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Carbone M, Gerussi A, Cardinale V, Cazzagon N, Cossiga V, Lleo A, Marrone G, Marzioni M, Moschetta A, Muratori L, Rigamonti C, Vespasiani-Gentilucci U, Fraquelli M, Calvaruso V. Position paper of the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF): Management and treatment of primary biliary cholangitis. Dig Liver Dis 2024:S1590-8658(24)00739-4. [PMID: 38902184 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
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2
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Gerussi A, Cappadona C, Bernasconi DP, Cristoferi L, Valsecchi MG, Carbone M, Invernizzi P, Asselta R. Improving predictive accuracy in primary biliary cholangitis: A new genetic risk score. Liver Int 2024. [PMID: 38619000 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Genetic variants influence primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) risk. We established and tested an accurate polygenic risk score (PRS) using these variants. METHODS Data from two Italian cohorts (OldIT 444 cases, 901 controls; NewIT 255 cases, 579 controls) were analysed. The latest international genome-wide meta-analysis provided effect size estimates. The PRS, together with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) status and sex, was included in an integrated risk model. RESULTS Starting from 46 non-HLA genes, 22 variants were selected. PBC patients in the OldIT cohort showed a higher risk score than controls: -.014 (interquartile range, IQR, -.023, .005) versus -.022 (IQR -.030, -.013) (p < 2.2 × 10-16). For genetic-based prediction, the area under the curve (AUC) was .72; adding sex increased the AUC to .82. Validation in the NewIT cohort confirmed the model's accuracy (.71 without sex, .81 with sex). Individuals in the top group, representing the highest 25%, had a PBC risk approximately 14 times higher than that of the reference group (lowest 25%; p < 10-6). CONCLUSION The combination of sex and a novel PRS accurately discriminated between PBC cases and controls. The model identified a subset of individuals at increased risk of PBC who might benefit from tailored monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gerussi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Claudio Cappadona
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Paolo Bernasconi
- Bicocca Bioinformatics Biostatistics and Bioimaging Centre-B4, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Cristoferi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Bicocca Bioinformatics Biostatistics and Bioimaging Centre-B4, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Valsecchi
- Bicocca Bioinformatics Biostatistics and Bioimaging Centre-B4, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Rosanna Asselta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
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3
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Konkwo C, Chowdhury S, Vilarinho S. Genetics of liver disease in adults. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0408. [PMID: 38551385 PMCID: PMC10984672 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease stands as a significant global health problem with an estimated 2 million annual deaths across the globe. Combining the use of next-generation sequencing technologies with evolving knowledge in the interpretation of genetic variation across the human genome is propelling our understanding, diagnosis, and management of both rare and common liver diseases. Here, we review the contribution of risk and protective alleles to common forms of liver disease, the rising number of monogenic diseases affecting the liver, and the role of somatic genetic variants in the onset and progression of oncological and non-oncological liver diseases. The incorporation of genomic information in the diagnosis and management of patients with liver disease is driving the beginning of a new era of genomics-informed clinical hepatology practice, facilitating personalized medicine, and improving patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chigoziri Konkwo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Shanin Chowdhury
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Silvia Vilarinho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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4
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Ma D, Ma J, Zhao C, Tai W. Reasons why women are more likely to develop primary biliary cholangitis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25634. [PMID: 38384574 PMCID: PMC10878884 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune disease of biliary stasis in which immune factors cause the gradual destruction of small bile ducts, biliary stasis, and eventually the development of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver failure. One of the main characteristics of PBC is that it primarily affects middle-aged women, but the precise cause is still unknown. This article analyzes the unique causes and mechanisms of the female predominance of PBC and summarizes the potential causes.The female domination of PBC is reported to be primarily caused by sex hormones, environmental circumstances, and epigenetic changes, each of which has a different subtle impact on patients' gender disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Ma
- Clinical Laboratory Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jiaxuan Ma
- Clinical Laboratory Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Chunmei Zhao
- Clinical Laboratory Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wenlin Tai
- Clinical Laboratory Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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5
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Lenci I, Carnì P, Milana M, Bicaj A, Signorello A, Baiocchi L. Sequence of events leading to primary biliary cholangitis. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:5305-5312. [PMID: 37899786 PMCID: PMC10600805 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i37.5305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that is observed more frequently in middle-aged women. This disorder is considered an autoimmune disease, since liver injury is sustained by the presence of self-directed antimitochondrial antibodies targeting the bile duct cells. The prognosis may vary depending on an early diagnosis and response to therapy. However, nearly a third of patients can progress to liver cirrhosis, thus requiring a liver transplant. Traditional immunosuppressive therapies, commonly employed for other autoimmune diseases, have limited effects on PBC. In fact, dramatic functional changes that occur in the biliary epithelium in the course of inflammation play a major role in perpetuating the injury. In this minireview, after a background on the disease and possible predisposing factors, the sequential cooperation of cellular/molecular events leading to end-stage PBC is discussed in detail. The rise and maintenance of the autoimmune process, as well as the response of the biliary epithelia during inflammatory injury, are key factors in the progression of the disease. The so-called "ductular reaction (DR)", intended as a reactive expansion of cells with biliary phenotype, is a process frequently observed in PBC and partially understood. However, recent findings suggest a strict relationship between this pathological picture and the progression to liver fibrosis, cell senescence, and loss of biliary ducts. All these issues (onset of chronic inflammation, changes in secretive and proliferative biliary functions, DR, and its relationship with other pathological events) are discussed in this manuscript in an attempt to provide a snapshot, for clinicians and researchers, of the most relevant and sequential contributors to the progression of this human cholestatic disease. We believe that interpreting this disorder as a multistep process may help identify possible therapeutic targets to prevent evolution to severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Lenci
- Hepatology Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Paola Carnì
- Hepatology Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
- Postgraduate School in Hepato/Gastroenterology, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, Tirana 1004, Albania
| | - Martina Milana
- Hepatology Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Agreta Bicaj
- Hepatology Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
- Postgraduate School in Hepato/Gastroenterology, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, Tirana 1004, Albania
| | | | - Leonardo Baiocchi
- Hepatology Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
- Postgraduate School in Hepato/Gastroenterology, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, Tirana 1004, Albania
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6
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Scaravaglio M, Carbone M, Invernizzi P. Autoimmune liver diseases. Minerva Gastroenterol (Torino) 2023; 69:7-9. [PMID: 36856272 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5985.22.03279-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Miki Scaravaglio
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy - .,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy
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7
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Hitomi Y, Nakamura M. The Genetics of Primary Biliary Cholangitis: A GWAS and Post-GWAS Update. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:405. [PMID: 36833332 PMCID: PMC9957238 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic, progressive cholestatic liver disease in which the small intrahepatic bile ducts are destroyed by autoimmune reactions. Among autoimmune diseases, which are polygenic complex traits caused by the combined contribution of genetic and environmental factors, PBC exhibits the strongest involvement of genetic heritability in disease development. As at December 2022, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and associated meta-analyses identified approximately 70 PBC susceptibility gene loci in various populations, including those of European and East Asian descent. However, the molecular mechanisms through which these susceptibility loci affect the pathogenesis of PBC are not fully understood. This study provides an overview of current data regarding the genetic factors of PBC as well as post-GWAS approaches to identifying primary functional variants and effector genes in disease-susceptibility loci. Possible mechanisms of these genetic factors in the development of PBC are also discussed, focusing on four major disease pathways identified by in silico gene set analyses, namely, (1) antigen presentation by human leukocyte antigens, (2) interleukin-12-related pathways, (3) cellular responses to tumor necrosis factor, and (4) B cell activation, maturation, and differentiation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Hitomi
- Department of Human Genetics, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Minoru Nakamura
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, 2-1001-1 Kubara, Omura 856-8562, Japan
- Department of Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 2-1001-1 Kubara, Omura 856-8562, Japan
- Headquarters of PBC Research in NHO Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan (NHOSLJ), Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, 2-1001-1 Kubara, Omura 856-8562, Japan
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8
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Gerussi A, Scaravaglio M, Cristoferi L, Verda D, Milani C, De Bernardi E, Ippolito D, Asselta R, Invernizzi P, Kather JN, Carbone M. Artificial intelligence for precision medicine in autoimmune liver disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:966329. [PMID: 36439097 PMCID: PMC9691668 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.966329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases (AiLDs) are rare autoimmune conditions of the liver and the biliary tree with unknown etiology and limited treatment options. AiLDs are inherently characterized by a high degree of complexity, which poses great challenges in understanding their etiopathogenesis, developing novel biomarkers and risk-stratification tools, and, eventually, generating new drugs. Artificial intelligence (AI) is considered one of the best candidates to support researchers and clinicians in making sense of biological complexity. In this review, we offer a primer on AI and machine learning for clinicians, and discuss recent available literature on its applications in medicine and more specifically how it can help to tackle major unmet needs in AiLDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gerussi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Miki Scaravaglio
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Cristoferi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
- Bicocca Bioinformatics Biostatistics and Bioimaging Centre - B4, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Milani
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Elisabetta De Bernardi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery and Tecnomed Foundation, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Rosanna Asselta
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Jakob Nikolas Kather
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Else Kroener Fresenius Center for Digital Health, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
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9
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Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare disease of the liver characterized by an autoimmune attack on the small bile ducts. PBC is a complex trait, meaning that a large list of genetic factors interacts with environmental agents to determine its onset. Genome-wide association studies have had a huge impact in fostering research in PBC, but many steps need still to be done compared with other autoimmune diseases of similar prevalence. This review presents the state-of-the-art regarding the genetic architecture of PBC and provides some thoughtful reflections about possible future lines of research, which can be helpful to fill the missing heritability gap in PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gerussi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza (MB), Italy; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy.
| | - Rosanna Asselta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele 20072, Italy; Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano 20089, Italy
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza (MB), Italy; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy.
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10
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Scaravaglio M, Carbone M. Prognostic Scoring Systems in Primary Biliary Cholangitis: An Update. Clin Liver Dis 2022; 26:629-642. [PMID: 36270720 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a complex, chronic disease with a heterogeneous presentation, disease progression, and response to therapy. Several prognostic models based on disease stage and/or treatment response enhance risk stratification and therapeutic management. Recent work on disease modeling proposed early prediction of outcomes at PBC onset, yet this has not been implemented in clinical practice. Although early stratification of patients based on their individual risk of developing end-stage liver disease may prove cost-effective and actually become matter of medical deontology to timely offer the best therapeutic option, given the forthcoming availability of novel, disease-modifying drugs. This review outlines established and novel prognostic systems in PBC and provides some perspectives on the potential role of omics-derived biomarkers in developing reliable risk prediction models and promoting the implementation of personalized medicine in PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Scaravaglio
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza (MB), Italy.
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza (MB), Italy.
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11
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Chen R, Tang R, Ma X, Gershwin ME. Immunologic Responses and the Pathophysiology of Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Clin Liver Dis 2022; 26:583-611. [PMID: 36270718 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease with a female predisposition and selective destruction of intrahepatic small bile ducts leading to nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis. It is characterized by seropositivity of antimitochondrial antibodies or PBC-specific antinuclear antibodies, progressive cholestasis, and typical liver histologic manifestations. Destruction of the protective bicarbonate-rich umbrella is attributed to the decreased expression of membrane transporters in biliary epithelial cells (BECs), leading to the accumulation of hydrophobic bile acids and sensitizing BECs to apoptosis. A recent X-wide association study reveals a novel risk locus on the X chromosome, which reiterates the importance of Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiling Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruqi Tang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiong Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, China.
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology-Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Suite 6510, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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12
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Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D. HLA, gut microbiome and hepatic autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:980768. [PMID: 36059527 PMCID: PMC9433828 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.980768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic susceptibility to autoimmune liver diseases is conferred mainly by polymorphisms of genes encoding for the human leukocyte antigens (HLA). The strongest predisposition to autoimmune hepatitis type 1 (AIH-1) is linked to the allele DRB1*03:01, possession of which is associated with earlier disease onset and more severe course. In populations where this allele is very rare, such as in Asia, and in DRB1*03-negative patients, risk of AIH-1 is conferred by DRB1*04, which is associated with later disease onset and milder phenotype. AIH type 2 (AIH-2) is associated with DRB1*07. The pediatric condition referred to as autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC), is associated with the DRB1*13 in populations of Northern European ancestry. DRB1*1501 is protective from AIH-1, AIH-2 and ASC in Northern European populations. Possession of the DRB1*08 allele is associated with an increased risk of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) across different populations. DRB1*03:01 and B*08:01 confer susceptibility to primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), as well as DRB1*13 and DRB1*15 in Europe. The hepatic blood supply is largely derived from the splanchnic circulation, suggesting a pathophysiological role of the gut microbiome. AIH appears to be associated with dysbiosis, increased gut permeability, and translocation of intestinal microbial products into the circulation; molecular mimicry between microbial and host antigens may trigger an autoaggressive response in genetically-predisposed individuals. In PBC an altered enteric microbiome may affect intestinal motility, immunological function and bile secretion. Patients with PSC have a gut microbial profile different from health as well as from patients with inflammatory bowel disease without PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Epatocentro Ticino and Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
- MowatLabs, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli,
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- MowatLabs, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Diego Vergani
- MowatLabs, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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13
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How genetic risk contributes to autoimmune liver disease. Semin Immunopathol 2022; 44:397-410. [PMID: 35650446 PMCID: PMC9256578 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-022-00950-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and GWAS/genome-wide meta-analyses (GWMA) for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) have been successful over the past decade, identifying about 100 susceptibility loci in the human genome, with strong associations with the HLA locus and many susceptibility variants outside the HLA locus with relatively low risk. However, identifying causative variants and genes and determining their effects on liver cells and their immunological microenvironment is far from trivial. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) based on current genome-wide data have limited potential to predict individual disease risk. Interestingly, results of mediated expression score regression analysis provide evidence that a substantial portion of gene expression at susceptibility loci is mediated by genetic risk variants, in contrast to many other complex diseases. Genome- and transcriptome-wide comparisons between AIH, PBC, and PSC could help to better delineate the shared inherited component of autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs), and statistical fine-mapping, chromosome X-wide association testing, and genome-wide in silico drug screening approaches recently applied to GWMA data from PBC could potentially be successfully applied to AIH and PSC. Initial successes through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) experiments in PBC and PSC now raise high hopes for understanding the impact of genetic risk variants in the context of liver-resident immune cells and liver cell subpopulations, and for bridging the gap between genetics and disease.
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14
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Gerussi A, Paraboschi EM, Cappadona C, Caime C, Binatti E, Cristoferi L, Asselta R, Invernizzi P. The Role of Epigenetics in Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094873. [PMID: 35563266 PMCID: PMC9105933 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094873] [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: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is a rare autoimmune disease of the liver, affecting mostly females. There is evidence that epigenetic changes have a pathogenic role in PBC. Epigenetic modifications are related to methylation of CpG DNA islands, post-translational modifications of histone proteins, and non-coding RNAs. In PBC, there are data showing a dysregulation of all these levels, especially in immune cells. In addition, epigenetics seems to be involved in complex phenomena such as X monosomy or abnormalities in the process of X chromosome inactivation, which have been reported in PBC and appear to influence its sex imbalance and pathogenesis. We review here historical data on epigenetic modifications in PBC, present new data, and discuss possible links among X-chromosome abnormalities at a genetic and epigenetic level, PBC pathogenesis, and PBC sex imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gerussi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.G.); (C.C.); (E.B.); (L.C.)
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Elvezia Maria Paraboschi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Italy; (E.M.P.); (C.C.); (R.A.)
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Claudio Cappadona
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Italy; (E.M.P.); (C.C.); (R.A.)
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Chiara Caime
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.G.); (C.C.); (E.B.); (L.C.)
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Eleonora Binatti
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.G.); (C.C.); (E.B.); (L.C.)
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Cristoferi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.G.); (C.C.); (E.B.); (L.C.)
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Rosanna Asselta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Italy; (E.M.P.); (C.C.); (R.A.)
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.G.); (C.C.); (E.B.); (L.C.)
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, 20900 Monza, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Gerussi A, Caime C, Binatti E, Cristoferi L, Asselta R, Gershwin EM, Invernizzi P. X marks the spot in autoimmunity. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:429-437. [PMID: 35349778 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2060203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoimmune diseases mostly affect females. Besides hormones, several factors related to chromosome X have been called in action to explain this sex predominance. AREAS COVERED This paper provides an overview on the role of chromosome X (chrX) in explaining why females have higher susceptibility to autoimmunity. The work outlines some essential concepts regarding chrX inactivation, escape from chrX inactivation and the evolutionary history of chrX. In addition, we will discuss the concept of gene escape in immune cells, with examples related to specific X-linked genes and autoimmune diseases. EXPERT OPINION There is growing evidence that many genes present on chrX escape inactivation, and some of them have significant immune-mediated functions. In immune cells of female individuals the escape of these genes is not constant, but the knowledge of the mechanisms controlling this plasticity are not completely understood. Future studies aimed at the characterization of these modifications at single-cell resolution, together with conformational 3D studies of the inactive X chromosome, will hopefully help to fill this gap of knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gerussi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Chiara Caime
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Eleonora Binatti
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Cristoferi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Rosanna Asselta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy.,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Eric M Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cholangiopathies are a heterogeneous class of liver diseases where cholangiocytes are the main targets of liver injury. Although available and emerging therapies mainly target bile acids (ursodeoxycholic acid/UDCA, 24-Norursodeoxycholic acid/norUDCA) and related signaling pathways (obeticholic acid, fibrates, FXR, and PPAR agonists), the mechanisms underlying inflammation, ductular reaction and fibrosis in cholestatic liver diseases remain poorly understood. RECENT FINDINGS Data from patients with cholestatic diseases, such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) or primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) as well as mouse models of biliary injury emphasize the role of immune cells in the pathogenesis of cholestatic disorders and indicate diverse functions of hepatic macrophages. Their versatile polarization phenotypes and their capacity to interact with other cell types (e.g. cholangiocytes, other immune cells) make macrophages central actors in the progression of cholangiopathies. SUMMARY In this review, we summarize recent findings on the response of hepatic macrophages to cholestasis and biliary injury and their involvement in the progression of cholangiopathies. Furthermore, we discuss how recent discoveries may foster the development of innovative therapies to treat patients suffering from cholestatic liver diseases, in particular, treatments targeting macrophages to limit hepatic inflammation.
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Yang Y, Choi J, Chen Y, Invernizzi P, Yang G, Zhang W, Shao TH, Jordan F, Nemeria NS, Coppel RL, Ridgway WM, Kurth M, Ansari AA, Leung PSC, Gershwin ME. E. coli and the etiology of human PBC: Antimitochondrial antibodies and spreading determinants. Hepatology 2022; 75:266-279. [PMID: 34608663 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The increased frequency of urinary tract infections in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and the cross-reactivity between the lipoyl domains (LD) of human pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (hPDC-E2) and Escherichia coli PDC-E2 (ePDC-E2) have long suggested a role of E. coli in causality of PBC. This issue, however, has remained speculative. We hypothesized that by generating specific constructs of human and E. coli PDC-E2, we would be able to assess the specificity of autoantibody responses and define whether exposure to E. coli in susceptible hosts is the basis for the antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) response. APPROACH AND RESULTS Importantly, the reactivity of hPDC-E2 LD (hPDC-E2LD) affinity-purified antibodies against hPDC-E2LD could only be removed by prior absorption with hPDC-E2LD and not ePDC-E2, suggesting the presence of unique human PDC-E2 epitopes distinct from E. coli PDC-E2. To identify the autoepitope(s) present in hPDC-E2LD, a more detailed study using a variety of PDC-E2 constructs was tested, including the effect of lipoic acid (LA) on ePDC-E2 conformation and AMA recognition. Individual recombinant ePDCE2 LD domains LD1, LD2 and LD3 did not react with either AMA or antibodies to LA (anti-LA), but in contrast, anti-LA was readily reactive against purified recombinant LD1, LD2, and LD3 expressed in tandem (LP); such reactivity increased when LP was precultured with LA. Moreover, when the three LD (LD1, LD2, LD3) domains were expressed in tandem in pET28a or when LD1 was expressed in another plasmid pGEX, they were lipoylated and reactive to PBC sera. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our data are consistent with an exposure to E. coli that elicits specific antibody to ePDC-E2 resulting in determinant spreading and the classic autoantibody to hPDC-E2LD. We argue this is the first step to development of human PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA.,School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical EngineeringNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jinjung Choi
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA.,Division of RheumatologyCHA University Medical CenterBundangKorea
| | - Ying Chen
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical EngineeringNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- International Center for Digestive HealthDepartment of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Milan-BicoccaMilanItaly
| | - Guoxiang Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Weici Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ti-Hong Shao
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Frank Jordan
- Department of ChemistryRutgers UniversityNewarkNew JerseyUSA
| | | | - Ross L Coppel
- Department of Microbiology, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - William M Ridgway
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Mark Kurth
- Department of ChemisrtyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Aftab A Ansari
- Department of PathologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Patrick S C Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
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Advances in genetic, epigenetic and environmental aspects of rare liver diseases. Eur J Med Genet 2021; 65:104411. [PMID: 34942406 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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