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Sakhuja P, Goyal S. Autoimmune Hepatitis: From Evolution to Current Status-A Pathologist's Perspective. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:210. [PMID: 38248086 PMCID: PMC10814110 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic, relapsing and remitting, immune-mediated liver disease that progresses to cirrhosis if left untreated. A significant number of patients may present with acute hepatitis or acute liver failure, which are often misdiagnosed as toxic liver injury. AIH shows a preponderance in young women but may be seen in children and the elderly. Diagnosis requires the integration of clinical, biochemical, and serologic parameters, along with supportive liver histology and exclusion of other causes of liver disease. Liver biopsy is a prerequisite for diagnosis of AIH, to assess severity and stage of disease, exclude other entities, and recognize any concurrent morbidities. No single biomarker or histologic feature is pathognomonic for AIH. The diagnostic and histologic criteria have undergone several modifications since the original scoring system was proposed by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) in 1993. Recently, the IAIHG has proposed consensus recommendations for histologic criteria, relevant for both acute and chronic AIH. This review article will describe the evolving diagnostic criteria for AIH, with their limitations and utility, and with an emphasis on the role of liver histology in the diagnosis and management of AIH.
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Ohira H, Takahashi A, Zeniya M, Abe M, Arinaga-Hino T, Joshita S, Takaki A, Nakamoto N, Kang JH, Suzuki Y, Sogo T, Inui A, Koike K, Harada K, Nakamoto Y, Kondo Y, Genda T, Tsuneyama K, Matsui T, Tanaka A. Clinical practice guidelines for autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatol Res 2022; 52:571-585. [PMID: 35533021 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Mikio Zeniya
- Akasaka Sanno Medical Center, International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masanori Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | | | - Satoru Joshita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Akinobu Takaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nakamoto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jong-Hon Kang
- Center for Gastroenterology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Tsuyosi Sogo
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Ayano Inui
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Koike
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Third Hospital of Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichi Harada
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yasunari Nakamoto
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Yasuteru Kondo
- Department of Hepatology, Sendai Kousei Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takuya Genda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Izunokuni, Japan
| | - Koichi Tsuneyama
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Takushima, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Matsui
- Center for Gastroenterology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Horwich BH, Liang TZ, Dodge JL, Chopra S, Kahn JA, Saito T. Differential IgG4-Producing Plasma Cell Infiltration in Non- and Post-Transplant Plasma Cell Hepatitis. Transpl Int 2022; 35:10182. [PMID: 35368647 PMCID: PMC8971201 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2022.10182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), post-transplant recurrent AIH (rAIH), and plasma cell-rich rejection (PCR) are clinical diagnoses with the shared histopathologic hallmark of plasma cell hepatitis (PCH). As these histologically and serologically indistinguishable diagnoses are differentiated by clinical context, it remains uncertain whether they represent distinct immunologic phenomena. Improved understanding of immunoglobulin subclass 4-producing plasma cells (IgG4-PC) has brought attention to IgG4 as an immunophenotypic biomarker. To date, degree and clinical significance of IgG4-PC infiltration in PCH remain elusive. This retrospective, single-center study assessed IgG4-PC infiltration in AIH, rAIH, and PCR via standardized immunohistochemistry analysis. Identified cases from 2005 to 2020 (n = 47) included AIH (treatment-naïve AIH (tnAIH): n = 15 and AIH-flare on treatment (fAIH); n = 10), rAIH (n = 8), and PCR (n = 14) were analyzed and correlated with clinical characteristics. IgG4-Positivity (# IgG4-PC/# pan-IgG-expressing cells) distribution was heterogenous and overlapping [tnAIH: 0.060 (IQR 0.040-0.079), fAIH: 0.000 (0.000-0.033), rAIH: 0.000 (0.000-0.035), PCR: 0.228 (0.039-0.558)]. IgG4-Positivity was inversely correlated with corticosteroid use (p < 0.001). IgG4-Positivity ≥0.500 was associated with rapid AST improvement (p = 0.03). The variable IgG4-Positivity of AIH, rAIH and PCR suggests diverse and overlapping immunopathologic mechanisms and that current diagnostic schemes inadequately capture PCH immunopathology. We propose incorporation of IgG4-Positivity to refine current PCH classification and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian H. Horwich
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Tom Z. Liang
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer L. Dodge
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Shefali Chopra
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey A. Kahn
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- USC Transplant Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Takeshi Saito
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Covelli C, Sacchi D, Sarcognato S, Cazzagon N, Grillo F, Baciorri F, Fanni D, Cacciatore M, Maffeis V, Guido M. Pathology of autoimmune hepatitis. Pathologica 2021; 113:185-193. [PMID: 34294936 PMCID: PMC8299324 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a relatively rare non-resolving chronic liver disease, which mainly affects women. It is characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, circulating autoantibodies, interface hepatitis on liver histology and a favourable response to immunosuppression. The putative mechanism for the development of autoimmune hepatitis is thought to be the interaction between genetic predisposition, environmental triggers and failure of the native immune system. AIH still remains a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, mainly because it is a very heterogeneous disease. Prompt and timely diagnosis is crucial since, if left untreated, AIH has a high mortality rate. Histological demonstration of hepatitis is required for the diagnosis of AIH and, therefore, liver biopsy is mandatory in the initial diagnostic work-up, before treatment. In this review, we summarize the histological features of AIH with the main aim of highlighting the most important clinical-pathological hallmarks useful in the routine diagnostic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Covelli
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Diana Sacchi
- Pathology Department Azienda ULSS 2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | | | - Nora Cazzagon
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Federica Grillo
- Unit of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genova and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Fanni
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Maffeis
- Pathology Department Azienda ULSS 2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Maria Guido
- Pathology Department Azienda ULSS 2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy.,Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Liu Y, Li Z, Hao J, Chen H, Hou T, Hao H. Circular RNAs associated with a mouse model of concanavalin A-induced autoimmune hepatitis: preliminary screening and comprehensive functional analysis. FEBS Open Bio 2020; 10:2350-2362. [PMID: 32965791 PMCID: PMC7609805 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Without treatment, autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) often leads to cirrhosis, liver failure and, in some cases, death. However, the pathogenesis of AIH remains incompletely understood. Here, we explored the relationship between differentially expressed circular RNAs (DECs) and development of AIH by obtaining an expression profile of DECs in a concanavalin A‐induced AIH mouse model by microarray. In total, we identified 27 DECs; the host genes of these DECs were annotated with 140 Gene Ontology terms and 19 pathways, revealing potential roles in the metabolism of cellular ions and regulation of protein expression, as well as possible involvement in endocytosis and apoptosis. We constructed a circular RNA–microRNA network that was used to infer that a mmu_circ_0001520/mmu‐miR‐193b‐3p/MAPK10 network may be associated with the occurrence of AIH. These findings may help lay the foundation for validation of the potential roles of circular RNAs in AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China.,Basic Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Zhencheng Li
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China.,Basic Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Jianheng Hao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China.,Basic Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Hao Chen
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China.,Basic Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Tiezheng Hou
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China.,Basic Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Huiqin Hao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China.,Basic Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
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Spectrum of Pediatric Autoimmune Liver Disease and Validation of Its Diagnostic Scores in Indian Children. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2018; 67:e65-e72. [PMID: 29901555 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000002050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is limited literature on the spectrum of pediatric autoimmune liver disease (AILD, encompassing both autoimmune hepatitis/AIH and autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis [ASC]) in Asian populations and its diagnostic scores similarly require further validation. This work thus aimed to study the clinical characteristics, and to validate available diagnostic criteria in the local pediatric AILD cohort. METHODS A review of all pediatric AILD cases, presenting over a 6-year (2011-2017) period was done, along with comparison of the available diagnostic scores: original (1999), simplified (2008) score, and new proposed (2017) score. RESULTS A total of 85 subjects (AIH = 70 and ASC = 15) were diagnosed as having AILD. Majority of the cases in both groups presented with advanced hepatic disease (portal hypertension and/or hepatic decompensation). Overall 38 (44.7%) subjects had extrahepatic autoimmune disorders. Good outcome (survival with native liver with medically controllable disease), was seen in 80% AIH subjects, while poor outcome (death/need for liver transplantation or LT) was seen in 13% subjects, with similar results in the ASC cohort. All the 3 available scores had area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves exceeding 0.9 suggestive of excellent discrimination of AILD (to non-AILD patients), with no statistical difference between them (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS In Indian subcontinent, pediatric AILD subjects usually present with advanced hepatic disease, but may have a good outcome if timely therapy can be instituted. Associated autoimmune disorders should be carefully screened. There is no difference in the predictive value of the available diagnostic scores for pediatric AILD.
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Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D, Czaja AJ, Manns MP, Krawitt EL, Vierling JM, Lohse AW, Montano-Loza AJ. Autoimmune hepatitis. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2018; 4:18017. [PMID: 29644994 DOI: 10.1038/nrdp.2018.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a severe liver disease that affects children and adults worldwide. The diagnosis of AIH relies on increased serum transaminase and immunoglobulin G levels, presence of autoantibodies and interface hepatitis on liver histology. AIH arises in genetically predisposed individuals when a trigger, such as exposure to a virus, leads to a T cell-mediated autoimmune response directed against liver autoantigens; this immune response is permitted by inadequate regulatory immune control leading to a loss of tolerance. AIH responds favourably to immunosuppressive treatment, which should be started as soon as the diagnosis is made. Standard regimens include fairly high initial doses of corticosteroids (prednisone or prednisolone), which are tapered gradually as azathioprine is introduced. For those patients who do not respond to standard treatment, second-line drugs should be considered, including mycophenolate mofetil, calcineurin inhibitors, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors and biologic agents, which should be administered only in specialized hepatology centres. Liver transplantation is a life-saving option for those who progress to end-stage liver disease, although AIH can recur or develop de novo after transplantation. In-depth investigation of immune pathways and analysis of changes to the intestinal microbiota should advance our knowledge of the pathogenesis of AIH and lead to novel, tailored and better tolerated therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, SE5 9RS London, UK
| | - Diego Vergani
- Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, SE5 9RS London, UK
| | - Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Edward L Krawitt
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA.,Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - John M Vierling
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation and Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Aldo J Montano-Loza
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Harada K, Hiep NC, Ohira H. Challenges and difficulties in pathological diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatol Res 2017; 47:963-971. [PMID: 28675685 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) with acute presentation is widely recognized as a distinct clinical entity, and its clinicopathology has been extensively studied. In most cases, AIH with acute presentation is merely acute exacerbation of classical chronic AIH, but pure acute-onset AIH without previous symptoms of chronic liver disease is also encountered. Rapid diagnosis and initiation of immunosuppressive treatment are necessary for both acute exacerbation and acute-onset to prevent fatal liver failure. The diagnostic criteria commonly used for classical AIH are generally applicable to acute exacerbation, but acute-onset AIH may present with additional pathological features. These features include an acute hepatitis phase characterized by centrilobular necrosis. However, centrilobular necrosis is also a feature of drug-induced liver injury, and there are no known histological characteristics exclusive to acute-onset AIH. Moreover, the possibilities of drug-induced AIH and immune-mediated drug-induced liver injury make diagnosis even more difficult. At present, liver biopsy is mandatory for the diagnosis of AIH with acute presentation, but careful consideration of all clinicopathological signs is necessary for differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Harada
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Nguyen Canh Hiep
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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Yamada M, Shibata H, Masugi Y, Ishi T, Kameyama K, Ebinuma H, Hasegawa T. Histological Changes in Autoimmune Hepatitis with Graves' Disease: A Child Case Report. Intern Med 2017; 56:2139-2143. [PMID: 28781316 PMCID: PMC5596273 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.8417-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We herein report a child case of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) accompanied with Graves' disease. Elevated aminotransferase levels were found in a 12-year-old Japanese girl with Graves' disease. In her first liver biopsy, necrosis and inflammation was limited to the centrilobular area, while the second biopsy showed different findings. Namely, portal injury newly appeared, including interface hepatitis, which represents the histological characteristics of AIH. As the histological findings at the onset of AIH do not always show typical findings, a re-biopsy is considered to be important in individuals suspected to have AIH. AIH should be included in the differential diagnosis of liver dysfunction in Graves' disease, even in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamiko Yamada
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
- Tachikawa Hospital, Federation of National Public Service Personnel Mutual Aid Associations, Japan
| | - Hironori Shibata
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yohei Masugi
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Ishi
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kaori Kameyama
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hirotoshi Ebinuma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
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Vierling JM. Autoimmune Hepatitis and Overlap Syndromes: Diagnosis and Management. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 13:2088-108. [PMID: 26284592 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2015.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John M Vierling
- Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Baylor-St Luke's Medical Center, Houston, Texas.
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11
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Divergent effects of RIP1 or RIP3 blockade in murine models of acute liver injury. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e1759. [PMID: 25950489 PMCID: PMC4669705 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Revised: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Necroptosis is a recently described Caspase 8-independent method of cell death that denotes organized cellular necrosis. The roles of RIP1 and RIP3 in mediating hepatocyte death from acute liver injury are incompletely defined. Effects of necroptosis blockade were studied by separately targeting RIP1 and RIP3 in diverse murine models of acute liver injury. Blockade of necroptosis had disparate effects on disease outcome depending on the precise etiology of liver injury and component of the necrosome targeted. In ConA-induced autoimmune hepatitis, RIP3 deletion was protective, whereas RIP1 inhibition exacerbated disease, accelerated animal death, and was associated with increased hepatocyte apoptosis. Conversely, in acetaminophen-mediated liver injury, blockade of either RIP1 or RIP3 was protective and was associated with lower NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our work highlights the fact that diverse modes of acute liver injury have differing requirements for RIP1 and RIP3; moreover, within a single injury model, RIP1 and RIP3 blockade can have diametrically opposite effects on tissue damage, suggesting that interference with distinct components of the necrosome must be considered separately.
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13
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Gatselis NK, Zachou K, Koukoulis GK, Dalekos GN. Autoimmune hepatitis, one disease with many faces: Etiopathogenetic, clinico-laboratory and histological characteristics. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:60-83. [PMID: 25574080 PMCID: PMC4284362 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i1.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an unresolving progressive liver disease of unknown etiology characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, autoantibodies detection and interface hepatitis. Due to the absence of specific diagnostic markers and the large heterogeneity of its clinical, laboratory and histological features, AIH diagnosis may be potentially difficult. Therefore, in this in-depth review we summarize the substantial progress on etiopathogenesis, clinical, serological and histological phenotypes of AIH. AIH has a global distribution affecting any age, both sexes and all ethnic groups. Clinical manifestations vary from asymptomatic to severe or rarely fulminant hepatitis. Hypergammaglobulinemia with selective elevation of IgG is found in most cases. Autoimmune attack is perpetuated, possibly via molecular mimicry, and favored by the impaired control of T-regulatory cells. Histology (interface hepatitis, emperipolesis and hepatic rosette formation) and autoantibodies detection although not pathognomonic, are still the hallmark for a timely diagnosis. AIH remains a major diagnostic challenge. AIH should be considered in every case in the absence of viral, metabolic, genetic and toxic etiology of chronic or acute hepatitis. Laboratory personnel, hepato-pathologists and clinicians need to become more familiar with disease expressions and the interpretation of liver histology and autoimmune serology to derive maximum benefit for the patient.
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Yüksel M, Laukens D, Heindryckx F, Van Vlierberghe H, Geerts A, Wong FS, Wen L, Colle I. Hepatitis mouse models: from acute-to-chronic autoimmune hepatitis. Int J Exp Pathol 2014; 95:309-20. [PMID: 25112417 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease associated with interface hepatitis, raised plasma liver enzymes, the presence of autoantibodies and regulatory T-cell (Tregs) dysfunction. The clinical course is heterogeneous, manifested by a fulminant or indolent course. Although genetic predisposition is well accepted, the combination with currently undefined environmental factors is crucial for the development of the disease. Progress in the development of reliable animal models provides added understanding of the pathophysiology of AIH, and these will be very useful in evaluating potential therapeutics. It appears that artificially breaking tolerance in the liver is easy. However, maintaining this state of tolerance breakdown, to get chronic hepatitis, is difficult because liver immune homeostasis is strongly regulated by several immune response inhibitory mechanisms. For example, Tregs are crucial regulators in acute and chronic hepatitis, and C57BL/6 mice are most prone to experimental AIH. Immunization of C57BL/6 mice with liver (AIH) autoantigens (CYP2D6/FTCD or IL-4R) and the disturbance of liver regulatory mechanism(s), leading to experimental AIH, are likely to be most representative of human AIH pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Yüksel
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Endocrinology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Xie YP, Li GP, Guo H, Yang L, Song YH, Ye J. Clinical and pathological features of AIH versus AIH-PBC overlap syndrome. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2013; 21:3473-3478. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v21.i32.3473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To compare the clinical and pathological characteristics of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and those with overlap syndrome of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH-PBC overlap syndrome).
METHODS: Thirty patients with AIH and twenty patients with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome who were diagnosed at our hospital from January 2005 to December 2010 were involved in this study. The clinical features, biochemical markers and histological characteristics were retrospectively analyzed and compared between the two groups.
RESULTS: Seventeen (56.7%) AIH patients and twelve (60%) AIH-PBC overlap syndrome patients accepted liver biopsy. There were no statistical differences in the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) between AIH patients and AIH-PBC overlap syndrome patients (P = 0.259, 0.889, both P > 0.05). AIH-PBC overlap syndrome patients had significantly higher levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) and total bilirubin (TBIL) than AIH patients (all P < 0.01). The pathological features of AIH patients included remarkable portal mononuclear cell infiltration, interface hepatitis, few focal and piecemeal necrosis in the hepatic lobule, and no abnormal findings in interlobular bile ducts. In AIH-PBC overlap syndrome patients, mononuclear cell infiltration in the portal interlobular bile duct, bile duct epithelial cell cavitation and interlobular bile duct structure atrophy as well as all pathological features of AIH patients were observed. Some patients had obvious portal fiber tissue hyperplasia and pseudo-bile duct proliferation.
CONCLUSION: Patients with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome have higher levels of ALP, γ-GT and TBIL than those with AIH. In addition to pathological features of AIH, AIH-PBC overlap syndrome also shows varying degrees of bile duct damage, such as remarkable portal mononuclear cell infiltration and interface hepatitis.
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Zachou K, Muratori P, Koukoulis GK, Granito A, Gatselis N, Fabbri A, Dalekos GN, Muratori L. Review article: autoimmune hepatitis -- current management and challenges. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2013; 38:887-913. [PMID: 24010812 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a disease of unknown aetiology characterised by interface hepatitis, hypergammaglobulinaemia, circulating autoantibodies and a favourable response to immunosuppression. AIM To review recent advancements in understanding aetiopathogenesis, clinical, serological and histological features, diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies of AIH. METHODS Published studies on AIH extracted mainly from PubMed during the last 15 years. RESULTS Autoimmune hepatitis has a global distribution affecting any age, both sexes and all ethnic groups. Clinical manifestations are variable ranging from no symptoms to severe acute hepatitis and only seldom to fulminant hepatic failure. Autoimmune attack is perpetuated, possibly via molecular mimicry mechanisms, and favoured by the impaired control of regulatory T-cells. A typical laboratory finding is hypergammaglobulinaemia with selective elevation of IgG, although in 15-25% of patients - particularly children, elderly and acute cases - IgG levels are normal. Liver histology and autoantibodies, although not pathognomonic, still remain the hallmark for diagnosis. Immunosuppressive treatment is mandatory and life-saving; however, to meet strict response criteria, the conventional therapy with prednisolone with or without azathioprine is far from ideal. CONCLUSIONS Autoimmune hepatitis remains a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The clinician, the hepato-pathologist and the laboratory personnel need to become more familiar with different expressions of the disease, interpretation of liver histology and autoimmune serology. According to the strict definition of treatment response issued by the 2010 AASLD guidelines, many patients are nonresponders to conventional treatment. Newer immunosuppressive agents targeting pathogenetic mechanisms can improve patient management, which needs to be tailored on a case-by-case basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Thessaly University, Larissa, Greece
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic necroinflammatory disease of unknown etiology that is characterized by increased aminotransferases, serum autoantibodies, increased immunoglobulin G levels, and histological interface hepatitis. The disease does not have a pathognomonic clinical, laboratory, or histological feature; diagnosis depends on a combination of clinical and pathologic criteria which also form the basis for a weighted scoring system to aid diagnosis. Liver biopsy is an essential part of the diagnostic criteria and is also crucial to the management of the disease. This review focuses on the diagnosis, microscopic features, differential diagnosis and overlap syndromes of autoimmune hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina D Cole
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 350 West 11th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Romil Saxena
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 350 West 11th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis has two major variant phenotypes in which the features of classical disease are co-mingled with those of primary biliary cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis. These overlap syndromes lack codified diagnostic criteria, established pathogenic mechanisms, and confident management strategies. Their clinical importance relates mainly to the identification of patients who respond poorly to conventional corticosteroid treatment. Scoring systems that lack discriminative power have been used in their definition, and a clinical phenotype based on pre-defined laboratory and histological findings has not been promulgated. The frequency of overlap with primary biliary cirrhosis is 7-13 %, and the frequency of overlap with primary sclerosing cholangitis is 8-17 %. Patients with autoimmune hepatitis and features of cholestatic disease must be distinguished from patients with cholestatic disease and features of autoimmune hepatitis. Variants of the overlap syndromes include patients with small duct primary sclerosing cholangitis, antimitochondrial antibody-negative primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis, and immunoglobulin G4-associated disease. Conventional corticosteroid therapy alone or in conjunction with ursodeoxycholic acid (13-15 mg/kg daily) has been variably effective, and cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and budesonide have been beneficial in selected patients. The key cholestatic features that influence the prognosis of autoimmune hepatitis must be defined and incorporated into the definition of the syndrome rather than rely on designations that imply the co-mingling of different diseases with manifestations of variable clinical relevance. The overlap syndromes in autoimmune hepatitis are imprecise, heterogeneous, and unfounded, but they constitute a clinical reality that must be accepted, diagnosed, refined, treated, and studied.
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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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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic liver disease characterized by elevated aminotransferase levels, autoantibodies, increased γ-globulin or IgG levels and biopsy evidence of interface hepatitis. Recent advances include new practice guidelines that redefine criteria for remission to require complete biochemical and histological normalization on therapy; comparisons between the revised original and simplified diagnostic scoring systems; refined characterization of autoantibodies and their diagnostic performance parameters; proof of the safety and efficacy of combination budesonide and azathioprine therapy for non-cirrhotic patients; scrutiny of overlap syndromes; further analyses of the outcomes of orthotopic liver transplantation and the diagnosis and treatment of recurrent and de novo autoimmune hepatitis after transplantation. Anticipated consequences of the application of the new definition of therapeutic remission include a reduction in the proportion of patients achieving remission with conventional immunosuppression regimens and a corresponding increase in the need for alternative therapies.
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