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Floreani A, Gabbia D, De Martin S. Are Gender Differences Important for Autoimmune Liver Diseases? Life (Basel) 2024; 14:500. [PMID: 38672770 PMCID: PMC11050899 DOI: 10.3390/life14040500] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gender Medicine has had an enormous expansion over the last ten years. Autoimmune liver diseases include several conditions, i.e., autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and conditions involving the liver or biliary tree overlapping with AIH, as well as IgG4-related disease. However, little is known about the impact of sex in the pathogenesis and natural history of these conditions. The purpose of this review is to provide an update of the gender disparities among the autoimmune liver diseases by reviewing the data published from 1999 to 2023. The epidemiology of these diseases has been changing over the last years, due to the amelioration of knowledge in their diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment. The clinical data collected so far support the existence of sex differences in the natural history of autoimmune liver diseases. Notably, their history could be longer than that which is now known, with problems being initiated even at a pediatric age. Moreover, gender disparity has been observed during the onset of complications related to end-stage liver disease, including cancer incidence. However, there is still an important debate among researchers about the impact of sex and the pathogenesis of these conditions. With this review, we would like to emphasize the urgency of basic science and clinical research to increase our understanding of the sex differences in autoimmune liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarosa Floreani
- Scientific Consultant IRCCS Negrar, 37024 Verona, Italy
- University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Daniela Gabbia
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (D.G.); (S.D.M.)
| | - Sara De Martin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (D.G.); (S.D.M.)
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Mihai IR, Rezus C, Burlui MA, Cardoneanu A, Macovei LA, Richter P, Bratoiu I, Rezus E. Autoimmune Liver Diseases and Rheumatoid Arthritis-Is There an Etiopathogenic Link? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3848. [PMID: 38612658 PMCID: PMC11011907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073848] [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] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic immune-mediated disease that, in addition to the articular involvement, can have extra-articular manifestations. Even though liver damage in RA is not very common, associated autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) may occur. The most common AILD associated with RA is primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), followed by autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). There are common underlying mechanisms that play a role in the emergence of autoimmunity and inflammation in both rheumatic and autoimmune liver diseases. Genetic studies have revealed the existence of several common disease-associated genes shared between RA and AILDs, and infectious triggers, particularly those associated with recurrent or complicated urinary tract infections, are also speculated to be potential triggers for these conditions. Moreover, these diseases share common serologic patterns characterized by the presence of specific autoantibodies and hyper-gammaglobulinemia. In this study, we focus on reviewing the association between RA and AILDs regarding the prevalence and possible etiopathogenic link.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Ruxandra Mihai
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ciprian Rezus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- “Sfantul Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Maria Alexandra Burlui
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Anca Cardoneanu
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Luana Andreea Macovei
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Patricia Richter
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ioana Bratoiu
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Elena Rezus
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
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Yuming Z, Ruqi T, Gershwin ME, Xiong M. Autoimmune Hepatitis: Pathophysiology. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:15-35. [PMID: 37945156 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.06.003] [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
Genome-wide association analyses suggest that HLA genes including HLA-DRB*0301, HLA-DRB*0401, and HLA-B*3501 as well as non-HLA genes including CD28/CTLA4/ICOS and SYNPR increased AIH susceptibility. The destruction of hepatocytes is the result of the imbalance between proinflammatory cells and immunosuppressive cells, especially the imbalance between Tregs and Th17 cells. The microbiome in patients with AIH is decreased in diversity with a specific decline in Bifidobacterium and enrichment in Veillonella and Faecalibacterium. Recent evidence has demonstrated the pathogenic role of E. gallinarum and L.reuteri in inducing autoimmunity in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Yuming
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Tang Ruqi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Merrill Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Suite 6510, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Ma Xiong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, China; Institute of Aging & Tissue Regeneration, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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Maria A, Sood V, Khanna R, Lal BB, Trehanpati N, Alam S. Association of HLA DRB1 Allele Profile with Pediatric Autoimmune Liver Disease in India. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:397-403. [PMID: 37250880 PMCID: PMC10213850 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study is to study the association of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1 alleles with treatment response in Indian children with autoimmune liver disease (AILD). Methods HLA DRB1 alleles of 71 Indian children with pediatric AILD (pAILD) were analyzed along with 25 genetically confirmed patients with Wilson disease as controls. After 1 year of therapy, all those who failed to normalize aspartate & alanine transferase (AST/ ALT) (below 1.5 times of upper limit of normal) and/or failed to normalize IgG levels, or who had >2 relapses (AST/ALT levels >1.5 times of upper limit of normal) while on treatment, were labeled as difficult to treat (DTT). Results HLA DRB1∗3 was found to be significantly associated with AIH type 1 (46.2% vs. 4% in controls; P corrected = 0.011). Majority of the patients [55 (77.5%)] had chronic liver disease at presentation, with 42 (59.2%) having portal hypertension and 17 (23.9%) having ascites. Out of the 71 with pAILD, 19 (26.8%) were DTT. HLA DRB1∗14 was found to be independently associated with DTT cases (36.8% vs. 9.6%, OR 5.87, 95% CI 1.07-32.09, P = 0.041). Other factors independently associated with DTT were presence of autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (OR 8.57, P = 0.008) and high-risk varices (OR 7.55, P = 0.016), improving the correctness of classification of the model from 73.2% to 84.5%. Conclusion HLA DRB1∗14 is independently associated with treatment response in pAILD and HLA DRB1∗3 is associated with AIH type 1. HLA DRB1 alleles may thus provide supportive information for diagnosis and prognosis of AILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Maria
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vikrant Sood
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajeev Khanna
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Bikrant B. Lal
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Nirupama Trehanpati
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Seema Alam
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver of unknown cause that may progress to liver cirrhosis and end stage liver failure if diagnosis is overlooked and treatment delayed. The clinical presentation is often that of acute hepatitis, sometimes very severe; less frequently, it can be insidious or completely asymptomatic. The disease can affect people of any age and is more common in women; its incidence and prevalence seem to be on the rise worldwide. An abnormal immune response targeting liver autoantigens and inducing persistent and self-perpetuating liver inflammation is the pathogenic mechanism of the disease. A specific set of autoantibodies, increased IgG concentrations, and histological demonstration of interface hepatitis and periportal necrosis are the diagnostic hallmarks of autoimmune hepatitis. Prompt response to treatment with corticosteroids and other immunomodulatory drugs is almost universal and supports the diagnosis. The aims of treatment are to induce and maintain long term remission of liver inflammation. Treatment can often even reverse liver fibrosis, thus preventing progression to advanced cirrhosis and its complications. Most patients need lifelong maintenance therapy, and repeated follow-up in experienced hands improves the quality of care and quality of life for affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Muratori
- DIMEC, Università di Bologna and IRCCS Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Bologna, Italy
- European Reference Network for Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- European Reference Network for Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Marco Lenzi
- DIMEC, Università di Bologna and IRCCS Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Bologna, Italy
- European Reference Network for Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
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Cancado ELR, Goldbaum-Crescente J, Terrabuio DRB. HLA-related genetic susceptibility in autoimmune hepatitis according to autoantibody profile. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1032591. [PMID: 36311739 PMCID: PMC9606223 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1032591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis in first-degree relatives is small, the relationship between genetic markers, especially human leucocyte antigens (HLA), and susceptibility to this disease, has been studied for over three decades. The genetic susceptibility to AIH is believed to be different in the two subtypes of the disease, AIH type 1 and AIH type 2. Type 1 AIH has anti-smooth muscle and anti-nuclear antibodies as its main markers, while those of type 2 AIH are the anti-liver/kidney microsome type 1 and anti-liver cytosol type 1 antibodies. The anti-soluble liver antigen/liver-pancreas antibodies, which, in addition to being present in both subtypes, mark an important number of patients without serological markers. Therefore, a third type of disease is questionable. The vast majority of immunogenetic studies compare the differences between the two main types and make no difference between which antibodies are present to define the subtype. This review seeks to analyze what was most important published in the AIH in this context, trying to relate the HLA alleles according to the AIH marker autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Luiz Rachid Cancado
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Eduardo Luiz Rachid Cancado,
| | - Juliana Goldbaum-Crescente
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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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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8
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Czaja AJ. Epigenetic Aspects and Prospects in Autoimmune Hepatitis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:921765. [PMID: 35844554 PMCID: PMC9281562 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.921765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The observed risk of autoimmune hepatitis exceeds its genetic risk, and epigenetic factors that alter gene expression without changing nucleotide sequence may help explain the disparity. Key objectives of this review are to describe the epigenetic modifications that affect gene expression, discuss how they can affect autoimmune hepatitis, and indicate prospects for improved management. Multiple hypo-methylated genes have been described in the CD4+ and CD19+ T lymphocytes of patients with autoimmune hepatitis, and the circulating micro-ribonucleic acids, miR-21 and miR-122, have correlated with laboratory and histological features of liver inflammation. Both epigenetic agents have also correlated inversely with the stage of liver fibrosis. The reduced hepatic concentration of miR-122 in cirrhosis suggests that its deficiency may de-repress the pro-fibrotic prolyl-4-hydroxylase subunit alpha-1 gene. Conversely, miR-155 is over-expressed in the liver tissue of patients with autoimmune hepatitis, and it may signify active immune-mediated liver injury. Different epigenetic findings have been described in diverse autoimmune and non-autoimmune liver diseases, and these changes may have disease-specificity. They may also be responses to environmental cues or heritable adaptations that distinguish the diseases. Advances in epigenetic editing and methods for blocking micro-ribonucleic acids have improved opportunities to prove causality and develop site-specific, therapeutic interventions. In conclusion, the role of epigenetics in affecting the risk, clinical phenotype, and outcome of autoimmune hepatitis is under-evaluated. Full definition of the epigenome of autoimmune hepatitis promises to enhance understanding of pathogenic mechanisms and satisfy the unmet clinical need to improve therapy for refractory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J. Czaja
- *Correspondence: Albert J. Czaja, ; orcid.org/0000-0002-5024-3065
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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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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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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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Terrabuio D, Porta G, Cançado E. Particularities of Autoimmune Hepatitis in Latin America. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2020; 16:101-107. [PMID: 33005390 PMCID: PMC7508781 DOI: 10.1002/cld.928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Watch a video presentation of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Terrabuio
- GastroenterologyUniversidade de São Paulo Hospital das ClínicasSão PauloBrazil
| | - Gilda Porta
- Hepatology UnitSchool of Medicine‐Federal University of Bahia, BrasilSalvadorBahiaBrazil
| | - Eduardo Cançado
- Universidade de São Paulo Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
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13
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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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Autoimmune Hepatitis-Immunologically Triggered Liver Pathogenesis-Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies. J Immunol Res 2019; 2019:9437043. [PMID: 31886312 PMCID: PMC6899271 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9437043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a severe liver disease that arises in genetically predisposed male and female individuals worldwide. Diagnosis of AIH is made clinically applying diagnostic scores; however, the heterotopic disease phenotype often makes a rapid determination of disease challenging. AIH responds favorably to steroids and pharmacologic immunosuppression, and liver transplantation is only necessary in cases with acute liver failure or end-stage liver cirrhosis. Recurrence or development of de novo AIH after transplantation is possible, and treatment is similar to standard AIH therapy. Current experimental investigations of T cell-mediated autoimmune pathways and analysis of changes within the intestinal microbiome might advance our knowledge on the pathogenesis of AIH and trigger a spark of hope for novel therapeutic strategies.
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Mendoza-Carrera F, Gastélum-Meza MÁ, Ramírez-García J, Dávalos-Cobián C, Castro-Martínez XH, Arellano-Olivera MIC, Hernández-Ramos LE, Leal-Cortés C. No association of HLA–DRB1 and TNF alleles in Mexican patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Genes Immun 2019; 20:678-683. [DOI: 10.1038/s41435-019-0086-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Hoefsmit EP, Rozeman EA, Haanen JBAG, Blank CU. Susceptible loci associated with autoimmune disease as potential biomarkers for checkpoint inhibitor-induced immune-related adverse events. ESMO Open 2019; 4:e000472. [PMID: 31423333 PMCID: PMC6677983 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2018-000472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Unprecedented successes regarding cancer immunotherapy have been achieved, in which therapeutic agents are used to target immune cells rather than cancer cells. The most effective immunotherapy to date is the group of immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI), targeting, for example, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) or programmed cell death protein (PD-1). TThe combination of these therapies (anti-PD-1 with anti-CTLA-4) induces high response rates, and seem to be increased further when applied in early-stage disease. However, combined CTLA-4 plus PD-1 blockade causes frequent high-grade immune-related adverse events (irAE). To date, research on biological mechanism of irAEs is scarce and no widely accepted biomarkers predicting onset of severe irAEs have been identified. The similarity of irAEs to autoimmune disorders fuels the hypothesis that irAEs may be linked to susceptible genetic loci related to various autoimmune diseases. In this review, we extensively searched for susceptible loci associated with various autoimmune diseases, and pooled them in groups most likely to be associated with CPI-induced irAEs. These sets could be used in future research on predicting irAEs and guide physicians in a more refined and personal manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmée P Hoefsmit
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa A Rozeman
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Medical Oncology Department, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Ziekenhuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John B A G Haanen
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Medical Oncology Department, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Ziekenhuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christian U Blank
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Medical Oncology Department, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Ziekenhuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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NUNES MEG, ROSA DV, FAGUNDES EDT, FERREIRA AR, MIRANDA DMD, FERRI LIU PM. HLA-DRB1 GENE POLYMORPHISMS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH TYPE 1 AUTOIMMUNE HEPATITIS AND TYPE 1 AUTOIMMUNE HEPATITIS OVERLAP SYNDROME WITH AUTOIMMUNE CHOLANGITIS. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2019; 56:146-150. [DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.201900000-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare chronic inflammatory liver disease associated with a loss of immunological tolerance to self-antigens. Susceptibility to AIH is partially determined by the presence of genes related to human leukocyte antigen (HLA), mainly allelic variants of DRB1. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequencies of the polymorphisms in HLA-DRB1 gene in children and adolescents with type 1 AIH and type 1 AIH overlap syndrome with autoimmune cholangitis (overlap syndrome, OS) in comparison to healthy sex and age-matched individuals (control group). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 25 pediatric patients diagnosed with type 1 AIH and 18 with OS. Fifty-seven healthy individuals were included as controls. The polymorphisms of the HLA-DRB1 gene were evaluated by PCR and included HLA-DRB1*03, HLA-DRB1*04, HLA-DRB1*07, and HLA-DRB1*13. RESULTS: Our results showed that the presence of the allele HLA-DRB1*13 increased the chance of autoimmune cholangitis (OR=3.96, CI 1.07 to 14.61, P=0.04). The HLA-DRB1*04 and HLA- DRB1*07 have no association with the AIH and autoimmune cholangitis in a young sample. CONCLUSION: This work demonstrates an association of the main polymorphisms in the HLA-DRB1 gene to AIH with or without cholangitis in a Brazilian sample.
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Webb GJ, Hirschfield GM, Krawitt EL, Gershwin ME. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Autoimmune Hepatitis. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2019; 13:247-292. [PMID: 29140756 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-020117-043534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is an uncommon idiopathic syndrome of immune-mediated destruction of hepatocytes, typically associated with autoantibodies. The disease etiology is incompletely understood but includes a clear association with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) variants and other non-HLA gene variants, female sex, and the environment. Pathologically, there is a CD4+ T cell-rich lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate with variable hepatocyte necrosis and subsequent hepatic fibrosis. Attempts to understand pathogenesis are informed by several monogenetic syndromes that may include autoimmune liver injury, by several drug and environmental agents that have been identified as triggers in a minority of cases, by human studies that point toward a central role for CD4+ effector and regulatory T cells, and by animal models of the disease. Nonspecific immunosuppression is the current standard therapy. Further understanding of the disease's cellular and molecular mechanisms may assist in the design of better-targeted therapies, aid the limitation of adverse effects from therapy, and inform individualized risk assessment and prognostication.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Webb
- National Institute for Health Research Liver Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; ,
| | - G M Hirschfield
- National Institute for Health Research Liver Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; ,
| | - E L Krawitt
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405, USA; .,Department of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, USA
| | - M E Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95817, USA;
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Floreani A, Restrepo-Jiménez P, Secchi MF, De Martin S, Leung PS, Krawitt E, Bowlus CL, Gershwin ME, Anaya JM. Etiopathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis. J Autoimmun 2018; 95:133-143. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2018.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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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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Gambino CM, Aiello A, Accardi G, Caruso C, Candore G. Autoimmune diseases and 8.1 ancestral haplotype: An update. HLA 2018; 92:137-143. [PMID: 29877054 DOI: 10.1111/tan.13305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present review is to provide an update of the current research into the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases associated with 8.1 ancestral haplotype. This is a common Caucasoid haplotype carried by most people who type for HLA-B8, DR3. Numerous genetic studies reported that individuals with certain HLA alleles have a higher risk of specific autoimmune disorders than those without these alleles. However, much remains to be learned about the heritability of autoimmune conditions. Recently, progress and advances in the field of genome-wide-association studies have revolutionized the capacity to perform large, economically feasible, and statistically robust analyses of HLA within 8.1 ancestral haplotype, and understand its contribute to autoimmune events. In this paper, the characteristic features of this haplotype that might give rise to diverse autoimmune phenotypes are reviewed, focusing on the contribution of the HLA-DRB1 gene, the most polymorphic sequence within the HLA II region.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Gambino
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical Biotechnologies (Di.Bi.Med.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - A Aiello
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical Biotechnologies (Di.Bi.Med.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - G Accardi
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical Biotechnologies (Di.Bi.Med.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - C Caruso
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical Biotechnologies (Di.Bi.Med.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - G Candore
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical Biotechnologies (Di.Bi.Med.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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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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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis occurs in genetically susceptible individuals as a result of loss of immunological tolerance to hepatic autoantigens that can be precipitated by environmental triggers. The clinical manifestation is usually insidious but can be also acute with liver failure. The diagnosis is made on the basis of antibody positivity, elevated immunoglobulin G levels and interface hepatitis on liver histology. Induction of remission is achieved with high-dose steroids in the majority of cases, and maintenance of remission with azathioprine. Treatment withdrawal is achievable only in a small proportion of patients. Patients with acute liver failure unresponsive to steroids or those with end-stage liver failure or hepatocellular carcinoma may require liver transplantation. Variant forms of overlapping autoimmune hepatitis with either primary biliary cholangitis or sclerosing cholangitis are associated with worse outcomes. New insights into the pathophysiology of the disease may provide novel therapeutic targets and a more individualized approach to treatment of autoimmune hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Theocharidou
- Senior Clinical Fellow, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Consultant Hepatologist, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 9RS
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[Autoimmune hepatitis in the pediatric age]. BOLETIN MEDICO DEL HOSPITAL INFANTIL DE MEXICO 2018; 74:324-333. [PMID: 29382475 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmhimx.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In pediatrics, autoimmune hepatitis and sclerosing cholangitis are liver disorders with an immunological damage mechanism. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by interface hepatitis, hypergammaglobulinemia, circulating autoantibodies and a favorable response to immunosuppression. It is an eminently pediatric disease with a prevalent condition in young women. Therapy should be instituted promptly to prevent rapid deterioration, promote remission of disease and long-term survival. The persistent lack of response or lack of adherence to treatment results in terminal liver failure; these patients, and those with fulminant hepatic insufficiency at the time of diagnosis, will require liver transplantation.
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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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Muratori P, Lenzi M, Cassani F, Lalanne C, Muratori L. Diagnostic approach to autoimmune hepatitis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2017; 13:769-779. [PMID: 28480763 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2017.1327355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease which, if left without treatment, can evolve into cirrhosis and possibly liver failure. The diagnosis of AIH is hampered by the lack of specific and reliable markers of the disease and a number of clinical, biochemical, immunological, histological and genetic factors should be considered to reach a confident diagnosis Areas covered: Clinical expression of AIH, histological features, serological and genetic profiles, differential diagnosis, overlap with other autoimmune liver diseases, assessed on the basis of personal experience and review of published literature in the last 10 years through a systematic Medline search (keywords: autoimmune hepatitis, diagnosis) Expert commentary: Notwithstanding numerous efforts to identify simple and reliable markers of the disease, the diagnosis of AIH is still based on the combination of histological, immunological and biochemical features and often can represent a real challenge for the hepatologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Muratori
- a Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System , Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Marco Lenzi
- a Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System , Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Fabio Cassani
- a Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System , Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Claudine Lalanne
- a Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System , Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Luigi Muratori
- a Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System , Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
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Chaouali M, Kochkar R, Tezeghdenti A, Messadi A, ben Azaiez M, lagha A, ghazouani E, ben Abdallah H, yacoubi-Oueslati B, Nabil Abdelli M. Hépatite auto-immune chronique de l’adulte : étude clinique de 30 patients tunisiens. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/s1773-035x(17)30121-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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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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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic progressive liver disease characterized by high levels of aminotransferases and autoantibodies, hypergammaglobulinemia, and interface hepatitis. AIH affects all races and all ages worldwide, regardless of sex, although a preponderance of females is a constant finding. The etiology of AIH has not been completely elucidated, but immunogenetic background and environmental parameters may contribute to its development. The most important genetic factor is human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), especially HLA-DR, whereas the role of environmental factors is not completely understood. Immunologically, disruption of the immune tolerance to autologous liver antigens may be a trigger of AIH. The diagnosis of classical AIH is fairly easy, though not without pitfalls. In contrast, the diagnosis of atypical AIH poses great challenges. There is confusion as to the definition of the disease entity and its boundaries in the diagnosis of overlap syndrome, drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis, and AIH with concomitant nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or chronic hepatitis C. Centrilobular zonal necrosis is now included in the histological spectrum of AIH. However, the definition and the significance of AIH presenting with centrilobular zonal necrosis have not been examined extensively. In ~20% of AIH patients who are treated for the first time with standard therapy, remission is not achieved. The development of more effective and better tolerated novel therapies is an urgent need. In this review, we discuss the current challenges and the future prospects in relation to the diagnosis and treatment of AIH, which have been attracting considerable recent attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshio Aizawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jikei University Katsushika Medical Center, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hokari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jikei University Katsushika Medical Center, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Stephens C, Castiella A, Gomez-Moreno EM, Otazua P, López-Nevot MÁ, Zapata E, Ortega-Alonso A, Ruiz-Cabello F, Medina-Cáliz I, Robles-Díaz M, Soriano G, Roman E, Hallal H, Moreno-Planas JM, Prieto M, Andrade RJ, Lucena MI. Autoantibody presentation in drug-induced liver injury and idiopathic autoimmune hepatitis: the influence of human leucocyte antigen alleles. Pharmacogenet Genomics 2016; 26:414-22. [PMID: 27206238 DOI: 10.1097/fpc.0000000000000230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Positive autoantibody (AAB) titres are commonly encountered in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and in a proportion of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) patients. The underlying mechanism for selective AAB occurrence in DILI is unknown, but could be associated with variations in immune-associated genes. Hence, we aimed to analyse human leucocyte antigen (HLA) allele compositions in DILI with positive (+) and negative (-) AAB titres and in AIH patients. METHODS High-resolution genotyping of HLA class I (A, B, C) and II (DRB1, DQB1) loci was performed on 207 DILI and 50 idiopathic AIH patients and compared with 885 healthy Spanish controls. RESULTS Compared with controls, HLA-B*08:01 [44 vs. 9.7%, P=3.7E-13/corrected P-value (Pc)=1.0E-11], C*07:01 (46 vs. 24%, P=6.4E-04/Pc=0.012), DRB1*03:01 (58 vs. 21.5%, P=5.0E-09/Pc=1.0E-07) and DQB1*02:01 (56 vs. 22%, P=6.8E-08/Pc=9.0E-07) were significantly more frequent in AIH patients. The HLA-A*01:01 frequency was increased in the same population, but did not reach significance after Bonferroni's correction (34 vs. 19%, P=0.02/Pc=0.37). Fifty-eight of 207 DILI patients presented positive titres for at least one AAB (predominantly antinuclear antibody 76% and antismooth muscle antibody 28%). There was a tendency towards higher representation of DRB1*14:01 and DQB1*05:03 in DILI AAB+ compared with DILI AAB- (13.8 vs. 4.0%, P=0.02/Pc=0.5; 13.8 vs. 4.7%, P=0.04/Pc=0.5). CONCLUSION The presence of HLA alleles B*08:01, C*07:01, DRB1*03:01, DQB1*02:01 and possibly A*01:01 enhances the risk of AIH (type 1) in Spanish patients. These alleles form part of the ancestral haplotype 8.1. HLA-DRB1*14:01 and DQB1*05:03 could potentially increase the risk of positive AAB (particularly antinuclear antibody) in Spanish DILI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Stephens
- aUnidad de Gestión Clínica de Enfermedades Digestivas, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, CIBERehd, Málaga bServicio de Digestivo, Hospital Mendaro cServicio de Digestivo, Hospital Mondragón, Guipúzcoa dDepartamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III/Inmunología, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitario de Granada, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Universidad de Granada, Granada eServicio de Gastroenterología, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERehd fEscola Universitària d'Infermeria EUI-Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona gServicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Morales Meseguer, Murcia hServicio de Digestivo, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Albacete iUnidad de Hepatología, Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, CIBERehd, Valencia, Spain
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Liberal R, Krawitt EL, Vierling JM, Manns MP, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D. Cutting edge issues in autoimmune hepatitis. J Autoimmun 2016; 75:6-19. [PMID: 27502148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2016.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a severe liver disease affecting all age groups worldwide. Novel basic and clinical aspects of AIH, addressed at a Monothematic Conference in London in September 2015, are highlighted in this review. The diagnosis of AIH relies upon detection of characteristic autoantibodies, hypergammaglobulinemia, and interface hepatitis on liver histology. The International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) has devised diagnostic scoring systems to help in comparative studies and clinical practice. AIH arises in a genetically predisposed host, when yet unknown triggers - such an encounter with a pathogen - lead to a T cell-mediated immune response targeting liver autoantigens. This immune response is inadequately controlled because regulatory mechanisms are impaired. The mainstay of treatment for AIH is immunosuppression, which should be instituted as soon as the diagnosis is made. Standard treatment regimens include relatively high doses of predniso(lo)ne, which are tapered gradually as azathioprine is introduced. Recent guidelines have described newer treatment regimens and have tightened the goal of therapy to complete normalization of biochemical, serological and histological parameters. Mycophenolate mofetil, calcineurin inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors and biological agents are potential salvage therapies, but should be reserved for selected non-responsive patients and administered only in experienced centers. Liver transplantation is a life-saving option for those patients who progress to end-stage liver disease. Further dissection of cellular and molecular pathways involved in AIH pathogenesis is likely to lead to the discovery of novel, tailored and better tolerated therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Liberal
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Edward L Krawitt
- Department of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - John M Vierling
- Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Baylor-St Luke's Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK; Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Diego Vergani
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
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Human leucocyte antigens and pediatric autoimmune liver disease: diagnosis and prognosis. Eur J Pediatr 2016; 175:527-37. [PMID: 26567543 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-015-2662-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED An association of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles with autoimmune conditions is increasingly being used for diagnostic purposes. The aim of our study was to examine whether HLA class II alleles in pediatric-onset autoimmune liver disease (pAILD) may serve as diagnostic markers and if they correlate with clinical outcome parameters. HLA-DRB1 alleles of 76 children with pAILD (autoimmune hepatitis [AIH], autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis [AISC], primary sclerosing cholangitis [PSC]) and of 50 healthy blood donors as control group were analyzed retrospectively. Diagnosis of these patients was confirmed by the autoimmune hepatitis score including liver histology, which has been re-evaluated by a blinded liver pathologist, and by bile duct imaging, as appropriate. Our results showed significant association of HLA-DRB1*03 with AIH1 and AISC with 82 % specificity for AIH. For pAILD (excluding AIH2), HLA-DRB1*03 homozygosity had specificity of 98 %, whereas sensitivity is low. Remission in HLA-DRB1*03-positive patients appears to be less likely. HLA-DRB1*13 is significantly associated with PSC and also with AIH1. CONCLUSION HLA-DRB1 alleles provide supportive information for diagnostic workup in patients with liver disease, but they were not suitable for differentiation within pAILD. Their prognostic value could be helpful but needs to be evaluated further. WHAT IS KNOWN • HLA-DRB1*03 is NOT associated with pediatric AIH in a previous national study. • In other studies, HLA-DRB1*03 is associated with AIH1. • HLA-DRB1*13 is associated with PSC. • HLA-DRB1*04 is described as protective for AILD. What is New: • HLA-DRB1 four-digit typing for all alleles and for all subgroups of pAILD combined with re-assessment of liver histology • HLA-DRB1*03:01 is associated with pediatric AIH1 and AISC. • HLA-DRB1*03:01 appears to be a prognostic marker. • HLA-DRB1*13:01 is associated with pediatric AIH1 in mixed ethnicity cohort. • HLA-DRB1*04 does not show any protective effect for pAILD.
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Czaja AJ. Diagnosis and Management of Autoimmune Hepatitis: Current Status and Future Directions. Gut Liver 2016; 10:177-203. [PMID: 26934884 PMCID: PMC4780448 DOI: 10.5009/gnl15352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is characterized by autoantibodies, hypergammaglobulinemia, and interface hepatitis on histological examination. The features lack diagnostic specificity, and other diseases that may resemble autoimmune hepatitis must be excluded. The clinical presentation may be acute, acute severe (fulminant), or asymptomatic; conventional autoantibodies may be absent; centrilobular necrosis and bile duct changes may be present; and the disease may occur after liver transplantation or with features that suggest overlapping disorders. The diagnostic criteria have been codified, and diagnostic scoring systems can support clinical judgment. Nonstandard autoantibodies, including antibodies to actin, α-actinin, soluble liver antigen, perinuclear antineutrophil antigen, asialoglycoprotein receptor, and liver cytosol type 1, are tools that can support the diagnosis, especially in patients with atypical features. Prednisone or prednisolone in combination with azathioprine is the preferred treatment, and strategies using these medications in various doses can ameliorate treatment failure, incomplete response, drug intolerance, and relapse after drug withdrawal. Budesonide, mycophenolate mofetil, and calcineurin inhibitors can be considered in selected patients as frontline or salvage therapies. Molecular (recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies), cellular (adoptive transfer and antigenic manipulation), and pharmacological (antioxidants, antifibrotics, and antiapoptotic agents) interventions constitute future directions in management. The evolving knowledge of the pathogenic pathways and the advances in technology promise new management algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J. Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN,
USA
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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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Maeda Y, Migita K, Higuchi O, Mukaino A, Furukawa H, Komori A, Nakamura M, Hashimoto S, Nagaoka S, Abiru S, Yatsuhashi H, Matsuo H, Kawakami A, Yasunami M, Nakane S. Association between Anti-Ganglionic Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor (gAChR) Antibodies and HLA-DRB1 Alleles in the Japanese Population. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146048. [PMID: 26807576 PMCID: PMC4726510 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Anti-ganglionic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (gAChR) antibodies are observed in autoimmune diseases, as well as in patients with autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy. However, the genetic background of anti-gAChR antibodies is unclear. Here, we investigated HLA alleles in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) patients with or without anti-gAChR antibodies. Methodology/Principal Findings Genomic DNA from 260 patients with type-1 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) were genotyped for HLA-A, B, DRB1, and DQB1 loci. Anti-gAChR antibodies in the sera form AIH patients were measured using the luciferase immunoprecipitation system, and examined allelic association in patients with or without anti-gAChR antibodies. Methodology/ Methods We detected anti-α3 or -β4 gAChR antibodies in 11.5% (30/260) of patients with AIH. Among AIH patients there was no significant association between HLA-A, B DQB1 alleles and the positivity for anti-gAChR antibodies. Whereas the HLA-DRB1*0403 allele showed a significantly increased frequency in AIH patients with anti-gAChR antibodies compared with those without anti-gAChR antibodies. Conclusions/Significance The frequency of the HLA-DRB1*0403 allele differed among Japanese patients with AIH according to the presence or absence of anti-gAChR antibodies. Our findings suggest that particular HLA class II molecules might control the development of anti-gAChR antibodies in the autoimmune response to gAChR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Maeda
- Department of Clinical Research, Nagasaki Kawatana Medical Center, Kawatana, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Neuroimmunology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Migita
- Clinical Research Center, NHO Nagasaki Medical Center, Omura, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Osamu Higuchi
- Department of Clinical Research, Nagasaki Kawatana Medical Center, Kawatana, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Akihiro Mukaino
- Department of Clinical Research, Nagasaki Kawatana Medical Center, Kawatana, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Furukawa
- Department of Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Atsumasa Komori
- Clinical Research Center, NHO Nagasaki Medical Center, Omura, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Minoru Nakamura
- Department of Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Satoru Hashimoto
- Clinical Research Center, NHO Nagasaki Medical Center, Omura, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shinya Nagaoka
- Clinical Research Center, NHO Nagasaki Medical Center, Omura, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Seigo Abiru
- Clinical Research Center, NHO Nagasaki Medical Center, Omura, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yatsuhashi
- Clinical Research Center, NHO Nagasaki Medical Center, Omura, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hidenori Matsuo
- Department of Clinical Research, Nagasaki Kawatana Medical Center, Kawatana, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kawakami
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Michio Yasunami
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shunya Nakane
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
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Baharlou R, Faghihi-Kashani A, Faraji F, Najafi-Samei M, Setareh M, Zamani F, Tajik N. HLA-DRB1 alleles of susceptibility and protection in Iranians with autoimmune hepatitis. Hum Immunol 2016; 77:330-5. [PMID: 26780502 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an uncommon autoimmune liver disease of unknown etiology. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of HLA-DRB1 alleles in Iranian patients with AIH and investigate the association between HLA alleles and the different types of the disease. Fifty-four AIH patients and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were subjected to low resolution HLA-DRB typing performed by polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) technique. The results revealed higher frequencies of HLA-DRB1(∗)03, and DRB1(∗)13 alleles in patients with AIH compared to controls. However, DRB1(∗)11 was less frequent in AIH patients. In type I AIH patients HLA-DRB1(∗)03, HLA-DRB1(∗)04, HLA-DRB1(∗)08, and HLA-DRB1(∗)13 were the most frequent alleles. While in type II, the most frequent alleles were HLA-DRB1(∗)07 and HLA-DRB1(∗)13. The seronegative patients showed more frequency of HLA-DRB1(∗)03 and HLA-DRB3. In contrary, the frequency of HLA-DRB1(∗)11, HLA-DRB1(∗)15 and HLA-DRB5 in type 1 was less than healthy individuals. These findings indicate the role of HLA-DRB haplotypes in AIH susceptibility and protection, in the Iranian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Baharlou
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center (GILDRC), Firoozgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center (IRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Faghihi-Kashani
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center (GILDRC), Firoozgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Faraji
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Masoumeh Setareh
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center (GILDRC), Firoozgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhad Zamani
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center (GILDRC), Firoozgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nader Tajik
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Exploring the Role of Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptors and Their HLA Class I Ligands in Autoimmune Hepatitis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146086. [PMID: 26744892 PMCID: PMC4712907 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Natural killer cells are involved in the complex mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases but few studies have investigated their role in autoimmune hepatitis. Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors are key regulators of natural killer cell-mediated immune responses. Methods and Findings KIR gene frequencies, KIR haplotypes, KIR ligands and combinations of KIRs and their HLA Class I ligands were investigated in 114 patients diagnosed with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis and compared with a group of 221 healthy controls. HLA Class I and Class II antigen frequencies were compared to those of 551 healthy unrelated families representative of the Sardinian population. In our cohort, type 1 autoimmune hepatitis was strongly associated with the HLA-B18, Cw5, DR3 haplotype. The KIR2DS1 activating KIR gene and the high affinity HLA-C2 ligands were significantly higher in patients compared to controls. Patients also had a reduced frequency of HLA-Bw4 ligands for KIR3DL1 and HLA-C1 ligands for KIR2DL3. Age at onset was significantly associated with the KIR2DS1 activating gene but not with HLA-C1 or HLA-C2 ligand groups. Conclusions The activating KIR gene KIR2DS1 resulted to have an important predictive potential for early onset of type 1 autoimmune hepatitis. Additionally, the low frequency of the KIR-ligand combinations KIR3DL1/HLA-Bw4 and KIR2DL3/HLA-C1 coupled to the high frequency of the HLA-C2 high affinity ligands for KIR2DS1 could contribute to unwanted NK cell autoreactivity in AIH-1.
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Webb GJ, Hirschfield GM. Using GWAS to identify genetic predisposition in hepatic autoimmunity. J Autoimmun 2016; 66:25-39. [PMID: 26347073 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2015.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) represent the three major hepatic autoimmune conditions. Patient morbidity and mortality remain high across these three diseases, and an unmet need for rational therapy exists. Disease understanding has focused on combining clinical and laboratory based science to provide better insights into the joint host and environmental factors necessary for the initiation, and perpetuation, of hepato-biliary inflammation. Twin studies, family studies, population studies and an inter-relationship with other autoimmune phenomena suggest a genetic component to risk for each disease. Until recently, understanding of this genetic risk has been limited to HLA haplotypes. Associations with risk-conferring and protective HLA haplotypes are present in all three diseases. Over the last few years, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and related genetic association studies, have greatly increased understanding of the genetic risk signature of these three diseases and autoimmunity in general. Here we consider the rationale for GWAS in general and with specific reference to hepatic autoimmunity. We consider the process of GWAS, and highlight major findings to date. Potential functional implications of key findings are discussed including the IL-12/STAT4 pathway in PBC and the CD28/IL-2 pathway in PSC. We describe the marked pleiotropy demonstrated by PBC and PSC, which is consistent with other autoimmune diseases. Further, we focus on specific gene associations including SH2B3, which is common to all three diseases, and FUT2 in PSC, which represents a link between environment and genetics. We review attempts to translate GWAS findings into basic laboratory models including in vivo systems and highlight where clinical observations relate to genetics. Finally we describe deficiencies in GWAS to date and consider future study of genetics in hepatic autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Webb
- NIHR Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - G M Hirschfield
- NIHR Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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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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Bittencourt PL, Cançado ELR, Couto CA, Levy C, Porta G, Silva AEB, Terrabuio DRB, Carvalho Filho RJD, Chaves DM, Miura IK, Codes L, Faria LC, Evangelista AS, Farias AQ, Gonçalves LL, Harriz M, Lopes Neto EPA, Luz GO, Oliveira P, Oliveira EMGD, Schiavon JLN, Seva-Pereira T, Parise ER, Parise ER. Brazilian society of hepatology recommendations for the diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases of the liver. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2015; 52 Suppl 1:15-46. [DOI: 10.1590/s0004-28032015000500002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT In order to draw evidence-based recommendations concerning the management of autoimmune diseases of the liver, the Brazilian Society of Hepatology has sponsored a single-topic meeting in October 18th, 2014 at São Paulo. An organizing committee comprised of seven investigators was previously elected by the Governing Board to organize the scientific agenda as well as to select twenty panelists to make a systematic review of the literature and to present topics related to the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cirrhosis and their overlap syndromes. After the meeting, all panelists gathered together for the discussion of the topics and the elaboration of those recommendations. The text was subsequently submitted for suggestions and approval of all members of the Brazilian Society of Hepatology through its homepage. The present paper is the final version of the reviewed manuscript organized in topics, followed by the recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Hepatology.
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Autoimmune Hepatitis in Brazilian Children: IgE and Genetic Polymorphisms in Associated Genes. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:679813. [PMID: 26693492 PMCID: PMC4674601 DOI: 10.1155/2015/679813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) patients present hypergammaglobulinemia, periportal CD8(+) cytotoxic T cell infiltration, and cirrhosis. Autoantibody profile defines AIH types 1 and 2 in addition to strong association with HLA-DRB1. We previously detected increased IgE serum levels and sought to compare clinical and histological features according to IgE levels in AIH (n = 74, ages 1-14 years) patients. Additionally, we typed 117 patients and 227 controls for functional polymorphisms of IL4, IL13, IL5, and IL4RA genes involved in IgE switching and eosinophil maturation that might contribute to overall genetic susceptibility to AIH. Serum IgE levels were high in 55% of AIH-1, but only in 12% of AIH-2 (P = 0.003) patients. Liver IgE was present in 91.3% of AIH-1 patients. The A alleles at both IL13 rs20541 and IL4RA rs1805011 were associated with AIH-1 (P = 0.024, OR = 1.55 and P < 0.0001, OR = 2.15, resp.). Furthermore, individuals presenting homozygosis for the A allele at IL4RA rs1805011 and HLA-DRB1(∗)03 and/or (∗)13 allele had sixfold greater risk to develop the disease (OR = 14.00, P < 0.001). The novel association suggests an additional role for IgE-linked immune response genes in the pathogenesis of AIH.
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Furumoto Y, Asano T, Sugita T, Abe H, Chuganji Y, Fujiki K, Sakata A, Aizawa Y. Evaluation of the role of HLA-DR antigens in Japanese type 1 autoimmune hepatitis. BMC Gastroenterol 2015; 15:144. [PMID: 26489422 PMCID: PMC4618735 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-015-0360-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The role of HLA-DR antigens in the clinicopathological features of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is not clearly understood. We examined the implications of HLA-DR antigens in Japanese AIH, including the effect of HLA-DR4 on the age and pattern of AIH onset, clinicopathological features, and treatment efficacy. Methods A total of 132 AIH patients consecutively diagnosed and treated in 2000–2014 at 2 major hepatology centers of eastern Tokyo district were the subjects of this study. The frequency of HLA-DR phenotypes was compared with that in the healthy Japanese population. AIH patients were divided into HLA-DR4–positive or HLA-DR4–negative groups and further sub-classified into elderly and young-to-middle-aged groups, and differences in clinical and histological features were examined. Clinical features associated with the response to immunosuppressive therapy were also determined. Results The frequency of the HLA-DR4 phenotype was significantly higher in AIH than in control subjects (59.7 % vs. 41.8 %, P < 0.001), and the relative risk was 2.14 (95 % CI; 1.51–3.04). HLA-DR4–positive AIH patients were younger than HLA-DR4–negative patients (P = 0.034). Serum IgG and IgM levels were higher (P < 0.001 and P = 0.007, respectively) in HLA-DR4–positive patients. These differences were more prominent in elderly AIH patients. However, there was no difference in IgG and IgM levels between HLA-DR4–positive and HLA-DR4–negative patients of the young-to-middle-aged group. There were no differences in the histological features. In patients with refractory to immunosuppressive therapy, higher total bilirubin, longer prothrombin time, lower serum albumin, and lower platelet count were found. Imaging revealed splenomegaly to be more frequent in refractory patients than in non-refractory patients (60.0 % vs. 30.8 %, P = 0.038). HLA-DR phenotype distribution was similar regardless of response to immunosuppressive therapy. Conclusions HLA-DR4 was the only DR antigen significantly associated with Japanese AIH. The clinical features of HLA-DR4–positive AIH differed between elderly patients and young-to-middle-aged patients. Treatment response depended on the severity of liver dysfunction but not on HLA-DR antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Furumoto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital, 4-23-15 Kotobashi, Sumida, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Toru Asano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital, 4-23-15 Kotobashi, Sumida, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Tomonori Sugita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Jikei University School of Medicine Katsushika Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Jikei University School of Medicine Katsushika Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yoshimichi Chuganji
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital, 4-23-15 Kotobashi, Sumida, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiko Fujiki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital, 4-23-15 Kotobashi, Sumida, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Akihiko Sakata
- Department of Pathology, the Jikei University School of Medicine Katsushika Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yoshio Aizawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Jikei University School of Medicine Katsushika Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.
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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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Cancado ELR, Abrantes-Lemos CP, Terrabuio DRB. The importance of autoantibody detection in autoimmune hepatitis. Front Immunol 2015; 6:222. [PMID: 26029208 PMCID: PMC4429613 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Luiz Rachid Cancado
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Gastroenterology and Clinical Hepatology of Hospital das Clinicas, University of São Paulo School of Medicine , São Paulo , Brazil ; Laboratory of Immunopathology of Schistosomiasis, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil ; Laboratory of Tropical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute of Tropical Medicine , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Clarice Pires Abrantes-Lemos
- Laboratory of Immunopathology of Schistosomiasis, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil ; Laboratory of Tropical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute of Tropical Medicine , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Debora Raquel B Terrabuio
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Gastroenterology and Clinical Hepatology of Hospital das Clinicas, University of São Paulo School of Medicine , São Paulo , Brazil
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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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Kaur N, Minz RW, Anand S, Saikia B, Aggarwal R, Das A, Thapa BR, Chawla YK. HLA DRB1 Alleles Discriminate the Manifestation of Autoimmune Hepatitis as Type 1 or Type 2 in North Indian Population. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2014; 4:14-8. [PMID: 25755530 PMCID: PMC4017209 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis is a polygenic disorder of unknown etiology, where genetic factors affect the occurrence and clinical phenotype of the disease. It has been reported as a rare disease entity in the Indian subcontinent. This study was undertaken to investigate the association of HLA alleles with autoimmune hepatitis type 1 and type 2 in north Indian population and to analyze if distinct human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles help in characterization of the subtypes of autoimmune hepatitis. METHODS Sixty-eight patients with autoimmune hepatitis and 128 healthy controls were recruited in the study. Out of 68 patients, 55 were diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis type 1 and 13 with autoimmune hepatitis type 2. The patients and the controls were typed for HLA class II alleles by PCR-SSP method. RESULTS HLA DRB1*04 and DRB1*08 were found to be significantly associated with autoimmune hepatitis type 1 in north Indian population. It was also observed that DRB1*04, DRB1*13 were significantly associated with pediatric autoimmune hepatitis type 1 and DRB1*08 was significantly associated with adult autoimmune hepatitis type 1. DRB1*14 was significantly associated with autoimmune hepatitis type 2. CONCLUSION The study indicates that autoimmune hepatitis in north Indian population is associated with HLA alleles that may help to discriminate the subtypes as autoimmune hepatitis type 1 and type 2. The study also highlights the ethnic variations in the Indian subcontinent in context to the genetic association of HLA with autoimmune diseases.
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Key Words
- AASLD, American Association for the Study of the Liver
- AIH, autoimmune hepatitis
- ANA, antinuclear antibody
- ASMA, anti smooth muscle antibody
- CI, confidence interval
- HLA, human leukocyte antigen
- IAHG, International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group
- IIF, indirect immuno florescence
- LKM, liver kidney microsomal
- MHC, major histocompatibility complex
- Mb, megabase
- OR, odds ratio
- PCR-SSP, polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primers
- RR, relative risk
- autoimmune hepatitis
- ethnic variations
- human leukocyte antigen
- north India
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Affiliation(s)
- Navchetan Kaur
- Department of Immunopathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Ranjana W. Minz
- Department of Immunopathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Shashi Anand
- Department of Immunopathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Biman Saikia
- Department of Immunopathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Ritu Aggarwal
- Department of Immunopathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Ashim Das
- Department of Histopathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Babu R. Thapa
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Yogesh K. Chawla
- Department of Hepatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
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Couto CA, Bittencourt PL, Porta G, Abrantes-Lemos CP, Carrilho FJ, Guardia BD, Cançado ELR. Antismooth muscle and antiactin antibodies are indirect markers of histological and biochemical activity of autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatology 2014; 59:592-600. [PMID: 23929663 DOI: 10.1002/hep.26666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Reactivity and titers of autoantibodies vary during the course of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and some autoantibodies have been associated with disease activity and adverse outcomes after treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the autoantibody behavior in AIH and its significance as predictors of biochemical and histological remission. A total of 117 patients with AIH (mean age 18.6 [4-69] years) were evaluated and tested for autoantibodies at disease onset and successively (mean 3.2 [2-6] times) after a mean follow-up evaluation of 70 [20-185] months. Antismooth muscle (ASMA), antiliver kidney microsome type 1 (anti-LKM1), antiliver cytosol type 1 (anti-LC1), antimitochondrial, antinuclear (ANA), and antiactin antibodies (AAA) were determined at disease onset and 379 other times during the follow-up evaluation through indirect immunofluorescence in rodent tissues, HEp-2 cells, and human fibroblasts. Anti-SLA/LP were assessed 45 times in the follow-up evaluation of 19 patients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Upon admission, AIH types 1 and 2 were observed in 95 and 17 patients, respectively. Five subjects had AIH with anti-SLA/LP as the sole markers. Patients initially negative for AAA did not develop these antibodies thereafter. ANA were detected de novo in six and three subjects with AIH types 1 and 2, respectively. After treatment, only ASMA (>1:80) and AAA (>1:40) were significantly associated with biochemical (76.9% and 79.8%) and histological features (100% and 100%) of disease activity (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION With the exception of ANA, the autoantibody profile does not markedly vary in the course of AIH. The persistence of high titers of ASMA and/or AAA in patients with AIH is associated with disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A Couto
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, University Hospital, Alfa Institute of Gastroenterology, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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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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Novel insights into autoimmune liver diseases provided by genome-wide association studies. J Autoimmun 2013; 46:41-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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