The role of interleukin-17 in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Assessment of the fetal thymic-thoracic ratio in pregnant women with intrahepatic cholestasis: a prospective case-control study

OBJECTIVES

To examine the fetal thymic-thoracic ratio (TTR) in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).

METHODS

This prospective case-control study was conducted in a single tertiary center. The sample consisted of 86 pregnant women at 28-37 weeks of gestation, including 43 women with ICP and 43 healthy controls. TTR was calculated for each patient using the anterior-posterior measurements of the thymus and intrathoracic mediastinal measurements.

RESULTS

The median TTR value was found to be smaller in the ICP group compared to the control group (0.32 vs. 0.36, p<0.001). The ICP group had a greater rate of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (p<0.001). Univariate regression analysis revealed that lower TTR values increased the possibility of NICU admission six times (95 % confidence interval: 0.26-0.39, p=0.01). A statistically significant negative correlation was detected between TTR and the NICU requirement (r: -0.435, p=0.004). As a result of the receiver operating characteristic analysis, in predicting NICU admission, the optimal cut-off value of TTR was determined to be 0.31 with 78 % sensitivity and 67 % specificity (area under the curve=0.819; p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We determined that the fetal TTR may be affected by the inflammatory process caused by the maternal-fetal immune system and increased serum bile acid levels in fetal organs in the presence of ICP. We consider that TTR can be used to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with ICP.

Evaluation of maternal serum vascular endothelial growth factor C and D levels in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate maternal serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) C and D levels in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).

METHODS

A total of 83 patients, including 41 patients with ICP and 42 healthy pregnant women, were included in the study. We first compared the maternal serum VEGF-C and VEGF-D levels between the ICP and control groups and then examined the correlation between the serum VEGF-C level and the bile acid level in patients with severe ICP.

RESULTS

We observed statistically significantly higher serum VEGF-C levels and lower VEGF-D levels in the ICP group compared with the healthy controls (P < 0.001 and P = 0.015, respectively). According to receiver operating characteristic analysis, the optimal cutoff value for ICP was 147 ng/mL in the determination of the VEGF-C level (specificity and sensitivity: 76%). In patients with severe ICP, the serum VEGF-C statistically significantly correlated with the bile acid level (P = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the maternal serum VEGF-C level was higher and the VEGF-D level was lower in patients with ICP compared with healthy pregnant women. We also found that the VEGF-C level was correlated with the serum bile acid level in patients with severe ICP. Serum VEGF-C level can be used in the diagnosis and follow-up of intrahepatic pregnancy cholestasis.

iNKT17 cells play a pathogenic role in ethinylestradiol-induced cholestatic hepatotoxicity

IL-17 is closely associated with inflammation in intrahepatic cholestasis (IHC). Targeting IL-17 ameliorates IHC in mice. Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are predominantly enriched in the liver and they mediate drug-induced liver injury through their secreted cytokines. However, whether iNKT17 cells are involved in ethinylestradiol (EE)-induced IHC remains unclear. In the present study, the administration of EE (10 mg/kg in vivo and 6.25 μM in vitro) promoted the activation and expansion of iNKT17 cells, which contributed to a novel hepatic iNKT17/Treg imbalance. iNKT cell-deficient Jα18^-/- mice and the RORγt inhibitor digoxin (20 μg) alleviated EE-induced cholestatic hepatotoxicity and downregulated the IL-17 signalling pathway. In contrast, the co-administration of EE with recombinant IL-17 (1 μg) to Jα18^-/- mice induced cholestatic hepatotoxicity and increased the infiltration of hepatic neutrophils and monocytes. Importantly, the administration of IL-17^-/- iNKT cells (3.5 × 10⁵) to Jα18^-/- mice resulted in the attenuation of hepatotoxicity and the recruitment of fewer hepatic neutrophils and monocytes than the adoptive transfer of wild-type iNKT cells. These results indicated that iNKT17 cells could exert pathogenic effects. The recruitment and activation of iNKT17 cells could be attributed to the high level of CXCR3 expression on their surface. CXCL10 deficiency ameliorated EE-induced cholestatic liver damage, reduced hepatic CXCR3⁺ iNKT cells and inhibited RORγt expression. These findings suggest that iNKT17 cells play a key role in EE-induced cholestatic liver injury via CXCR3-mediated recruitment and activation. Our study provides new insights and therapeutic targets for cholestatic diseases.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of blood inflammation and biochemical indicators for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in Chinese pregnant women

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a common liver disease during pregnancy, that has serious complications. This study aimed to compare the blood inflammation and biochemical markers of pregnant women with ICP in Southwest China and analyse their diagnostic value for ICP. A controlled cross-sectional study was conducted, and routine blood and biochemical indicators of 304 diagnosed ICP patients and 363 healthy pregnant women undergoing routine prenatal examination were assessed. The blood inflammatory indicators and biochemical indicators were compared between the ICP groups and normal groups. In this study, the levels of the ALT, AST, GGT, TBIL and DBIL biochemical indicators and the levels of WBC, neutrophils, NLR and PLR inflammatory indicators in the ICP group were significantly higher than those in healthy pregnant women (p < 0.001). The PA and lymphocytes of the ICP group were significantly lower than those of the normal group (p < 0.001). ROC curves showed that ALT and the NLR had higher predictive value for ICP. The GGT, TBA and NLR of pregnant women with ICP in the preterm group were significantly higher than those in the term group, and the combined NLR and TBA had a certain predictive value for preterm birth.

Serum profiles of inflammatory cytokines associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is not clear, and some researchers have compared the differences in serum levels of inflammatory cytokines between ICP patients and normal pregnant women, but there are few studies and different conclusions.

AIM

To investigate the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukins (IL) -4, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in patients with ICP and their potential role in pathophysiology.

METHODS

This case-control study was conducted in Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, and we recruited ICP patients and age-matched healthy pregnant women as a control group. Plasma samples from 40 subjects with ICP and 40 subjects without ICP were tested for concentration of the following inflammatory cytokines: interferon-gamma, IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α. Analyzed inflammatory cytokines were then assessed, either individually or in combination with regard to ICP.

RESULTS

The cytokine composition of the ICP and CTL group was significantly different. We compared levels of inflammatory cytokines with regard to the presence of ICP symptoms. Levels of IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly lower in ICP subjects, and IL-8 were significantly higher in ICP subjects, compared with CTL subjects. The TNF-α showed the best performance for ICP identification (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.829). Performance was increased when TNF-α was combined with IL-4 and IL-8 analysis (AUC, 0.901). Spearman correlation and linear regression analysis revealed that the TNF-α concentrations correlated with IL-4 and IL-6 levels, and inversely correlated to TBA, ALT, AST, and IL-8 levels.

CONCLUSION

IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly decreased, while IL-8 was significantly increased in the ICP group compared with the healthy control group. TNF showed the best single marker discriminatory potential; however, combining TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-8 analyses increased performance for ICP identification.

Predictive and Diagnostic Value of Serum Adipokines in Pregnant Women with Intrahepatic Cholestasis

The objective of this study was to assess the value of serum leptin, adiponectin, apelin, and ghrelin as biomarkers for the prediction and diagnosis of intra-hepatic cholestasis (ICP). This prospective study included pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy: 63 with ICP, 48 and 15 of whom had mild and severe disease, respectively, and 32 as controls. ICP women had increased median levels of serum leptin, adiponectin, apelin, and ghrelin compared to the controls (p < 0.05). These biomarkers meaningfully changed regarding the severity of ICP: While leptin was reduced, apelin and ghrelin were increased, and adiponectin was increased somewhat. To predict and diagnose ICP, the predictive values of serum leptin, adiponectin, and apelin need to be accepted as comparable, with moderate to high sensitivity and specificity; however, the predictive value of serum ghrelin was somewhat lower. More research is needed to clarify the potential properties of adipokines to gain acceptance as a predictive or diagnostic biomarker for ICP.

Current understanding of autophagy in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most common liver disease during pregnancy. Manifested with pruritus and elevation in bile acids, the etiology of ICP is still poorly understood. Although ICP is considered relatively benign for the mother, increased rates of adverse fetal outcomes including sudden fetal demise are possible devastating outcomes associated with ICP. Limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms restricted treatment options and managements of ICP. In recent decades, evolving evidence indicated the significance of autophagy in pregnancy and pregnancy complications. Autophagy is an ancient self-defense mechanism which is essential for cell survival, differentiation and development. Autophagy has pivotal roles in embryogenesis, implantation, and maintenance of pregnancy, and is involved in the orchestration of diverse physiological and pathological cellular responses in patients with pregnancy complications. Recent advances in these research fields provide tantalizing targets on autophagy to improve the care of pregnant women. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding autophagy in ICP and its possible roles in the causation and prevention of ICP.

Increased serum delta neutrophil index levels are associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to compare the maternal serum delta neutrophil index (DNI) levels in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and healthy pregnancies.

METHODS

This study consisted of a group of patients (n = 40) diagnosed with isolated ICP who gave birth in our hospital and a control group (n = 60) between December 1, 2015, and June 30, 2018. The diagnosis of ICP was made based on pruritus and elevated fasting serum bile acids and liver enzymes. Laboratory tests of both groups in the hospitalization process were retrospectively examined. Maternal and neonatal characteristics, pregnancy outcomes, and DNI values of the two groups were compared. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.

RESULTS

Mean maternal serum DNI levels were significantly higher in women with ICP than in the control group (0.49 ± 4.8 vs -3.99 ± 3.02, p = <0.01). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to define the DNI value where ICP can be best predicted.

CONCLUSION

DNI, a new inflammatory marker, was found to be higher in women with ICP than in normal pregnancies.

Maternal serum calprotectin level in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

AIM

This study aimed to investigate maternal serum levels of calprotectin in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and to compare these with serum calprotectin levels in healthy pregnant women.

METHODS

Ninety pregnant women (ICP group, n = 45; healthy control group, n = 45) were included in the study. The gestational age and body mass index of the participants in the two groups were similar. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2019 and May 2020 in the perinatology department of University of Health Sciences Doctor Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Education Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. Patients were recruited from those attending the perinatology outpatient and inpatient clinics. Biochemical (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total bilirubin), fasting bile acid, hemogram, and calprotectin parameters of maternal blood were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean fasting bile acid value in the ICP group was 30.3 ± 27.3 μmol, with severe ICP present in 11 (24.4%) patients. ALT, AST, LDH, total bilirubin, and mean platelet volume (MPV) values in the ICP group were higher and the red cell distribution width (RDW) value was lower than those in the control group (p < 0.001). The mean serum calprotectin levels in the control group and ICP group were 48.0 ± 10.4 and 765.4 ± 126.8 μg, respectively (p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between serum fasting bile acid levels and serum calprotectin levels in the ICP group (p > 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Serum levels of calprotectin in patients with ICP were higher than those in healthy pregnant women. The serum calprotectin level may be an important diagnostic marker of ICP.

The Role of Melatonin, IL-8 and IL-10 in Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a pregnancy-specific liver disease that usually emerges during the third trimester of pregnancy. It is characterized by itching and elevated serum total bile acid levels, and it may lead to severe fetal complications. This study aimed to investigate the role of interleukin-8, a pro-inflammatory cytokine; interleukin-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine; and melatonin in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective, case-controlled study was conducted with 51 women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (40 mild and 11 severe cases) and 43 healthy pregnant women. Serum interleukin-8, interleukin-10, and melatonin levels were evaluated.

RESULTS

Melatonin and interleukin -10 were significantly lower in subjects with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (p=0.001; p=0.001, respectively p<0.05). Interleukin-8 levels were found to be significantly higher in the cholestasis group than control group (p=0.001, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Because interleukin-8, interleukin-10, and melatonin were found to be significantly correlated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, we believe this finding could shed light on the etiology of the disease.

Inflammatory marker YKL-40 levels in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a diagnosis of exclusion and presents with unexplained pruritus, abnormal liver function tests, and increased serum bile acid levels, particularly in the third trimester of pregnancy. Serum YKL-40 levels are increased in liver diseases and our aim was to investigate YKL-40 levels in pregnant women with ICP. 40 women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and 40 healthy pregnant women were included in this cross-sectional study. Serum YKL-40 levels were measured in both groups and correlation analysis were performed between the YKL-40 and other liver function tests. Serum YKL-40 concentrations were higher in the intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy group than in the control group (103.46 ± 53.03 vs. 57.60 ± 30.30 ng/ml, p = .002). The cutoff YKL-40 serum concentration was 84.80 ng/ml for the diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. There was no correlation between fasting bile acids and YKL-40 levels. However, there was a significant positive correlation between the YKL-40 levels and aspartate aminotransferase (r = 0.22, p = .04) and alanine aminotransferase (r = 0.24, p = .02). Raised YKL-40 levels might support the evidence on inflammatory processes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Bioinformatics‑based identification of key pathways and candidate genes for estrogen‑induced intrahepatic cholestasis using DNA microarray analysis

Estrogen‑induced intrahepatic cholestasis (EIC) has increased incidence during pregnancy, and within women taking oral contraception and postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy. However, the pathology underlying EIC is not well understood. The aim of the present study was to identify key pathways and candidate genes in estrogen‑induced intrahepatic cholestasis (EIC) that may be potential targets for diagnosis and treatment. A whole‑genome microarray (4x44K) analysis of a 17α‑ethinylestradiol (EE)‑induced EIC rat liver model was performed. Bioinformatics‑based methods were used to identify key pathways and candidate genes associated with EIC. The candidate genes were validated using a reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. A total of 455 genes were differentially expressed (P<0.05 and fold change >2.0) following EE treatment, including 225 downregulated genes and 230 upregulated genes. Sulfotransferase family 1E member 1, cytochrome P450 family 3 subfamily A member 2, carbonic anhydrase 3, leukotriene C4 synthase and ADAM metallopeptidase domain 8 were the 5 candidate genes identified to be differentially expressed and involved in the metabolism of estrogens and bile acids and the regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress. The Analyses of Gene Ontology enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways and protein‑protein interaction network associated‑modules identified several key pathways involved in the homeostasis of lipids and bile acids and in AMPK, p53 and Wnt signaling. These key pathways and candidate genes may have critical roles in the pathogenesis of EIC. In addition, reversing the abnormal expression of candidate genes or restoring the dysfunction of key pathways may provide therapeutic opportunities for patients with EIC.

The role of Th17 cells in the pathophysiology of pregnancy and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders

T cells play a key role in adaptive immune responses, and shifts among T cell classes occur in normal pregnancy. There is evidence for the role of T_H17 cells and dysregulation of the T_H17/T_reg cell balance in morbidities and autoimmune diseases during pregnancy. Because T_H17 responses may play a role in depression and anxiety outside of pregnancy, we hypothesize that T_H17 responses and the balance of T_H17/T_reg activity may also contribute to the development of depression and anxiety during pregnancy. To explore this hypothesis, this review has three main aims: 1) to evaluate systematically the role of T_H17 cells and cytokines during pregnancy; 2) to compare changes in the ratio of T_H17/T_reg cells during pregnancy morbidities with the changes that occur in depression and anxiety outside of pregnancy; and 3) to provide a basis for further research on T_H17 cells in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, with an eye toward the development of novel therapeutics. We also review the limited literature concerning perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and hypothesize about the potential role of T_H17 cells in these illnesses. Understanding the pathophysiology of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders will aid development of novel therapeutics that address immunological mechanisms, in addition to the serotonin system, which are targetable molecules in treating depression and anxiety during pregnancy.

PPARγ provides anti-inflammatory and protective effects in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy through NF-κB pathway

AIMS

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy-specific hepatic disorder with potentially deleterious consequences of fetuses. Although the intimate relationship between ICP and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) has been previously reported in physiological and pathological conditions, the detailed mechanisms in the process of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy has been unclear. The aims of this study are to assess the role of PPARγ regulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation in the process of the ICP.

METHODS

Clinical data of the pregnant women were collected. And the serum of cytokines, hepatic function, the expression of PPARγ and NF-κB were measured. The rat and fetal rat ICP model were constructed and detection of the expression of PPARγ and NF-κB, evaluation the level of ROS and inflammation.

RESULTS

The clinical data showed that the new-born information in severe ICP group were significantly different as compared to that in control group (P < 0.05), and part of information in mild ICP group were also difference to that in control group (P < 0.05). The expression of PPARγ and NF-κB were significantly higher in clinical pregnant women, rat, fetal rat ICP model groups and taurocholate acid (TCA) treated HTR-8/SVneo cell (P < 0.01). PPARγ inhibited the production of ROS and decreased the level of inflammation. PPARγ down-regulated the NF-κB pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

PPARγ provides the anti-inflammatory and protective effects in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy through NF-κB pathway, which might be a probably one of the mechanisms of ICP.

Assessment of circulating betatrophin levels in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Objective: To investigate maternal serum levels of betatrophin and their relationship with total bile acid (TBA) levels in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).Materials and methods: Fifty-nine pregnant women with ICP (31 patients with severe and 28 patients with mild disease classifications) and 23 healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies as the control group included the study. The maternal betatrophin, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin (FI), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels of the groups were compared.Results: Serum betatrophin levels were significantly higher in the ICP groups than in the control group (p = .04 and p < .001, respectively). The FI levels and HOMA-IR values were significantly higher in the severe ICP group than in the control group (p = .006 and p = .001, respectively). While a significant positive correlation was found between betatrophin levels and fasting and postprandial TBA levels, there was no significant correlation among betatrophin and HOMA-IR or FI levels.Conclusions: Betatrophin levels were shown to correlate with TBA levels, it provides a model for future studies to understand the physiopathology of ICP, a complex metabolic disease. Changes in betatrophin levels may shed light on the pathogenesis of ICP.

Pruritus in Pregnancy and Its Management

Pruritus in pregnancy can be a source of significant discomfort in the pregnant patient. Some cases are associated with pregnancy-specific dermatoses, although some patients experience a flare of a preexisting dermatosis. Severe pruritus may be a manifestation of a pregnancy-specific dermatosis associated with increased fetal risks and complications. Early accurate diagnosis and appropriate management are important. Examination often reveals important clinical findings, aiding accurate diagnosis. Pemphigoid gestationis often presents with periumbilical involvement, whereas polymorphic eruption of pregnancy spares the umbilicus and presents in the striae distensae. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is associated with intense pruritus of the palms.

Expression and significance of dendritic cells and Th17/Treg in serum and placental tissues of patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

PURPOSE

Dendritic cells (DCs) are involved in immune system, which can also regulate the differentiation of T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg). DCs and Th17/Treg participate in preeclampsia and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), but there is still lack of research in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). The aim was to evaluate the expression and significance of CD83+DCs, CD1a+DCs, interleukin-17 (IL-17) and IL-35 in serum and placental tissues of patients with ICP.

METHODS

Thirty cases of mild ICP, 25 cases of severe ICP were selected, and 30 cases of normal pregnant women were selected as control group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect the expression of CD83+DCs, CD1a+DCs, IL-17 and IL-35 in serum and placenta tissues, respectively.

RESULTS

There were more CD83+DCs, IL-17 expressed in placenta from women with ICP than in normal pregnancies, while the number of decidual CD1a+DCs, IL-35 was significantly lower in ICP than in normal pregnant women. The comparison within three groups had statistical difference (p < .05). Serum CD83+DCs and CD1a+DCs levels had no significance. IL-17 was higher in ICP, while IL-35 was lower.

CONCLUSIONS

DCs are involved in damaging the maternal-fetal immune tolerance by changing the phenotype and mature state, which may affect the differentiation of Th17/Treg to cause ICP.

Pregnancy and bile acid disorders

During pregnancy, extensive adaptations in maternal metabolic and immunological physiology occur. Consequently, preexisting disease may be exacerbated or attenuated, and new disease susceptibility may be unmasked. Cholestatic diseases, characterized by a supraphysiological raise in bile acid levels, require careful monitoring during pregnancy. This review describes the latest advances in the knowledge of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), the most common bile acid disorder specific to pregnancy, with a focus on the disease etiology and potential mechanisms of ICP-associated adverse pregnancy outcomes, including fetal demise. The course of preexisting cholestatic conditions in pregnancy is considered, including primary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cholangitis, biliary atresia, and Alagille syndrome. The currently accepted treatments for cholestasis in pregnancy and promising new therapeutics for the condition are described.

Immunology of hepatic diseases during pregnancy

The mother's immune system has to adapt to pregnancy accepting the semi-allograft fetus and preventing harmful effects to the developing child. Aberrations in feto-maternal immune adaptation may result in disease of the mother, such as liver injury. Five pregnancy-associated liver disorders have been described so far, however, little is known concerning immune alterations promoting the respective disease. These liver disorders are pre-eclampsia, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (HELLP), acute fatty liver, hyperemesis gravidarum, and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. On the other hand, pre-existing autoimmune liver injury of the mother can be affected by pregnancy. This review intends to summarize current knowledge linking feto-maternal immunology and liver inflammation with a special emphasis on novel potential biomarkers.

Immunological basis in the pathogenesis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy poses a great risk to both maternal and fetal health. Despite extensive research, much of the pathogenesis of this disorder is unknown. The increase in bile acids observed in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy has been noted to cause a change in the immune system from the normally mediated TH2 response to one that is more oriented towards TH1. In this literature review, we have critically reviewed the current literature regarding the changes in the immune system and the potential effects of immunological changes in the management of the patient. The current treatment, ursodeoxycholic acid, is also discussed along with potential combination therapies and future directions for research.