose, 204-8585, Japan.,Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital, 18-1 Sakuradai, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, 252-0392, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Furukawa
- Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, 305-8575, Japan. .,Department of Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, 3-1-1 Takeoka, Kiyose, 204-8585, Japan. .,Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital, 18-1 Sakuradai, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, 252-0392, Japan.
| | - Shigeto Tohma
- Department of Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, 3-1-1 Takeoka, Kiyose, 204-8585, Japan.,Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital, 18-1 Sakuradai, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, 252-0392, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yatsuhashi
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center, 2-1001-1 Kubara, Omura, 856-8562, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Migita
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center, 2-1001-1 Kubara, Omura, 856-8562, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
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11
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Association of HLA-DRB1*04:05 allele with drug-induced interstitial lung disease in Japanese population. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2020; 20:823-830. [PMID: 32467566 DOI: 10.1038/s41397-020-0172-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Drug-induced interstitial lung disease (DILD) is a life-threatening adverse reaction. The Japanese population is more susceptible to DILD as compared with other populations, suggesting its pathogenesis could vary depending on ethnic genetic background. We conducted case-control studies to elucidate the association between DILD and HLA alleles in the Japanese. The 177 clinically diagnosed DILD patients and 3002 healthy controls for exploration and 55 DILD patients and 201 healthy controls for validation were genotyped for four HLA genes. HLA-DRB1*04:05 was significantly associated with DILD (corrected p = 0.014); this was also validated in the other set of patients/controls. Chemical drugs other than protein therapeutics showed this association (p = 1.7 × 10-4) . The Japanese population showed a higher HLA-DRB1*04:05 frequency than most other populations. In conclusion, HLA-DRB1*04:05 could be associated with DILD susceptibility in Japanese individuals, and its high general frequency may explain the high reported incidence of DILD in Japanese.
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12
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Czaja AJ. Examining pathogenic concepts of autoimmune hepatitis for cues to future investigations and interventions. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:6579-6606. [PMID: 31832000 PMCID: PMC6906207 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i45.6579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple pathogenic mechanisms have been implicated in autoimmune hepatitis, but they have not fully explained susceptibility, triggering events, and maintenance or escalation of the disease. Furthermore, they have not identified a critical defect that can be targeted. The goals of this review are to examine the diverse pathogenic mechanisms that have been considered in autoimmune hepatitis, indicate investigational opportunities to validate their contribution, and suggest interventions that might evolve to modify their impact. English abstracts were identified in PubMed by multiple search terms. Full length articles were selected for review, and secondary and tertiary bibliographies were developed. Genetic and epigenetic factors can affect susceptibility by influencing the expression of immune regulatory genes. Thymic dysfunction, possibly related to deficient production of programmed cell death protein-1, can allow autoreactive T cells to escape deletion, and alterations in the intestinal microbiome may help overcome immune tolerance and affect gender bias. Environmental factors may trigger the disease or induce epigenetic changes in gene function. Molecular mimicry, epitope spread, bystander activation, neo-antigen production, lymphocytic polyspecificity, and disturbances in immune inhibitory mechanisms may maintain or escalate the disease. Interventions that modify epigenetic effects on gene expression, alter intestinal dysbiosis, eliminate deleterious environmental factors, and target critical pathogenic mechanisms are therapeutic possibilities that might reduce risk, individualize management, and improve outcome. In conclusion, diverse pathogenic mechanisms have been implicated in autoimmune hepatitis, and they may identify a critical factor or sequence that can be validated and used to direct future management and preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
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13
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Chen RL, Wang QX, Ma X. Precision medicine for autoimmune hepatitis. J Dig Dis 2019; 20:331-337. [PMID: 31099976 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.12786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an autoimmune liver disease induced by environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals. AIH is characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, elevation of serum autoantibodies and transaminases, and interface hepatitis. Personalized therapy is necessary in AIH because of its heterogeneity in clinical manifestations. Precision medicine is a recent and novel therapeutic pattern which ultimately aims to achieve personalized therapy. In this review we summarize the research progress of precision medicine to treat AIH by an exploration of the susceptible genes, precision diagnosis and prognosis of AIH, pharmacogenomics and precision medication, and the precision treatment for special types of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ling Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Xia Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiong Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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14
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Rahim MN, Liberal R, Miquel R, Heaton ND, Heneghan MA. Acute Severe Autoimmune Hepatitis: Corticosteroids or Liver Transplantation? Liver Transpl 2019; 25:946-959. [PMID: 30900368 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Acute severe presentations of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) represent a challenge for the transplant community. As a disease, it is poorly characterized, and there is a weak evidence base to guide diagnosis and treatment. Early identification of acute severe AIH is key because it determines the initiation of corticosteroids, which can be lifesaving. However, their use in this setting remains controversial. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, severity of coagulopathy, and grade of encephalopathy may be predictors of outcome with corticosteroid therapy. The optimal timing of liver transplantation (LT) can be difficult to determine and, as such, the decision to proceed to transplantation should not be delayed by protracted courses of corticosteroids. The aim of this review is to better characterize this subset of patients; to differentiate them clinically, serologically, and histologically from chronic AIH and other causes of acute liver failure; and to present the role, predictors, and optimal timings of corticosteroid therapy and LT. Although this review is specific to adults, many principles hold true for the pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mussarat N Rahim
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rodrigo Liberal
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rosa Miquel
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel D Heaton
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Raquel Benedita Terrabuio D, Augusto Diniz M, Teofilo de Moraes Falcão L, Luiza Vilar Guedes A, Akeme Nakano L, Silva Evangelista A, Roberto Lima F, Pires Abrantes-Lemos C, José Carrilho F, Luiz Rachid Cancado E. Chloroquine Is Effective for Maintenance of Remission in Autoimmune Hepatitis: Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Trial. Hepatol Commun 2018; 3:116-128. [PMID: 30619999 PMCID: PMC6312658 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Between 50% and 86% of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) relapse after immunosuppression withdrawal; long-term immunosuppression is associated with increased risk of neoplasias and infections. Chloroquine diphosphate (CQ) is an immunomodulatory drug that reduces the risk of flares in rheumatologic diseases. Our aims were to investigate the efficacy and safety of CQ for maintenance of biochemical remission of AIH in a double-blind randomized trial and to define a subgroup that obtained a greater benefit from its use. A total of 61 patients with AIH in histologic remission (90.1% AIH type 1 [AIH-1]) were randomized to receive CQ 250 mg/day or placebo for 36 months. Of the 61 patients, 31 received CQ and 30 placebo. At baseline, clinical, laboratory, histologic findings, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) profile were similar between the two groups. Relapse-free survival was significantly higher in the CQ group compared to the placebo group (59.3% and 19.9%, respectively P = 0.039). For those patients completing 3-year treatment, relapse rates were 41.6% and 0% after CQ and placebo withdrawal, respectively. Factors associated with a higher risk of relapse in multiple Cox regression were placebo use (hazard ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.055.5; P = 0.039) and anti-soluble liver antigen/liver-pancreas (anti-SLA/LP) seropositivity (hazard ratio, 5.4; 95% CI, 1.91-15.3; P = 0.002). Although it was not possible to define a subgroup that obtained a greater benefit from CQ according to anti-SLA/LP reactivity or HLA profile, 100% of patients who were anti-SLA/LP-positive (+) relapsed with placebo compared to 50% with CQ (P = 0.055). In the CQ group, 54.8% had side effects and 19.3% interrupted the drug regimen. Conclusion: CQ safely reduced the risk of relapse of AIH, but it was not possible to define a subgroup that obtained a greater benefit with CQ use, probably because of sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Raquel Benedita Terrabuio
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital das Clinicas University of São Paulo School of Medicine São Paulo Brazil
| | - Marcio Augusto Diniz
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles CA
| | - Lydia Teofilo de Moraes Falcão
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital das Clinicas University of São Paulo School of Medicine São Paulo Brazil
| | - Ana Luiza Vilar Guedes
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital das Clinicas University of São Paulo School of Medicine São Paulo Brazil
| | - Larissa Akeme Nakano
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital das Clinicas University of São Paulo School of Medicine São Paulo Brazil
| | - Andréia Silva Evangelista
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital das Clinicas University of São Paulo School of Medicine São Paulo Brazil
| | - Fabiana Roberto Lima
- Department of Pathology University of São Paulo School of Medicine São Paulo Brazil
| | - Clarice Pires Abrantes-Lemos
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation of Immunopathology of Schistosomiasis Institute of Tropical Medicine of University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Flair José Carrilho
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital das Clinicas University of São Paulo School of Medicine São Paulo Brazil
| | - Eduardo Luiz Rachid Cancado
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital das Clinicas University of São Paulo School of Medicine São Paulo Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Investigation of Immunopathology of Schistosomiasis Institute of Tropical Medicine of University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
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16
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Yamazaki T, Umemura T, Joshita S, Yoshizawa K, Tanaka E, Ota M. A cis-eQTL of HLA-DPB1 Affects Susceptibility to Type 1 Autoimmune Hepatitis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11924. [PMID: 30093645 PMCID: PMC6085285 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30406-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease characterized by an autoimmune reaction to hepatocytes. A single nucleotide polymorphism in the 3′ untranslated region of HLA-DPB1, rs9277534, is associated with HLA-DPB1 expression. rs9277534 has been linked to hepatitis B virus recovery/persistence and the risk of graft-versus-host disease with HLA-DPB1 mismatching transplantation of hematopoietic cells, but its role along with that of HLA-DP expression in AIH have not been fully clarified. We genotyped rs9277534 in 146 Japanese patients with AIH and 326 healthy subjects. HLA-DPB1 expression was determined by quantitative PCR. HLA-DPB1 expression was significantly higher for rs9277534G than for rs9277534A (P < 0.05). rs9277534 genotype was in strong linkage disequilibrium with the HLA-DPB1 allele (pairwise D′ = 0.82–1.00). Although HLA-DP alleles were not significantly associated with AIH, the frequency of the rs9277534G allele was significantly higher in AIH patients compared with healthy subjects (P = 0.002, odds ratio [OR] = 1.56). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the HLA-DRB1*04:05 allele (P < 0.001, OR = 4.61) and rs9277534 (P = 0.004, OR = 1.67) were independently associated with AIH susceptibility. rs9277534G in the HLA-DP gene is an eQTL that affects gene expression and may contribute to AIH susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoo Yamazaki
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takeji Umemura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan. .,Research Center for Next Generation Medicine, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan.
| | - Satoru Joshita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Research Center for Next Generation Medicine, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Kaname Yoshizawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, NHO Ueda Medical Center, Ueda, Japan
| | - Eiji Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Masao Ota
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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17
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Takai S, Inoue J, Kogure T, Kakazu E, Ninomiya M, Iwata T, Umetsu T, Nakamura T, Sano A, Shimosegawa T. Acute-onset Autoimmune Hepatitis in a Young Woman with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Intern Med 2018; 57:1591-1596. [PMID: 29321432 PMCID: PMC6028672 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.9728-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are thought to be induced by autoimmunity, but their coexistence has rarely been reported. We herein report a case in which a patient with T1DM developed acute-onset AIH. A 26-year-old woman, who had been diagnosed with T1DM in childhood, was transferred to our hospital because of acute liver failure of unknown etiology. The administration of corticosteroids including steroid pulse therapy was effective. Based on the histological finding of massive centrilobular necrosis and a good response to steroid therapy, we diagnosed the patient with acute-onset AIH. This case indicates that AIH can occur in young T1DM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Takai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Jun Inoue
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kogure
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Eiji Kakazu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Masashi Ninomiya
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Iwata
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Teruyuki Umetsu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Takuya Nakamura
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Akitoshi Sano
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Tooru Shimosegawa
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
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18
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Chaouali M, Azaiez MB, Tezeghdenti A, Lagha A, Yacoubi-Oueslati B, Ghazouani E, Abdallah HB, Kochkar R. Association of TNF-α-308 Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Autoimmune Hepatitis in Tunisians. Biochem Genet 2018; 56:650-662. [PMID: 29845365 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-018-9867-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic hepatitis of unknown etiology and several proinflammatory cytokines are implicated in its pathogenesis. The association of TNF-α gene polymorphism with AIH onset is not fully elucidated especially in the Tunisian population. The aim of this study was to determine the association of TNF-α (-308 G > A) polymorphism with AIH susceptibility and with TNF-α expression or clinical manifestations of AIH. A total of 50 AIH patients and 150 controls were included. Evaluation of TNF-α polymorphism was performed by ARMS PCR method. A significantly higher frequence of the AA genotype was found in AIH patients compared to controls (34 vs. 8%, p = 0.00002, OR 5.88). The frequency of the A-allele was significantly higher in patients with AIH compared to controls (55 vs. 37.3%, p = 0.002, OR 2.05). The G-allele was significantly more frequent in healthy controls compared to AIH patients [43 vs. 61.3%, p = 0.001, OR 0.47 (0.3-0.75)]. There was a positive correlation between the A/A genotype and a higher serum expression of TNF-α. The TNF*A allele confer susceptibility to AIH in the Tunisian patients and is associated with increased production of TNF-α. Anti-TNF antibodies could be an alternative to the use of corticotherapy and may avoid the exacerbated immune response in AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Chaouali
- Department of Immunology, Military Hospital of Tunis, Montfleury, 1008, Tunis, Tunisia.
- Laboratory of Mycology, Pathologies and Biomarkers, El Manar University, 1092, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Mouna Ben Azaiez
- Department of Immunology, Military Hospital of Tunis, Montfleury, 1008, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Aymen Tezeghdenti
- Department of Immunology, Military Hospital of Tunis, Montfleury, 1008, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Awatef Lagha
- Department of Immunology, Military Hospital of Tunis, Montfleury, 1008, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Basma Yacoubi-Oueslati
- Laboratory of Mycology, Pathologies and Biomarkers, El Manar University, 1092, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ezzeddine Ghazouani
- Department of Immunology, Military Hospital of Tunis, Montfleury, 1008, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hatem Ben Abdallah
- Department of Gastroenterology, Military Hospital of Tunis, Montfleury, 1008, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Radhia Kochkar
- Department of Immunology, Military Hospital of Tunis, Montfleury, 1008, Tunis, Tunisia
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19
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Czaja AJ. Epigenetic changes and their implications in autoimmune hepatitis. Eur J Clin Invest 2018; 48. [PMID: 29383703 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genetic risk of autoimmune hepatitis is insufficient to explain the observed risk, and epigenetic changes may explain disparities in disease occurrence in different populations within and between countries. The goal of this review was to examine how epigenetic changes induced by the environment or inherited as a phenotypic trait may affect autoimmune hepatitis and be amenable to therapeutic intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pertinent abstracts were identified in PubMed by multiple search terms. The number of abstracts reviewed was 1689, and the number of full-length articles reviewed exceeded 150. RESULTS Activation of pro-inflammatory genes in autoimmune disease is associated with hypomethylation of deoxyribonucleic acid and modification of histones within chromatin. Organ-specific microribonucleic acids can silence genes by marking messenger ribonucleic acids for degradation, and they can promote inflammatory activity or immunosuppression. High circulating levels of the microribonucleic acids 21 and 122 have been demonstrated in autoimmune hepatitis, and they may increase production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Microribonucleic acids are also essential for maintaining regulatory T cells. Drugs, pollutants, infections, diet and ageing can induce inheritable epigenetic changes favouring autoimmunity. Reversal is feasible by manipulating enzymes, transcription factors, gene-silencing molecules and toxic exposures or by administering methyl donors and correcting vitamin D deficiency. Gene targets, site specificity, efficacy and consequences are uncertain. CONCLUSIONS Potentially reversible epigenetic changes may affect the occurrence and outcome of autoimmune hepatitis, and investigations are warranted to determine the nature of these changes, key genomic targets, and feasible interventions and their consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
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20
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Chaouali M, Kochkar R, Messadi A, Tezeghdenti A, Azaiez MB, Abdallah HB, Yacoubi-Oueslati B, Ghazouani E. Distribution of HLA-DRB1/DQB1 alleles and DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes among Tunisian patients with autoimmune hepatitis. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmhg.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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21
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Umemura T, Joshita S, Hamano H, Yoshizawa K, Kawa S, Tanaka E, Ota M. Association of autoimmune hepatitis with Src homology 2 adaptor protein 3 gene polymorphisms in Japanese patients. J Hum Genet 2017; 62:963-967. [DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2017.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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22
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Association of STAT4 and PTPN22 polymorphisms and their interactions with type-1 autoimmune hepatitis susceptibility in Chinese Han children. Oncotarget 2017; 8:60933-60940. [PMID: 28977835 PMCID: PMC5617395 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the impact of signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) and the protein tyrosine phosphatase N22 (PTPN22) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), gene-gene interactions and haplotype on type-1 Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) risk. RESULTS Logistic regression analysis showed that type 1 AIH was significantly higher in carriers of T allele of rs7574865 than those with GG genotype (P- value less than 0.001), higher in carriers of C allele of rs7582694 than those with GG genotype (P- value < 0.001), and lower in carriers of T allele of rs2476601 than those with CC genotype (P- value < 0.001). GMDR model indicated a significant two-locus model (p = 0.0100) involving rs7582694 and rs2476601. Participants with GC or CC of rs7582694 and CC of rs2476601 genotype have the highest type 1 AIH risk (P- value < 0.001), after covariates adjustment. Haplotype containing the rs7582694-C and rs7574865-T alleles were associated with a statistically increased type 1 AIH risk (P < 0.001). MATERIALS AND METHODS Logistic regression was performed to investigate association between SNPs within STAT4 and PTPN22 gene and susceptibility to type 1 AIH. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was used to screen the best interaction combinations among the 4 SNPs. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that rs7574865 and rs7582694 in STAT4 gene minor alleles, interaction between rs7582694 and rs2476601, and haplotype containing the rs7582694-C and rs7574865-T alleles are associated with increased type 1 AIH risk, but rs2476601 in PTPN22 gene minor allele is associated with decreased type 1 AIH risk.
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23
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Ylinen E, Salmela L, Peräsaari J, Jaatinen T, Tenca A, Vapalahti O, Färkkilä M, Jalanko H, Kolho K. Human leucocyte antigens B*08, DRB1*03 and DRB1*13 are significantly associated with autoimmune liver and biliary diseases in Finnish children. Acta Paediatr 2017; 106:322-326. [PMID: 27759901 DOI: 10.1111/apa.13641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM The human leucocyte antigen (HLA) allele and haplotype frequencies of the Finnish population are unique because of the restricted and homogenous gene population. There are no published data on HLA genotype associations in paediatric autoimmune liver diseases in Scandinavia. This study characterised the HLA genotypes of children with autoimmune liver or biliary disease in Finland. METHODS The study cohort comprised 19 paediatric patients (13 female) aged three years to 15 years treated for autoimmune liver or biliary disease at the Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, between 2000 and 2011, and followed up for four years and three months to 14.6 years. We genotyped HLA-B and HLA-DRB1 in the children, and the HLA antigen frequencies were compared with 19 807 records from the Finnish Bone Marrow Donor Registry. RESULTS All paediatric patients with autoimmune liver or biliary disease had either autoimmune HLA haplotype B*08;DRB1*03 or DRB1*13. These were significantly more common among patients with autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis/primary sclerosing cholangitis overlap syndrome than the Finnish control population. HLA RB1*04 was not found in the study cohort. CONCLUSION Our study found that B*08, DRB1*03 and DRB1*13 were significantly associated with autoimmune liver and biliary diseases in Finnish paediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ylinen
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology and Transplantation Children's Hospital University of Helsinki Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
- Department of Gastroenterology Children's Hospital University of Helsinki Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - L Salmela
- Medical School University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - J Peräsaari
- Clinical Laboratory Finnish Red Cross Blood Service Helsinki Finland
| | - T Jaatinen
- Clinical Laboratory Finnish Red Cross Blood Service Helsinki Finland
| | - A Tenca
- Clinic of Gastroenterology University of Helsinki Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - O Vapalahti
- Department of Virology and Immunology HUSLAB Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa Helsinki Finland
| | - M Färkkilä
- Clinic of Gastroenterology University of Helsinki Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - H Jalanko
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology and Transplantation Children's Hospital University of Helsinki Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - K‐L Kolho
- Department of Gastroenterology Children's Hospital University of Helsinki Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
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24
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Liberal R, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D. Contemporary issues and future directions in autoimmune hepatitis. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 10:1163-1174. [PMID: 27215278 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2016.1193004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a severe life-threatening hepatopathy of unknown etiology, affecting both pediatric and adult populations, and characterised by inflammatory liver histology, circulating non-organ-specific autoantibodies, and hypergammaglobulinaemia. AIH is a very heterogeneous disease with a variety of clinical presentations, ranging from asymptomatic liver test abnormalities to acute severe hepatitis or even acute liver failure. It responds very well to immunosuppressive treatment with prednisolone with or without azathioprine. Patients who are intolerant or fail to respond to standard therapy are candidates for alternative immunosuppressive regimens, the combination of steroids with mycophenolate mofetil or calcineurin inhibitors being the most frequently reported. The pathogenesis of AIH remains not completely understood, although there is evidence that genetic predisposition, molecular mimicry and defective immunoregulatory mechanisms contribute to the autoimmune liver damage. Areas covered: A literature search was conducted using the key-words 'autoimmune hepatitis', 'immunogenetics', 'regulatory T-cells' and 'immunosuppression'. The aim of this review is to discuss recent breakthroughs in the understanding AIH pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. Expert commentary: Progress in the understanding of AIH pathogenesis is likely to contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies, such as the adoptive transfer of autologous expanded antigen-specific regulatory T-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Liberal
- a Institute of Liver Studies and Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre , King's College Hospital , London , UK
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- a Institute of Liver Studies and Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre , King's College Hospital , London , UK
| | - Diego Vergani
- a Institute of Liver Studies and Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre , King's College Hospital , London , UK
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25
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Yoshizawa K, Joshita S, Matsumoto A, Umemura T, Tanaka E, Morita S, Maejima T, Ota M. Incidence and prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis in the Ueda area, Japan. Hepatol Res 2016; 46:878-83. [PMID: 26670542 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM Although autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is considered to be rare in Japan, precise data on the incidence and prevalence of this disease are scarce due to the lack of a nationwide registry. We therefore conducted a study of these factors over a secondary medical care area. METHODS We retrospectively investigated the medical records of AIH patients seen during 2004-2009 and prospectively recruited subjects from 2010 to 2014 at our hospital. We surveyed via written questionnaires to all family doctors and hospitals in our secondary medical care area of Ueda, with a population 187 205 individuals over 14 years of age. We also surveyed several core liver disease hospitals in the areas neighboring Ueda. RESULTS Forty-eight patients with AIH were diagnosed between 2004 and 2014. AIH with histological features of acute hepatitis was increased. The average annual incidence of AIH in the area was 2.23 (age-standardized to the Japanese population). Forty-eight patients (37 patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2014, and 11 patients before 2003) were followed to the study end-point. The prevalence was 23.4 (age-standardized to the Japanese population) on 31 December 2014. After age-standardization to the World Health Organization world standard population, the incidence and prevalence of AIH decreased to 1.52 and 15.0, respectively, likely due to the high proportion of elderly patients in Japan. CONCLUSION The incidence and prevalence of AIH in Japan may be higher than previously believed due to increased awareness among family doctors, and a rise in the diagnosis of mild or atypical AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaname Yoshizawa
- Departments of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization, Shinshu Ueda Medical Center.,Departments of Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine
| | - Satoru Joshita
- Departments of Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine
| | | | - Takeji Umemura
- Departments of Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine
| | - Eiji Tanaka
- Departments of Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine
| | - Susumu Morita
- Departments of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization, Shinshu Ueda Medical Center
| | - Toshitaka Maejima
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization, Shinshu Ueda Medical Center
| | - Masao Ota
- Legal Medicine, Shinshu University, School of Medicine
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26
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Umemura T, Joshita S, Yamazaki T, Komatsu M, Katsuyama Y, Yoshizawa K, Tanaka E, Ota M. Genetic Association of PTPN22 Polymorphisms with Autoimmune Hepatitis and Primary Biliary Cholangitis in Japan. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29770. [PMID: 27406031 PMCID: PMC4942688 DOI: 10.1038/srep29770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are liver-specific autoimmune conditions that are characterized by chronic hepatic damage and often lead to cirrhosis and hepatic failure. Specifically, the protein tyrosine phosphatase N22 (PTPN22) gene encodes the lymphoid protein tyrosine phosphatase, which acts as a negative regulator of T-cell receptor signaling. A missense single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs2476601) in PTPN22 has been linked to numerous autoimmune diseases in Caucasians. In the present series, nine SNPs in the PTPN22 gene were analyzed in 166 patients with AIH, 262 patients with PBC, and 322 healthy controls in the Japanese population using TaqMan assays. Although the functional rs3996649 and rs2476601 were non-polymorphic in all subject groups, the frequencies of the minor alleles at rs1217412, rs1217388, rs1217407, and rs2488458 were significantly decreased in AIH patients as compared with controls (all Pc < 0.05). There were no significant relationships with PTPN22 SNPs in PBC patients. Interestingly, the AAGTCCC haplotype was significantly associated with resistance to both AIH (odds ratio [OR] = 0.58, P = 0.0067) and PBC (OR = 0.58, P = 0.0048). SNPs in the PTPN22 gene may therefore play key roles in the genetic resistance to autoimmune liver disease in the Japanese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeji Umemura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Satoru Joshita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Tomoo Yamazaki
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Michiharu Komatsu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | | | - Kaname Yoshizawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, NHO Shinshu Ueda Medical Center, Ueda, Japan
| | - Eiji Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Masao Ota
- Department of Legal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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An analysis of drug-induced liver injury, which showed histological findings similar to autoimmune hepatitis. J Gastroenterol 2016; 51:597-607. [PMID: 26519284 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-015-1131-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) sometimes resembles autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in its hepatic histology. However, there is lacking data of a comparison of the characteristics between such DILI and DILI without histological findings like AIH. METHODS We enrolled 62 patients with DILI who were diagnosed using the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method, and performed a liver biopsy. These patients were classified into two groups: DILI with histology like AIH (group A, n = 23) and DILI without such histology (group B, n = 39). Sixteen patients of group A could be further classified into two groups: patients with relapse of the liver injury (group C, n = 8) and without relapse (group D, n = 8), after the recovery of the DILI. We compared the clinical and histological findings between group A and B, and group C versus D. RESULTS Group A was characterized by an older age (p = 0.043), higher immunoglobulin G level (p = 0.017), positive antinuclear antibody status (p = 0.044), and a higher frequency of complementary alternative medicines and Chinese herbal medicines as the causative drug (p = 0.008). There were no significant differences between group C and D regarding the clinical data and liver histological findings. CONCLUSIONS The clinical characteristics of DILI, which showed histological findings similar to AIH, were revealed. In such patients, a liver biopsy is recommended in order to determine the appropriate treatment strategy. In DILI with histology like AIH patients, long-term follow-up is needed to perceive the relapse.
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The early onset of type 1 autoimmune hepatitis has a strong genetic influence: role of HLA and KIR genes. Genes Immun 2016; 17:187-92. [PMID: 26890333 DOI: 10.1038/gene.2016.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We have previously reported a strong association between HLA-DRB1*1301 and type 1 pediatric autoimmune hepatitis (PAH) and between HLA-DR*0405 and adult autoimmune hepatitis (AAH). Because human killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors are known to be associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, we investigated the frequencies of HLA-A, B, C, DRB1 and KIR genes in 144 type 1 PAH and 86 AAH patients, which were compared with 273 healthy controls. We demonstrated in PAH the increased frequency of the functional form of KIR2DS4-Full Length (KIR2DS4-FL), which in combination with HLA-DRB1*1301 revealed a strong synergistic effect (odds ratio=36.5). PAH-KIR2DS4-FL+ subjects have shown an increased frequency of their putative HLA-C*02, 04 and 06 ligands. KIR analysis of PAH also revealed a decreased frequency of KIR2DL2 gene and its ligand. In contrast, AAH cases have shown a weaker increased frequency of KIR2DS4-FL, a lack of synergistic effect with HLA class II antigens and a moderate association with HLA-DRB1*0405. Of note, we demonstrated that liver T cells have a unique pattern of KIR expression. These results show a KIR gene involved in autoimmune hepatitis and suggest a stronger genetic influence for the early onset type I autoimmune hepatitis.
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Genetic factors affect the etiology, clinical characteristics and outcome of autoimmune hepatitis. Clin J Gastroenterol 2015; 8:360-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s12328-015-0620-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Czaja AJ. Transitioning from Idiopathic to Explainable Autoimmune Hepatitis. Dig Dis Sci 2015; 60:2881-900. [PMID: 25999246 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-015-3708-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis lacks an identifiable cause, and its diagnosis requires the exclusion of etiologically defined diseases that resemble it. Insights into its pathogenesis are moving autoimmune hepatitis from an idiopathic to explainable disease, and the goal of this review is to describe the insights that are hastening this transition. Two types of autoimmune hepatitis are justified by serological markers, but they also have distinctive genetic associations (DRB1 and DQB1 genes) and autoantigens. DRB1 alleles are the principal susceptibility factors in white adults, and a six amino acid sequence encoded in the antigen-binding groove of class II molecules of the major histocompatibility complex can influence the selection of autoantigens. Polymorphisms, including variants of SH2B3 and CARD10 genes, may affect immune reactivity and disease severity. The cytochrome mono-oxygenase, CYP2D6, is the autoantigen associated with type 2 autoimmune hepatitis, and it shares homologies with multiple viruses that might promote self-intolerance by molecular mimicry. Chemokines, especially CXCL9 and CXCL10, orchestrate the migration of effector cells to sites of injury and are associated with disease severity. Cells of the innate and adaptive immune responses promote tissue damage, and possible deficiencies in the number and function of regulatory T cells may facilitate the injurious process. Receptor-mediated apoptosis is the principal mechanism of hepatocyte loss, and cell-mediated and antibody-dependent mechanisms of cytotoxicity also contribute. Insights that explain autoimmune hepatitis will allow triggering exogenous antigens to be characterized, risk management to be improved, prognostic indices to be refined, and site-specific therapeutic interventions to emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street S.W., Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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HLA-DRB1*03:01 and HLA-DRB1*04:01 modify the presentation and outcome in autoimmune hepatitis type-1. Genes Immun 2015; 16:247-52. [PMID: 25611558 DOI: 10.1038/gene.2014.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*03:01 and HLA-DRB1*04:01 alleles are established autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) risk alleles. To study the immune-modifying effect of these alleles, we imputed the genotypes from genome-wide association data in 649 Dutch AIH type-1 patients. We therefore compared the international AIH group (IAIHG) diagnostic scores as well as the underlying clinical characteristics between patients positive and negative for these HLA alleles. Seventy-five percent of the AIH patients were HLA-DRB1*03:01/HLA-DRB1*04:01 positive. HLA-DRB1*03:01/HLA-DRB1*04:01-positive patients had a higher median IAIHG score than HLA-DRB1*03:01/HLA-DRB1*04:01-negative patients (P<0.001). We did not observe associations between HLA alleles and alanine transaminase levels (HLA-DRB1*03:01: P=0.2; HLA-DRB1*04:01; P=0.5); however, HLA-DRB1*03:01 was independently associated with higher immunoglobulin G levels (P=0.04). The HLA-DRB1*04:01 allele was independently associated with presentation at older age (P=0.03) and a female predominance (P=0.04). HLA-DRB1*03:01-positive patients received immunosuppressive medication and liver transplantation. In conclusion, the HLA-DRB1*03:01 and HLA-DRB1*04:01 alleles are both independently associated with the aggregate diagnostic IAIHG score in type-1 AIH patients, but are not essential for AIH development. HLA-DRB1*03:01 is the strongest genetic modifier of disease severity in AIH.
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Ohira H, Abe K, Takahashi A, Watanabe H. Autoimmune hepatitis: recent advances in the pathogenesis and new diagnostic guidelines in Japan. Intern Med 2015; 54:1323-8. [PMID: 26027981 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.54.4125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is thought to be associated with various genetic and immunological abnormalities. Concerning the pathogenesis of AIH, increasing attention has been paid to genome-wide association studies, toll-like receptors and Treg/Th17 balance. For Japanese patients with AIH, novel diagnostic guidelines have been proposed in view of the differential clinical features between Japanese and Caucasian patients. However, the diagnosis of some patients in acute hepatitis phase is not easy. Histologically, centrilobular necrosis without portal inflammation is particularly characteristic in the acute hepatitis phase. Some patients become resistant to steroid therapy and have a very poor prognosis once they progress to acute hepatic failure. Therefore, additional revision of the current diagnostic criteria, including severity grading, will be needed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
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de Boer YS, van Gerven NMF, Zwiers A, Verwer BJ, van Hoek B, van Erpecum KJ, Beuers U, van Buuren HR, Drenth JPH, den Ouden JW, Verdonk RC, Koek GH, Brouwer JT, Guichelaar MMJ, Vrolijk JM, Kraal G, Mulder CJJ, van Nieuwkerk CMJ, Fischer J, Berg T, Stickel F, Sarrazin C, Schramm C, Lohse AW, Weiler-Normann C, Lerch MM, Nauck M, Völzke H, Homuth G, Bloemena E, Verspaget HW, Kumar V, Zhernakova A, Wijmenga C, Franke L, Bouma G. Genome-wide association study identifies variants associated with autoimmune hepatitis type 1. Gastroenterology 2014; 147:443-52.e5. [PMID: 24768677 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2014.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an uncommon autoimmune liver disease of unknown etiology. We used a genome-wide approach to identify genetic variants that predispose individuals to AIH. METHODS We performed a genome-wide association study of 649 adults in The Netherlands with AIH type 1 and 13,436 controls. Initial associations were further analyzed in an independent replication panel comprising 451 patients with AIH type 1 in Germany and 4103 controls. We also performed an association analysis in the discovery cohort using imputed genotypes of the major histocompatibility complex region. RESULTS We associated AIH with a variant in the major histocompatibility complex region at rs2187668 (P = 1.5 × 10(-78)). Analysis of this variant in the discovery cohort identified HLA-DRB1*0301 (P = 5.3 × 10(-49)) as a primary susceptibility genotype and HLA-DRB1*0401 (P = 2.8 × 10(-18)) as a secondary susceptibility genotype. We also associated AIH with variants of SH2B3 (rs3184504, 12q24; P = 7.7 × 10(-8)) and CARD10 (rs6000782, 22q13.1; P = 3.0 × 10(-6)). In addition, strong inflation of association signal was found with single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with other immune-mediated diseases, including primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cirrhosis, but not with single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with other genetic traits. CONCLUSIONS In a genome-wide association study, we associated AIH type 1 with variants in the major histocompatibility complex region, and identified variants of SH2B3and CARD10 as likely risk factors. These findings support a complex genetic basis for AIH pathogenesis and indicate that part of the genetic susceptibility overlaps with that for other immune-mediated liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ynto S de Boer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole M F van Gerven
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Antonie Zwiers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J Verwer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart van Hoek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Karel J van Erpecum
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Beuers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk R van Buuren
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost P H Drenth
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jannie W den Ouden
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Haga Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Robert C Verdonk
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Ger H Koek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes T Brouwer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Reinier de Graaf Hospital, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Maureen M J Guichelaar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jan M Vrolijk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Georg Kraal
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chris J J Mulder
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carin M J van Nieuwkerk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janett Fischer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Neurology and Dermatology, Medical Clinic of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Section of Hepatology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Berg
- Department of Internal Medicine, Neurology and Dermatology, Medical Clinic of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Section of Hepatology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Felix Stickel
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Christoph Schramm
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Markus M Lerch
- Department of Internal Medicine A, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Nauck
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Henry Völzke
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Georg Homuth
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine and Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Bloemena
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hein W Verspaget
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Vinod Kumar
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandra Zhernakova
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cisca Wijmenga
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lude Franke
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerd Bouma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Umemura T, Katsuyama Y, Yoshizawa K, Kimura T, Joshita S, Komatsu M, Matsumoto A, Tanaka E, Ota M. Human leukocyte antigen class II haplotypes affect clinical characteristics and progression of type 1 autoimmune hepatitis in Japan. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100565. [PMID: 24956105 PMCID: PMC4067340 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Although we earlier demonstrated that the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1*04:05 allele was associated with susceptibility to autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in Japan, the precise relationship of HLA haplotype and the role of amino acid alignment with disease susceptibility and progression has not been fully clarified. We reinvestigated HLA class I A, B, and C and HLA class II DRB1, DQB1, and DPB1 alleles and haplotypes in a larger new cohort of 156 Japanese patients with type 1 AIH and compared them with the published data of 210 healthy subjects. The DRB1*04:05-DQB1*04:01 haplotype was significantly associated with AIH susceptibility (30% vs. 11%, P = 1.2×10−10; odds ratio [OR] = 3.51) and correlated with elevated serum IgG (3042 vs. 2606 mg/dL, P = 0.041) and anti-smooth muscle antigen positivity (77% vs. 34%, P = 0.000006). No associations with HLA-DPB1 alleles were found. The HLA A*24:02 and C*01:02 alleles were associated with disease susceptibility (corrected P = 0.0053 and 0.036, respectively), but this likely constituents of a long ranged haplotype including DRB1*04:05-DQB1*04:01 haplotype. Conversely, the DRB1*15:01-DQB1*06:02 haplotype was associated with protection from both disease onset (5% vs. 13%, P = 0.00057; OR = 0.38) and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (25% vs. 5%, P = 0.017; OR = 6.81). The frequency of the DRB1*08:03-DQB1*06:01 haplotype was significantly higher in patients who developed hepatic failure (22% vs. 6%, P = 0.034; OR = 4.38). In conclusion, this study established the role of HLA haplotypes in determining AIH susceptibility and progression in the Japanese population. Additional sequencing of the entire HLA region is required to more precisely identify the genetic components of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeji Umemura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | | | - Kaname Yoshizawa
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan; Department of Gastroenterology, NHO Ueda Medical Center, Ueda, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kimura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Satoru Joshita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Michiharu Komatsu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Akihiro Matsumoto
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Eiji Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Masao Ota
- Department of Legal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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Zhang WC, Zhao FR, Chen J, Chen WX. Meta-analysis: diagnostic accuracy of antinuclear antibodies, smooth muscle antibodies and antibodies to a soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas in autoimmune hepatitis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92267. [PMID: 24651126 PMCID: PMC3961308 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antinuclear antibodies (ANA), smooth muscle antibodies (SMA) and antibodies to a soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas (anti-SLA/LP) are useful markers that can help clinicians to diagnose and classify autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Objectives To determine whether ANA, SMA and anti-SLA/LP help to accurately diagnose patients with AIH. Search strategy The PubMed, CNKI, WANFANG, and SinoMed databases were accessed to retrieve studies published in English and Chinese. Studies published up to October 2013 were reviewed. Selection criteria Studies on the diagnostic value of ANA, SMA or anti-SLA/LP in the diagnosis of known or suspected AIH were included. Data collection and analysis Two authors evaluated studies independently and rated their methodological quality using quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS) tools; relevant data were abstracted. The random-effects method was used to summarize sensitivities, specificities, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) from all 29 studies. Results The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and DOR for ANA were 0.650 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.619 to 0.680), 0.751 (95%CI, 0.737 to 0.764), 3.030 (95%CI, 2.349 to 3.910), 0.464 (95%CI, 0.356 to 0.604), and 7.380 (95%CI, 4.344 to 12.539), respectively. For SMA, the values were 0.593 (95%CI, 0.564 to 0.621), 0.926 (95%CI, 0.917 to 0.934), 11.740 (95%CI, 7.379 to 18.678), 0.449 (95%CI, 0.367 to 0.549), and 31.553 (95%CI, 17.147 to 58.060), respectively. Finally, for anti-SLA/LP, the values were 0.194 (95%CI, 0.168 to 0.222), 0.989 (95%CI, 0.985 to 0.993), 11.089 (95%CI, 7.601 to 16.177), 0.839 (95%CI, 0.777 to 0.905), and 16.867 (95%CI, 10.956 to 25.967), respectively. Authors’ conclusions ANA provided moderate sensitivity and specificity, while SMA gave moderate sensitivity and high specificity, and anti-SLA/LP exhibited low sensitivity and high specificity. All three antibodies were limited by their unsatisfactory sensitivities and lack of consistency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chao Zhang
- The Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng-Rong Zhao
- The Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Youyang People’s Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Institute of Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei-Xian Chen
- The Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- * E-mail:
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Nakazawa H, Makishima H, Ito T, Ota H, Momose K, Sekiguchi N, Yoshizawa K, Akamatsu T, Ishida F. Screening tests using serum tissue transglutaminase IgA may facilitate the identification of undiagnosed celiac disease among Japanese population. Int J Med Sci 2014; 11:819-23. [PMID: 24936145 PMCID: PMC4057481 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.8854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of celiac disease (CD) among Japanese population has been unknown, whereas it has been increasingly recognized in the US and in the European countries. The aim of the present study is to identify possible cases with CD among Japanese population and clarify the relevance of screening for the disease. We conducted a serologic screening for the disease among 710 Japanese patients and 239 healthy volunteers at a local tertiary teaching hospital, using an anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA (TTG-IgA) test, and histological examination of the small intestines from the TTG-IgA positive subjects. There were no TTG-IgA positive sera among the healthy volunteers. Twenty of the patients (2.8%), including eight with malignant lymphoma, were tested positive for TTG-IgA. The histological examination of the eleven patients among those with positive TTG-IgA, seven showed villous atrophy and partial lymphocytes infiltration in the mucosa, which could be compatible to mucosal changes observed in CD. Five of them had non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the gastrointestinal tracts. Serologic tests using TTG-IgA might be relevant to screen for those with undiagnosed CD among Japanese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideyuki Nakazawa
- 1. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi Matsumoto, Japan 390-8621
| | - Hideki Makishima
- 1. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi Matsumoto, Japan 390-8621
| | - Toshiro Ito
- 1. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi Matsumoto, Japan 390-8621
| | - Hiroyoshi Ota
- 2. Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi Matsumoto, Japan 390-8621
| | - Kayoko Momose
- 1. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi Matsumoto, Japan 390-8621
| | - Nodoka Sekiguchi
- 1. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi Matsumoto, Japan 390-8621
| | - Kaname Yoshizawa
- 3. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi Matsumoto, Japan 390-8621
| | - Taiji Akamatsu
- 4. Department of Endoscopy, Shinshu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Asahi Matsumoto, Japan 390-8621
| | - Fumihiro Ishida
- 1. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi Matsumoto, Japan 390-8621; ; 2. Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi Matsumoto, Japan 390-8621
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Yamagiwa S, Kamimura H, Takamura M, Genda T, Ichida T, Nomoto M, Aoyagi Y. Presence of antibodies against self human leukocyte antigen class II molecules in autoimmune hepatitis. Int J Med Sci 2014; 11:850-6. [PMID: 25013363 PMCID: PMC4081305 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.8633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) can arise de novo after liver transplantation (LT) for non-autoimmune liver diseases. Considering the identical features of de novo AIH after LT and classical AIH, as well as the importance of anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies in graft rejection, we investigated the presence of circulating anti-HLA class II antibodies in the sera of 35 patients with AIH, 30 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and 30 healthy donors using fluorescent dye-impregnated beads bound to HLA molecules. We then investigated the allele specificity of the antibodies and identified the HLA alleles in each patient using DNA-based HLA typing. We also examined HLA class II expression in liver samples using immunohistochemistry. Anti-HLA class II antibodies were detected significantly more frequently in the patients with AIH (88.1%) than in the patients with PBC (33.3%) or in the healthy donors (13.3%) (both P <0.01). We confirmed that the anti-HLA class II antibodies in the AIH patients showed specificity for several HLA class II alleles, including self HLA class II alleles. Moreover, positive reactivity with anti-self HLA class II antibodies was associated with higher serum transaminase levels. In conclusion, we demonstrated, for the first time, that antibodies against self HLA class II alleles were detectable in patients with AIH. Our results suggest that an antibody-mediated immune response against HLA class II molecules on hepatocytes may be involved in the pathogenesis or acceleration of liver injury in AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Yamagiwa
- 1. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroteru Kamimura
- 1. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Masaaki Takamura
- 1. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Takuya Genda
- 2. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, 1129 Nagaoka, Izunokuni 410-2295, Japan
| | - Takafumi Ichida
- 2. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, 1129 Nagaoka, Izunokuni 410-2295, Japan
| | - Minoru Nomoto
- 1. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Yutaka Aoyagi
- 1. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
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Hassan N, Siddiqui AR, Abbas Z, Hassan SM, Soomro GB, Mubarak M, Anis S, Muzaffar R, Zafar MN. Clinical Profile and HLA Typing of Autoimmune Hepatitis From Pakistan. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2013; 13:e13598. [PMID: 24358040 PMCID: PMC3867004 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.13598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been investigated in different populations and ethnic groups, but no such data is available from Pakistan. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical profile of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and determine the associated antigens and alleles by performing HLA typing. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 58 patients, diagnosed and treated as AIH in the last 10 years were reviewed. Diagnosis was based on International AIH Group criteria. Forty one patients underwent liver biopsy. HLA typing was performed in 44 patients and 912 controls by serological method for HLA A and B, and by PCR technique using sequence specific primers for DR alleles. RESULTS Of 58 cases, 35 were females (60.3%). The median age was 14.5 (range 4-70 years), and AIH score was 14 (10-22). Thirty-six (62.0%) patients had type 1 AIH, 10 (17.2%) type 2, and the remaining 12 were seronegative with biopsy proven AIH. Forty-nine patients (84.4%) had cirrhosis. Twenty-four (41.4%) patients had ascites at the time of presentation. Among 41 patients who underwent liver biopsy, thirty-two had advance stages III and IV disease, and twenty had severe grade of inflammation. Fifteen patients had other associated autoimmune diseases and one developed hepatocellular carcinoma. HLA A2 (P = 0.036), HLA A9 (23) (P = 0.018), HLA A10 (25) (P = 0.000), HLA A19 (33) (P = 0.000), HLA B15 (63) (P = 0.007), HLA B40 (61) ( P = 0.002), HLA DR6 (P = 0.001) with its subtypes HLA-DRB1*13 (P = 0.032) and HLA-DRB1*14 (p = 0.017) were more prevalent in AIH with statistical significance than controls. CONCLUSIONS AIH in our region presents with advanced disease affecting predominantly children and adolescents. There is a genetic association of HLA DR6 along with other alleles and antigens in our patients with AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Hassan
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Adeelur Rehman Siddiqui
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zaigham Abbas
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
- Corresponding Author: Zaigham Abbas, Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, 74200, Karachi, Pakistan. Tel: +92-2199215718; Fax: +92-2199215469, E-mail:
| | - Syed Mujahid Hassan
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ghous Bux Soomro
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammed Mubarak
- Department of Pathology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sabiha Anis
- Molecular Diagnostics and Immunology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rana Muzaffar
- Molecular Diagnostics and Immunology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mirza Naqi Zafar
- Department of Pathology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease of the hepatic parenchyma that can present in acute or chronic forms. In common with many autoimmune diseases, autoimmune hepatitis is associated with non-organ-specific antibodies in the context of hepatic autoimmunity. This dichotomy has made definition of a unifying hypothesis in the pathophysiology of the disease difficult, although data from the past 8 years have drawn attention to the role of regulatory T cells. Several triggers have been identified, and the disease arises in genetically susceptible individuals. Clinical and biochemical remission is achievable in up to 85% of cases. For the remaining patients, alternative immunosuppression strategies are an option. Liver transplantation provides an excellent outcome for patients with acute liver failure or complications of end-stage liver disease, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Variant or overlapping syndromes are worthy of consideration when unexpected disease features arise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK.
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Ngu JH, Wallace MC, Merriman TR, Gearry RB, Stedman CA, Roberts RL. Association of the HLA locus and TNF with type I autoimmune hepatitis susceptibility in New Zealand Caucasians. SPRINGERPLUS 2013; 2:355. [PMID: 23961418 PMCID: PMC3733077 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-2-355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The precise etiology of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) remains unknown, although a number of genetic loci have been implicated in the susceptibility of type 1 AIH. The purpose of this study was to test for association of these loci with type 1 AIH in New Zealand Caucasians. Methods 77 AIH patients and 485 healthy controls were genotyped for the SNPs rs2187668 (HLA-DRB*03:01), rs660895 (HLA-DRB*04:01), rs3749971 (HLA-A1-B8-DR3), rs231775 (CLTLA4), rs1800629 (TNF), and rs1800682 (FAS) using predesigned TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Chi square analysis was used to test for association of allele and genotype with overall AIH, and with severe fibrosis and ALT levels at 6 months. Results Significant risk of AIH was conferred by the minor alleles of rs2187668 (OR = 2.45, 95% CI 1.65-3.61, p < 0.0001), rs3749971 (OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.21-2.94, p = 0.004) and rs1800629 (OR = 2.06, 95% CI 1.41-3.01, p = 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that rs2187668 was independently associated with type 1 AIH susceptibility (OR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.46-3.93, p = 0.001). The C allele of FAS SNP rs1800682 was associated with increased risk of severe fibrosis at diagnosis (OR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.05-3.93, p = 0.035) and with incomplete normalization of ALT levels at 6 months post-diagnosis (OR = 3.94, 95% CI 1.62-9.54, p = 0.0015). Conclusions This is the first population-based study to investigate genetic risk loci for type 1 AIH in New Zealand Caucasians. We report significant independent association of HLA-DRB1*03:01 with overall susceptibility to type 1 AIH, as well as FAS with a more aggressive disease phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing H Ngu
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 434, Christchurch, 8140 New Zealand ; Department of Gastroenterology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Czaja AJ. Autoimmune hepatitis in diverse ethnic populations and geographical regions. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 7:365-85. [PMID: 23639095 DOI: 10.1586/egh.13.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis has diverse clinical phenotypes and outcomes in ethnic groups within a country and between countries, and these differences may reflect genetic predispositions, indigenous etiological agents, pharmacogenomic mechanisms and socioeconomic reasons. In the USA, African-American patients have cirrhosis more commonly, treatment failure more frequently and higher mortality than white American patients. Survival is poorest in Asian-American patients. Autoimmune hepatitis in other countries is frequently associated with genetic predispositions that may favor susceptibility to indigenous etiological agents. Cholestatic features influence treatment response; acute-on-chronic liver disease increases mortality and socioeconomic and cultural factors affect prognosis. Ethnic-based deviations from classical phenotypes and the frequency of late-stage disease can complicate the diagnosis and management of autoimmune hepatitis in non-white populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis frequently has an abrupt onset of symptoms, and it can present with acute liver failure. The abrupt presentation can indicate spontaneous exacerbation of a pre-existent chronic disease, newly created disease, a superimposed infectious or toxic injury, or new disease after viral infection, drug therapy, or liver transplantation. Deficiencies in the classical phenotype may include a low serum immunoglobulin G level and low or absent titers of the conventional autoantibodies. The original revised diagnostic scoring system of the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group can guide the diagnostic evaluation, but low scores do not preclude the diagnosis. Liver tissue examination is valuable to exclude viral-related or drug-induced liver injury and support the diagnosis by demonstrating centrilobular necrosis (usually with interface hepatitis), lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, hepatocyte rosettes, and fibrosis. Conventional therapy with prednisone and azathioprine induces clinical and laboratory improvement in 68-75 % of patients with acute presentations, and high dose prednisone or prednisolone (preferred drug) is effective in 20-100 % of patients with acute severe (fulminant) presentations. Failure to improve or worsening of any clinical or laboratory feature within 2 weeks of treatment or worsening of a mathematical model of end-stage liver disease within 7 days justifies liver transplantation in acute liver failure. Liver transplantation for acute severe (fulminant) autoimmune hepatitis is as successful as liver transplantation for autoimmune hepatitis with a chronic presentation and other types of acute liver failure (patient survival >1 year, 80-94 %). Liver transplantation should not be delayed or superseded by protracted corticosteroid therapy or the empiric institution of nonstandard medications.
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Gono T, Kawaguchi Y, Kuwana M, Sugiura T, Furuya T, Takagi K, Ichida H, Katsumata Y, Hanaoka M, Ota Y, Yamanaka H. Brief report: Association of HLA-DRB1*0101/*0405 with susceptibility to anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis in the Japanese population. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 64:3736-40. [PMID: 22886382 DOI: 10.1002/art.34657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The complication of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) is associated with anti-aminoacyl-transfer RNA synthetase (anti-aaRS) antibody or anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (anti-MDA-5) antibody positivity. Anti-MDA-5 antibody is associated with clinically amyopathic DM and fatal outcome due to rapidly progressive ILD in Asian populations. The association between genetic factors and anti-MDA-5 antibody-positive DM is unclear. This study was undertaken to investigate the HLA-DRB1 genotype in patients with anti-MDA-5 antibody-positive DM. METHODS We examined genetic differences among 17 patients with anti-MDA-5 antibody-positive DM, 33 patients with anti-aaRS antibody-positive PM/DM, 33 patients with PM/DM without anti-aaRS antibody or ILD, and 265 healthy controls. RESULTS The frequencies of HLA-DRB1*0101 and DRB1*0405 were 29% and 71%, respectively, in patients with anti-MDA-5 antibody-positive DM, which were higher than the frequencies in healthy controls (10% and 25%, respectively). Among the 17 patients with anti-MDA-5 antibody-positive DM, 16 (94%) harbored either the DRB1*0101 or DRB1*0405 allele. The combined frequency of the DRB1*0101 allele and the DRB1*0405 allele was significantly higher in patients with anti-MDA-5 antibody-positive DM than in patients with PM/DM without anti-aaRS antibody or ILD, with an odds ratio (OR) of 42.7 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 4.9-370.2) (P = 1.1 × 10(-5)), or in patients with anti-aaRS antibody-positive PM/DM (OR 13.3 [95% CI 1.6-112.6], P = 4.5 × 10(-3)). CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that HLA-DRB1*0101/*0405 is associated with susceptibility to anti-MDA-5 antibody-positive DM in the Japanese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahisa Gono
- Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Japan
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Fallatah HI, Akbar HO. Autoimmune hepatitis as a unique form of an autoimmune liver disease: immunological aspects and clinical overview. Autoimmune Dis 2012; 2012:312817. [PMID: 23304455 PMCID: PMC3530748 DOI: 10.1155/2012/312817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Revised: 09/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a unique form of immune-mediated disease that attacks the liver through a variety of immune mechanisms. The outcomes of AIH are either acute liver disease, which can be fatal, or, more commonly, chronic progressive liver disease, which can lead to decompensated liver cirrhosis if left untreated. AIH has characteristic immunological, and pathological, features that are important for the establishment of the diagnosis. More importantly, most patients with AIH have a favorable response to treatment with prednisolone and azathioprine, although some patients with refractory AIH or more aggressive disease require more potent immune-suppressant agents, such as cyclosporine or Mycophenolate Mofetil. In this paper, we discuss the immunological, pathological and clinical features of AIH, as well as the standard and alternative treatments for AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hind I. Fallatah
- Medical Department, Arab Board and Saudi Board of Internal Medicine, MACP, King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, P.O. Box 9714, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia
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Czaja AJ. Diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis after liver transplantation. Dig Dis Sci 2012; 57:2248-66. [PMID: 22562533 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-012-2179-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis can recur or appear de novo after liver transplantation, and it can result in hepatic fibrosis, graft loss, and re-transplantation. The goals of this review are to describe the prevalence, manifestations, putative pathogenic mechanisms, outcomes, and management of these occurrences. Autoimmune hepatitis recurs in 8-12 % of transplanted patients at 1 year and 36-68 % at 5 years. Recurrence may be asymptomatic and detected only by surveillance liver test abnormalities or protocol liver tissue examination. Autoantibodies that characterized the original disease, hypergammaglobulinemia, increased serum immunoglobulin G level, and histological findings of interface hepatitis, lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, perivenular hepatocyte necrosis, pseudo-rosetting, and acidophil bodies typify recurrence. Premature corticosteroid withdrawal and pre-transplant severity of the original disease are possible risk factors. De novo autoimmune hepatitis occurs in 1-7 % of patients 0.1-9 years after transplantation, especially in children. The appearance of autoantibodies may herald its emergence, and antibodies to glutathione-S-transferase T1 have been predictive of the disease. Recurrent disease may reflect recruitment of residual memory T lymphocytes and host-specific genetic predispositions, whereas de novo disease may reflect an allo-antigenic immune response and molecular mimicries that override self-tolerance. Treatment should be appropriate for autoimmune hepatitis and not based on anti-rejection drugs. Corticosteroid therapy alone or combined with azathioprine is the essential treatment. The substitution of mycophenolate mofetil for azathioprine and switch of the calcineurin inhibitor or its replacement with rapamycin have also been used for refractory disease. Re-transplantation has been necessary in 8-23 %.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street S.W., Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Yoshizawa K, Matsumoto A, Ichijo T, Umemura T, Joshita S, Komatsu M, Tanaka N, Tanaka E, Ota M, Katsuyama Y, Kiyosawa K, Abe M, Onji M. Long-term outcome of Japanese patients with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatology 2012; 56:668-76. [PMID: 22334246 DOI: 10.1002/hep.25658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The long-term outcome of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in Japan has not been well-defined. The aim of this study was to clarify the outcome of this disease over a long follow-up period compared with that of the general Japanese population as well as that among patients. A total of 203 AIH patients were enrolled for a mean follow-up period of 131 months. All patients were treated with corticosteroids with or without azathioprine. The overall survival of AIH patients was similar to that of the general population in Japan. The prognosis of AIH subgroups divided according to disease severity, sex, incidence of relapse, liver histology, presence of cirrhosis, probable or definite AIH score, antibody to hepatitis B core antigen antibody positivity, or human leukocyte antigen DR4-positivity did not differ greatly among patients. However, the prognosis of patients experiencing two or more relapses was significantly poorer than that of patients with remission or a single relapse both in univariate (P < 0.001) and multivariate (P = 0.020) analyses. The development of liver malignancy was also a possibility among AIH patients with multiple relapses. Severe adverse effects of corticosteroids were rare, even in patients who underwent long-term treatment. CONCLUSION Repeated relapses of AIH are significantly associated with a poorer long-term prognosis in Japan. AIH patients can expect a similar prognosis to that of the general population, provided they are adequately managed with continuous low doses of immunosuppressive therapy, especially after the first relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaname Yoshizawa
- Department of Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.
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Tang J, Zhou C, Zhang ZJ, Zheng SS. Association of polymorphisms in non-classic MHC genes with susceptibility to autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2012; 11:125-31. [PMID: 22484578 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(12)60136-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic, generally progressive inflammatory disorder of the liver, of which the cause is unclear. It was demonstrated that genetic factors are involved in its pathogenesis. Previous studies showed that human leukocyte antigen in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is associated with susceptibility to autoimmune hepatitis. Current genome scanning studies suggest that genes outside the MHC also play a critical role in autoimmune disorders. This article focuses on our current understanding of the polymorphisms of these genes and their roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis. DATA SOURCES Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE and PubMed for articles using the keywords autoimmune hepatitis, polymorphism, CTLA-4, Fas, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1, TBX21 and VDR up to May 2011. Additional papers were identified by a manual search of the references from key articles. RESULTS According to the case-control studies on genetic polymorphisms, at least six genes (CTLA-4, Fas, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1, TBX21 and VDR) are involved in autoimmune hepatitis besides HLA. So far, there has been no agreement about gene susceptibility and the actual clinical significance of these genes is still controversial. CONCLUSION Studies on gene polymorphisms outside the MHC and knowledge of genetic predispositions for autoimmune hepatitis may not only elucidate pathogenic mechanisms, but also provide new targets for therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Tang
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
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Umemura T, Joshita S, Ichijo T, Yoshizawa K, Katsuyama Y, Tanaka E, Ota M. Human leukocyte antigen class II molecules confer both susceptibility and progression in Japanese patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Hepatology 2012; 55:506-11. [PMID: 21953406 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Along with twin and family studies, recent genome-wide association studies suggest that genetic factors contribute to the susceptibility and severity of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Although several reports have demonstrated that the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1*08:03 allele is associated with disease susceptibility in Japan, the precise analysis of HLA haplotypes and the role of amino acid alignment have not been fully clarified. We investigated HLA class I A, B, and C and HLA class II DRB1 and DQB1 alleles and haplotypes in 229 Japanese patients with PBC and compared them with the published data of 523 healthy subjects. Significant associations were found with PBC susceptibility for the DRB1*08:03-DQB1*06:01 (13% versus 6%; P = 0.000025; odds ratio [OR] = 2.22) and DRB1*04:05-DQB1*04:01 haplotypes (17% versus 13%; P = 0.044; OR = 1.38). Conversely, there were significant protective associations with the DRB1*13:02-DQB1*06:04 (2% versus 5%; P = 0.00093; OR = 0.27) and DRB1*11:01-DQB1*03:01 haplotypes (1% versus 4%; P = 0.03; OR = 0.37). The frequency of the DRB1*09:01-DQB1*03:03 haplotype was significantly higher in patients who had received orthotopic liver transplantation (33% versus 11%; P = 0.0012; OR = 3.96). Furthermore, the frequency of serine at position 57 (P = 0.0000015; OR = 1.83) of the DRβchain differed the most in patients with PBC, compared with healthy subjects. CONCLUSION This study established the role of HLA haplotypes in determining PBC susceptibility and progression in the Japanese population. Further resequencing of the HLA region is required to more precisely identify the genetic components of PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeji Umemura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.
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Abstract
GOALS To evaluate race/ethnicity-specific variations in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) with a focus on Asians and Hispanics, the fastest growing populations in the United States. BACKGROUND AIH is a chronic inflammatory disease in which race/ethnicity-specific variations in clinical epidemiology have been reported. However, earlier studies were small or did not include a comprehensive analysis of Asians and Hispanics, the 2 fastest growing population cohorts in the United States. STUDY A retrospective study analyzing patient data from 1999 to 2010 in a large tertiary-care community hospital to assess AIH epidemiology among a racially diverse population. RESULTS One hundred eighty-three patients with AIH were included in the study with 81 patients having "definite" AIH by International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group criteria and 63 were diagnosed with overlap syndromes. Women and whites were the largest cohorts. The average age of diagnosis was similar among all groups. Biopsy-confirmed cirrhosis was present in 34% of AIH patients with Hispanics demonstrating the highest prevalence of cirrhosis (55%). When compared with whites, Asians had higher international normalized ratio (INR) (1.4 U vs. 1.1 U, P<0.01), and Hispanics had lower serum albumin (3.3 g/dL vs. 3.7 g/dL, P<0.001) and platelets (123.8 thousand/mcL vs. 187.5 thousand/mcL, P<0.001) and higher international normalized ratio (1.5 U vs. 1.1 U, P=0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated a trend toward worse outcomes among Asians. CONCLUSIONS Among AIH patients, Hispanics had the highest prevalence of cirrhosis, and Asians had poorer survival outcomes. Race/ethnicity-specific disparities in AIH epidemiology may reflect underlying genetic differences, contributing to variations in disease severity, response to therapy, and overall mortality.
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