1
|
Li Y, Liu X, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Hu S, Yang H, Zhong W, Zhao J, Wang X, Chu H, Zheng Y, Zhang J, Zhou L, Wang B. Novel HLA-DRB1 alleles contribute risk for disease susceptibility in primary biliary cholangitis. Dig Liver Dis 2022; 54:228-236. [PMID: 34016546 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a complex disease with high heritability. We investigated the association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1 alleles and PBC in families and sporadic cases to evaluate the genetic components of the disease. METHODS We performed whole exome sequencing in three PBC families. We genotyped HLA-DRB1 and calculated the association between HLA-DRB1 alleles and the encoding amino acid sequences with the clinical features. RESULTS Ten variants harboured the HLA-DRB1 gene associated with PBC. DRB1×07:01, 14:01 and 14:05 were highly increased in PBC. Ten coding region polymorphisms were associated with PBC that encode the amino acid variants of HLA-DR β54, β59 and β66 located in the peptide-binding site of the MHC molecule. Glutamine at position 54 was confirmed as a risk amino acid, verifying the results of familial aggregation analysis of PBC families. DISCUSSION Familial aggregation analysis indicated that HLA-DRB1 is a candidate gene for the risk of disease course. Considering that amino acid variations are critical to peptide-binding properties, they underlie the major component of MHC association with PBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanni Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Department of General Surgery, YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shixian Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Weilong Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingwen Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoyi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongyu Chu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanping Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, People's Hospital of Hetian District, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
| | - Bangmao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
The Epidemiology of UK Autoimmune Liver Disease Varies With Geographic Latitude. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 19:2587-2596. [PMID: 33493696 PMCID: PMC8661127 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The epidemiology of autoimmune liver disease (AILD) is challenging to study because of the diseases' rarity and because of cohort selection bias. Increased incidence farther from the Equator has been reported for multiple sclerosis, another autoimmune disease. We assessed the incidence of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in relation to latitude. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study using anonymized UK primary care records from January 1, 2002, to May 10, 2016. All adults without a baseline diagnosis of AILD were included and followed up until the first occurrence of an AILD diagnosis, death, or they left the database. Latitude was measured as registered general practice rounded down to whole degrees. RESULTS The cohort included 8,590,421 records with 53.3 × 107 years of follow-up evaluation from 694 practices. There were 1314 incident cases of PBC, 396 of PSC, and 1034 of AIH. Crude incidences were as follows: PBC, 2.47 (95% CI, 2.34-2.60); PSC, 0.74 (95% CI, 0.67-0.82); and AIH, 1.94 (95% CI, 1.83-2.06) per 100,000 per year. PBC incidence correlated with female sex, smoking, and deprivation; PSC incidence correlated with male sex and non-smoking; AIH incidence correlated with female sex and deprivation. A more northerly latitude was associated strongly with incidence of PBC: 2.16 (95% CI, 1.79-2.60) to 4.86 (95% CI, 3.93-6.00) from 50°N to 57°N (P = .002) and incidence of AIH: 2.00 (95% CI, 1.65-2.43) to 3.28 (95% CI, 2.53-4.24) (P = .003), but not incidence of PSC: 0.82 (95% CI, 0.60-1.11) to 1.02 (95% CI, 0.64-1.61) (P = .473). Incidence after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, and deprivation status showed similar positive correlations for PBC and AIH with latitude, but not PSC. Incident AIH cases were younger at more northerly latitude. CONCLUSIONS We describe an association in the United Kingdom between more northerly latitude and the incidence of PBC and AIH that requires both confirmation and explanation.
Collapse
|
3
|
The Role of Invariant NKT in Autoimmune Liver Disease: Can Vitamin D Act as an Immunomodulator? Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 2018:8197937. [PMID: 30046564 PMCID: PMC6038587 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8197937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a distinct lineage of T cells which express both the T cell receptor (TCR) and natural killer (NK) cell markers. Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells bear an invariant TCR and recognize a small variety of glycolipid antigens presented by CD1d (nonclassical MHC-I). CD1d-restricted iNKT cells are regulators of immune responses and produce cytokines that may be proinflammatory (such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)) or anti-inflammatory (such as IL-4). iNKT cells also appear to play a role in B cell regulation and antibody production. Alpha-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), a derivative of the marine sponge, is a potent stimulator of iNKT cells and has been proposed as a therapeutic iNKT cell activator. Invariant NKT cells have been implicated in the development and perpetuation of several autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Animal models of SLE have shown abnormalities in iNKT cells numbers and function, and an inverse correlation between the frequency of NKT cells and IgG levels has also been observed. The role of iNKT cells in autoimmune liver disease (AiLD) has not been extensively studied. This review discusses the current data with regard to iNKT cells function in AiLD, in addition to providing an overview of iNKT cells function in other autoimmune conditions and animal models. We also discuss data regarding the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D on iNKT cells, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target, given that deficiencies in vitamin D have been reported in various autoimmune disorders.
Collapse
|
4
|
Shin S, Moh IH, Woo YS, Jung SW, Kim JB, Park JW, Suk KT, Kim HS, Hong M, Park SH, Lee MS. Evidence from a familial case suggests maternal inheritance of primary biliary cholangitis. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:7191-7197. [PMID: 29093628 PMCID: PMC5656467 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i39.7191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an idiopathic autoimmune liver disease characterized by chronic cholestasis and destruction of the intrahepatic bile ducts. Similar to other autoimmune diseases, the pathogenesis of PBC is considered to be a complex etiologic phenomenon involving the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Although a number of common variants associated with PBC have been reported from genome-wide association studies, a precise genetic mechanism underlying PBC has yet to be identified. Here, we describe a family with four sisters who were diagnosed with PBC. After the diagnosis of the index patient who was in an advanced stage of PBC, one sister presented with acute hepatitis, and two sisters were subsequently diagnosed with PBC. Notably, one half-sister with a different mother exhibited no evidence of PBC following clinical investigation. Our report suggests the possibility of a maternal inheritance of PBC susceptibility. Moreover, judging from the high-penetrance of the disease observed in this family, we inferred that a pathogenic genetic variant might be the cause of PBC development. We describe a family that exhibited diverse clinical presentations of PBC that included asymptomatic stages with mildly increased liver enzyme levels and symptomatic stages with acute hepatitis or advanced liver fibrosis. Additional studies are needed to investigate the role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of this rare autoimmune disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeam Shin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, South Korea
| | - In Ho Moh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, South Korea
| | - Young Sik Woo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, South Korea
| | - Sung Won Jung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, South Korea
| | - Jin Bae Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, South Korea
| | - Ji Won Park
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, South Korea
| | - Ki Tae Suk
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, South Korea
| | - Hyoung Su Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, South Korea
| | - Mineui Hong
- Department of Pathology, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, South Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Park
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, South Korea
| | - Myung Seok Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Omori K, Yoshida K, Yokota M, Daa T, Kan M. Familial occurrence of autoimmune liver disease with overlapping features of primary biliary cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis in a mother and her daughter. Clin J Gastroenterol 2016; 9:312-8. [PMID: 27503128 PMCID: PMC5035326 DOI: 10.1007/s12328-016-0676-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
We encountered two patients with overlapping features of primary biliary cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis within the same family. A 68-year-old woman presented at our hospital from a previous medical institution because of the diagnosis of primary biliary cholangitis. Her 49-year-old daughter was admitted with liver dysfunction 4 years later. When compared, these two related patients were found to have overlapping features of primary biliary cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis. Their human leukocyte antigen haplotype was DRB1*04:05/DRB1*15:02. The clinical and biochemical findings of these two patients immediately improved following treatment with a combination of prednisolone and ursodeoxycholic acid, in accordance with the Japanese guidelines. It is extremely important to identify such pathological conditions as quickly as possible, particularly with the appearance of severe liver dysfunction due to liver cirrhosis, as observed in our case. The Japanese guidelines are considered to be a realistic and useful clinical policy for the swift and efficient treatment of patients with overlapping features of primary biliary cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis. We suggest that our two patients presented with a genetic predisposition to autoimmune liver disease with overlapping features of primary biliary cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis within the same family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Omori
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sato Daiichi Hospital, 77-1 Hokyoji, Usa, Oita, 879-0454, Japan.
| | - Kanako Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sato Daiichi Hospital, 77-1 Hokyoji, Usa, Oita, 879-0454, Japan
| | - Masaki Yokota
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nakatsu Municipal Hospital, 173 Shimo-Ikenaga, Nakatsu, Oita, 871-8511, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Daa
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, 1-1 Idaigaoka, Hasama-machi, Yufu, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sato Daiichi Hospital, 77-1 Hokyoji, Usa, Oita, 879-0454, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang J, Yang G, Dubrovsky AM, Choi J, Leung PSC. Xenobiotics and loss of tolerance in primary biliary cholangitis. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:338-348. [PMID: 26755880 PMCID: PMC4698496 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i1.338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 08/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Data from genome wide association studies and geoepidemiological studies established that a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental stimulation is required for the loss of tolerance in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The serologic hallmark of PBC are the presence of high titer anti-mitochondrial autoantibodies (AMA) that recognize the lipoyl domain of the mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase E2 (PDC-E2) subunit. Extensive efforts have been directed to investigate the molecular basis of AMA. Recently, experimental data has pointed to the thesis that the breaking of tolerance to PDC-E2 is a pivotal event in the initial etiology of PBC, including environmental xenobiotics including those commonly found in cosmetics and food additives, suggesting that chemical modification of the PDC-E2 epitope may render its vulnerable to become a neo-antigen and trigger an immune response in genetically susceptible hosts. Here, we will discuss the natural history, genetics and immunobiology of PBC and structural constraints of PDC-E2 in AMA recognition which makes it vulnerable to chemical modification.
Collapse
|
7
|
Reshetnyak VI. Primary biliary cirrhosis: Clinical and laboratory criteria for its diagnosis. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:7683-708. [PMID: 26167070 PMCID: PMC4491957 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i25.7683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic progressive cholestatic granulomatous, and destructive inflammatory lesion of small intralobular and septal bile ducts, which is likely to be caused by an autoimmune mechanism with a the presence of serum antimitochondrial antibodies and a potential tendency to progress to cirrhosis. Despite the fact that the etiology of this disease has been unknown so far, there has been a considerable body of scientific evidence that can reveal the clinical and laboratory signs of PBC and the individual components of its pathogenesis and elaborate diagnostic criteria for the disease and its symptomatic therapy. Deficiencies in autoimmune tolerance are critical factors for the initiation and perpetuation of the disease. The purpose of this review is to summarize the data available in the literature and the author’s findings on clinical and laboratory criteria for the diagnosis of PBC. This review describes the major clinical manifestations of the disease and the mechanisms of its development. It presents the immunological, biochemical, and morphological signs of PBC and their significance for its diagnosis. A great deal of novel scientific evidence for the problem of PBC has been accumulated. However, the inadequate efficiency of therapy for the disease lends impetus to the quest for its etiological factors and to further investigations of its pathogenetic mechanisms and, on this basis, to searches for new methods for its early diagnosis.
Collapse
|
8
|
Saverino D, Pesce G, Antola P, Porcelli B, Brusca I, Villalta D, Tampoia M, Tozzoli R, Tonutti E, Alessio MG, Bagnasco M, Bizzaro N. High levels of soluble CTLA-4 are present in anti-mitochondrial antibody positive, but not in antibody negative patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112509. [PMID: 25383768 PMCID: PMC4226553 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune cholestatic liver disease frequently characterized by anti-mitochondrial autoantibodies (AMA). A minority of patients are AMA-negative. Cytotoxic-T-Lymphocyte-Antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is a surface molecule expressed on activated T-cells delivering a critical negative immunoregulatory signal. A soluble form of CTLA-4 (sCTLA-4) has been detected at high concentrations in several autoimmune diseases, and its possible functional meaning has been suggested. We aimed to evaluate sCTLA-4 concentration in sera of patients with PBC and to correlate it to immunological abnormalities associated with the disease. Blood samples were collected from 82 PBC-patients diagnosed according to international criteria (44 AMA-positive/MIT3-positive and 38 AMA-negative-MIT3-negative), and 65 controls. sCTLA-4 levels were evaluated by ELISA and Western blot. Increased sCTLA-4 concentrations were found in all AMA-positive PBC-patients, but in none of the AMA-negative ones, nor in normal controls or in controls with unrelated liver diseases. sCTLA-4 presence was associated with autoantibodies against MIT3, but not with nuclear autoantibodies (sp100, gp210). This is the first study to demonstrate that levels of sCTLA-4 are elevated in sera of PBC patients. However, they are clearly restricted to patients with AMA positivity, suggesting an immunological difference with respect to AMA-negative ones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Saverino
- Department of Experimental Medicine – Section of Human Anatomy, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Giampaola Pesce
- Autoimmunity Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Princey Antola
- Autoimmunity Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Ignazio Brusca
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Buccheri La Ferla Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Danilo Villalta
- Allergology and Clinical Immunology, S. Maria degli Angeli Hospital, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Marilina Tampoia
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, University Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Renato Tozzoli
- Clinical Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, S. Maria degli Angeli Hospital, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Elio Tonutti
- Immunopathology and Allergology Unit, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Alessio
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Biochemistry Laboratory, Riuniti Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marcello Bagnasco
- Autoimmunity Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Nicola Bizzaro
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, San Antonio Hospital, Tolmezzo, Udine, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
We recently introduced the concept of the infectome as a means of studying all infectious factors which contribute to the development of autoimmune disease. It forms the infectious part of the exposome, which collates all environmental factors contributing to the development of disease and studies the sum total of burden which leads to the loss of adaptive mechanisms in the body. These studies complement genome-wide association studies, which establish the genetic predisposition to disease. The infectome is a component which spans the whole life and may begin at the earliest stages right up to the time when the first symptoms manifest, and may thus contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of autoimmunity at the prodromal/asymptomatic stages. We provide practical examples and research tools as to how we can investigate disease-specific infectomes, using laboratory approaches employed from projects studying the “immunome” and “microbiome”. It is envisioned that an understanding of the infectome and the environmental factors that affect it will allow for earlier patient-specific intervention by clinicians, through the possible treatment of infectious agents as well as other compounding factors, and hence slowing or preventing disease development.
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu WY, Xiao L, Yin H, Zhan XY, Zhang ZG, Lu XB, Zhang YX. Clinical and pathological features of primary biliary cirrhosis in anti-mitochondria antibody/anti-mitochondrial antibody M2 subtype negative patients. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2013; 21:3799-3805. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v21.i34.3799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To improve the level of awareness and diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) by exploring the clinical and pathological features of PBC in patients who are negative for anti-mitochondria antibody (AMA)/anti-mitochondrial antibody M2 subtype (AMA-M2).
METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out in 101 patients with PBC. Clinical manifestations, biochemical, immunological and histopathological data were analyzed. The clinical and pathological features were compared between 50 AMA/AMA-M2 negative patients and 51 AMA/AMA-M2 positive patients.
RESULTS: The ratio of male to female in the 101 patients with PBC was 1.1:9, and the mean age at diagnosis was 48.52 ± 8.99 years. Common manifestations were fatigue (30.7%), jaundice (29.7%), pruritus (19.8%), dry mouth (12.9%), dry eye (7.9%), hepatalgia (7.9%), lipomyoma (6.9%), anorexia (5.9%), and abdominal distension (1.98%). There were no significant differences in manifestation between the AMA/AMA-M2 negative group and AMA/AMA-M2 positive group. There were also no significant differences in routine blood indices [white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), and platelet (PLT)], biochemical indices [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), AST/ALT, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamine transpeptidase (GGT), total bilirubin (TBIL), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC)], coagulation function [prothrombin time activity (PTA), international normalized ratio (INR)], C3, C4, and histopathology between the two groups. γ-globulin, IgG and IgM in the AMA/AMA-M2 positive group were significantly higher than those in the AMA/AMA-M2 negative group (F = 0.019, Z = 0.028, 0.012, P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: AMA/AMA-M2 negative PBC has no specific clinical manifestations. There may be difference in immune state between the AMA/AMA-M2 positive group and AMA/AMA-M2 negative group. Liver histology is still a gold standard for diagnosis of AMA/AMA-M2 negative PBC.
Collapse
|
11
|
Qin B, Wang J, Chen J, Liang Y, Yang Z, Zhong R. Association of human leukocyte antigen class II with susceptibility to primary biliary cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79580. [PMID: 24265779 PMCID: PMC3827176 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Several previous studies suggested that HLA-ClassII may be associated with susceptibility to primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), but data from individual studies remain controversial. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis is needed to comprehensively evaluate the association between HLA-ClassII and PBC risk. Methods All published reports of an association between HLA class II and PBC risk were searched in PubMed, EMBASE (updated to 22 May 2012). ORs with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted from each included study and the meta-analysis was performed using the fixed- or random-effects model. Results A total of 3,732 PBC patients and 11,031 controls from 34 studies were included in the meta-analysis. An assessment of study quality revealed that the majority of studies included (18 studies) were of high quality. The serological group DR8 was found to be a risk factor for PBC (OR = 2.82, 95%CI: 1.84–4.30). At the allelic level, HLA-DR*08 and HLA-DR*0801 were identified as risk factors for PBC (OR = 2.30, 95%CI: 1.76-3.00; OR = 3.23, 95%CI: 2.22–4.70, respectively), whereas HLA-DR*11 and HLA-DR*13 were potent protective factors (OR = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.27-0.38; OR = 0.62, 95%CI: 0.48-0.81, respectively). HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DQB1*0402 conferred a predisposition to PBC development (OR = 3.47, 95%CI: 2.35–5.13), whereas HLA-DQB1*0604 was protective against PBC (OR = 0.3, 95%CI: 0.18–0.58). No HLA-DPB1 allele was observed to be associated with PBC susceptibility (P > 0.05). Conclusions The present study revealed that HLA-ClassII components are closely associated with the development of PBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baodong Qin
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zaixing Yang
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (ZXY); (RQZ)
| | - Renqian Zhong
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (ZXY); (RQZ)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li Q, Wang B, Pan F, Zhang R, Xiao L, Guo H, Ma S, Zhou C. Association between cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 gene polymorphisms and primary biliary cirrhosis in Chinese population: data from a multicenter study. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 28:1397-402. [PMID: 23432218 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) gene polymorphisms have been shown to be associated with the risk of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). The study aimed to confirm the associations of CTLA4 gene polymorphisms with risk of PBC and patients' quality of life in Chinese population. METHODS A total of 312 female PBC patients from Chinese Han population were included as case, and 375 age-matched female healthy volunteers were included as control. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including rs231775, rs3087243, rs231725, and rs5742909 were genotyped. The differences of genotype and allele distributions between PBC patients and healthy controls were assessed. The relationship between CTLA4 gene polymorphisms and healthy status of PBC patients were then investigated through comparisons of the domain scores of PBC-40 questionnaire between different genotype categories of each single nucleotide polymorphism. RESULTS The frequencies of G allele at rs231775 and A allele at rs231725 were both significantly increased in PBC patients when compared with normal controls (P < 0.001, odds ratio = 1.44, 95% confidence interval = 1.24-1.67 for rs231775; P < 0.001, odds ratio = 1.29, 95% confidence interval = 1.12-1.48 for rs231725). Besides, patients carrying A allele of rs3087243 had significantly lower score of fatigue domain than those carrying G allele (2.5 ± 0.8 vs 3.9 ± 1.3, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that CTLA4 gene polymorphism might be associated with susceptibility of PBC. G allele of rs231775 and A allele of rs231725 were significantly associated with the risk of PBC. In addition, patients carrying A allele of rs3087243 could have significantly better quality of life than those carrying G allele.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianjun Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huai'an First People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Smyk DS, Rigopoulou EI, Bogdanos DP. Potential Roles for Infectious Agents in the Pathophysiology of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: What's New? Curr Infect Dis Rep 2013. [PMID: 23188623 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-012-0304-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a progressive cholestatic liver disease serologically characterized by the presence of high-titer antimitochondrial antibodies and, histologically by chronic nonsuppurative cholangitis and granulomata. The aetiology of the disease remains elusive, although genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and infectious factors have been considered important for the induction of the disease in genetically prone individuals. The disease shows a striking female predominance and becomes clinically overt at the fourth to sixth decade. These characteristics have prompted investigators to consider infections that predominate in women at these ages as the likely candidates for triggering the disease. Recurrent urinary tract infections due to Escherichia coli were the first infections to be considered pathogenetically relevant. Over the years, several other microorganisms have been linked to the pathogenesis of PBC owing to epidemiological, immunological, microbiological, or experimental findings in animal models. Recent studies have provided data supporting the pathogenic role of Novosphingobium aromaticivorans and betaretroviruses. Several reports have linked other organisms to the induction of the disease and/or the maintenance of the auto-aggressive responses that are perpetuated over the course of the disease. This review highlights the findings of the most recent studies investigating the link between infections and PBC. We also discuss the close interplay of the infectious agents with other environmental and genetic factors, which may explain the multifaceted nature of this puzzling disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Smyk
- Institute of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology and Mucosal Biology, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill Campus, London, SE5 9RS, United Kingdom,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Environment and primary biliary cirrhosis: electrophilic drugs and the induction of AMA. J Autoimmun 2013; 41:79-86. [PMID: 23352659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2012.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Revised: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Environmental stimulation is a major factor in the initiation and perpetuation of autoimmune diseases. We have addressed this issue and focused on primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), an autoimmune disease of the liver. Immunologically, PBC is distinguished by immune mediated destruction of the intra hepatic bile ducts and the presence of high titer antimitochondrial autoantibodies (AMA) directed against a highly specific epitope within the lipoic acid binding domain of the pyruvate dehydrogenase E2 subunit (PDC-E2). We submit that the uniqueness of AMA epitope specificity and the conformational changes of the PDC-E2 lipoyl domain during physiological acyl transfer could be the lynchpin to the etiology of PBC and postulate that chemical xenobiotics modification of the lipoyl domain of PDC-E2 is sufficient to break self-tolerance, with subsequent production of AMA in patients with PBC. Indeed, using quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) analysis on a peptide-xenobiotic conjugate microarray platform, we have demonstrated that when the lipoyl domain of PDC-E2 was modified with specific synthetic small molecule lipoyl mimics, the ensuing structures displayed highly specific reactivity to PBC sera, at levels often higher than the native PDC-E2 molecule. Hereby, we discuss our recent QSAR analysis data on specific AMA reactivity against a focused panel of lipoic acid mimic in which the lipoyl di-sulfide bond are modified. Furthermore, data on the immunological characterization of antigen and Ig isotype specificities against one such lipoic acid mimic; 6,8-bis(acetylthio)octanoic acid (SAc), when compared with rPDC-E2, strongly support a xenobiotic etiology in PBC. This observation is of particular significance in that approximately one third of patients who have taken excessive acetaminophen (APAP) developed AMA with same specificity as patients with PBC, suggesting that the lipoic domain are a target of APAP electrophilic metabolites such as NAPQI. We submit that in genetically susceptible hosts, electrophilic modification of lipoic acid in PDC-E2 by acetaminophen or similar drugs can facilitate loss of tolerance and lead to the development of PBC.
Collapse
|
15
|
Bogdanos DP, Smyk DS, Invernizzi P, Rigopoulou EI, Blank M, Pouria S, Shoenfeld Y. Infectome: a platform to trace infectious triggers of autoimmunity. Autoimmun Rev 2012; 12:726-40. [PMID: 23266520 PMCID: PMC7105216 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2012.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The "exposome" is a term recently used to describe all environmental factors, both exogenous and endogenous, which we are exposed to in a lifetime. It represents an important tool in the study of autoimmunity, complementing classical immunological research tools and cutting-edge genome wide association studies (GWAS). Recently, environmental wide association studies (EWAS) investigated the effect of environment in the development of diseases. Environmental triggers are largely subdivided into infectious and non-infectious agents. In this review, we introduce the concept of the "infectome", which is the part of the exposome referring to the collection of an individual's exposures to infectious agents. The infectome directly relates to geoepidemiological, serological and molecular evidence of the co-occurrence of several infectious agents associated with autoimmune diseases that may provide hints for the triggering factors responsible for the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. We discuss the implications that the investigation of the infectome may have for the understanding of microbial/host interactions in autoimmune diseases with long, pre-clinical phases. It may also contribute to the concept of the human body as a superorganism where the microbiome is part of the whole organism, as can be seen with mitochondria which existed as microbes prior to becoming organelles in eukaryotic cells of multicellular organisms over time. A similar argument can now be made in regard to normal intestinal flora, living in symbiosis within the host. We also provide practical examples as to how we can characterise and measure the totality of a disease-specific infectome, based on the experimental approaches employed from the "immunome" and "microbiome" projects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios P Bogdanos
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill Campus, London, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Koutsoumpas AL, Kriese S, Rigopoulou EI. Popular and unpopular infectious agents linked to primary biliary cirrhosis. AUTOIMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 2012; 3:95-104. [PMID: 26000132 PMCID: PMC4389080 DOI: 10.1007/s13317-012-0039-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a progressive cholestatic liver disease characterized by the autoimmune destruction of the biliary epithelial cells of the small and medium-size bile ducts. The disease affects middle aged women and usually affects more than one member within a family. The pathognomonic serological hallmark of the disease is the presence of circulating anti-mitochondrial antibodies, and disease-specific anti-nuclear antibodies. Susceptibility genes and environmental risk factors such as infections and smoking have been reported as important for the development of the disease. Among the environmental agents, infectious triggers are the best studied. Most of the work published so far has investigated the role of infections caused by Novosphingobium aromaticivorans and Escherichia coli. This review will discuss the popular and unpopular infectious agents causatively linked to PBC. It will also examine reports investigating the epidemiological aspects of the disease and their direct or indirect implications to bacterial-induced PBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eirini I Rigopoulou
- Department of Medicine, University of Thessaly Medical School, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Milkiewicz M, Caballería L, Smyk DS, Milkiewicz P. Predicting and preventing autoimmunity: the case of anti-mitochondrial antibodies. AUTOIMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 2012; 3:105-12. [PMID: 26000133 PMCID: PMC4389078 DOI: 10.1007/s13317-012-0038-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
To be able to predict who will develop autoimmune disease would allow for early treatment which may dramatically alter the course of the disease. In some cases, it may also lead to prevention of the disease development. The prediction of disease development is based on the analysis of risk factors which have been associated with the disease in question. These factors include genetic susceptibility, as well as immunological and environmental factors. One autoimmune disease that may serve as a model for disease prediction is primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), an autoimmune liver disease affecting the small- and medium-sized bile ducts. PBC could be an ideal model due to recent advances in elucidating its genetic associations. As well, a variety of immunological and environmental risk factors have been well established. Indeed, the presence of PBC-specific antimitochondrial antibodies and/or antinuclear antibodies has been shown to be predictor of disease development and possibly prognosis. This review will examine the current evidence which suggests that we may potentially be able to predict the development of PBC in some individuals. These concepts may also be applied to autoimmune diseases in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniel S Smyk
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Piotr Milkiewicz
- Liver Unit, Pomeranian Medical University, Al. Powstancow Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Smyk D, Rigopoulou EI, Zen Y, Abeles RD, Billinis C, Pares A, Bogdanos DP. Role for mycobacterial infection in pathogenesis of primary biliary cirrhosis? World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:4855-65. [PMID: 23002357 PMCID: PMC3447267 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i35.4855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2011] [Revised: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a progressive cholestatic liver disease characterized by the immune-mediated destruction of biliary epithelial cells in small intrahepatic bile ducts. The disease is characterized by circulating antimitochondrial antibodies (AMAs) as well as disease-specific antinuclear antibodies, cholestatic liver function tests, and characteristic histological features, including granulomas. A variety of organisms are involved in granuloma formation, of which mycobacteria are the most commonly associated. This has led to the hypothesis that mycobacteria may be involved in the pathogenesis of PBC, along with other infectious agents. Additionally, AMAs are found in a subgroup of patients with mycobacterial infections, such as leprosy and pulmonary tuberculosis. Antibodies against species-specific mycobacterial proteins have been reported in patients with PBC, but it is not clear whether these antibodies are specific for the disease. In addition, data in support of the involvement of the role of molecular mimicry between mycobacterial and human mitochondrial antigens as triggers of cross-reactive immune responses leading to the loss of immunological tolerance, and the induction of pathological features have been published. Thus, antibodies against mycobacterial heat shock protein appear to cross-recognize AMA-specific autoantigens, but it is not clear whether these autoantibodies are mycobacterium-species-specific, and whether they are pathogenic or incidental. The view that mycobacteria are infectious triggers of PBC is intriguing, but the data provided so far are not conclusive.
Collapse
|
19
|
Leung PSC, Lam K, Kurth MJ, Coppel RL, Gershwin ME. Xenobiotics and autoimmunity: does acetaminophen cause primary biliary cirrhosis? Trends Mol Med 2012; 18:577-82. [PMID: 22920894 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2012.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 07/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The serologic hallmark of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is the presence of antimitochondrial autoantibodies (AMAs) directed against the E2 subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC-E2). The PBC-related autoepitope of PDC-E2 contains lipoic acid, and previous work has demonstrated that mimics of lipoic acid following immunization of mice lead to a PBC-like disease. Furthermore, approximately one-third of patients who have ingested excessive amounts of acetaminophen (paracetamol) develop AMA of the same specificity as patients with PBC. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) data indicates that acetaminophen metabolites are particularly immunoreactive with AMA, and we submit that in genetically susceptible hosts, electrophilic modification of lipoic acid in PDC-E2 by acetaminophen or similar drugs can facilitate a loss of tolerance and lead to the development of PBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S C Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Invernizzi P, Alessio MG, Smyk DS, Lleo A, Sonzogni A, Fabris L, Candusso M, Bogdanos DP, Iorio R, Torre G. Autoimmune hepatitis type 2 associated with an unexpected and transient presence of primary biliary cirrhosis-specific antimitochondrial antibodies: a case study and review of the literature. BMC Gastroenterol 2012; 12:92. [PMID: 22816667 PMCID: PMC3464927 DOI: 10.1186/1471-230x-12-92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Unlike other autoimmune liver diseases, primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) has never been reported in early childhood, while type 2 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is eminently a paediatric disease. Case presentation We describe a case of type 2 AIH with serological positivity for PBC-specific anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA) in a 3-year old girl. We found this observation intriguing as AMA and indeed an overlap with PBC are virtually absent in Type 2 AIH, a pediatric form of AIH which is distinct precisely because it is characterized by pathognomonic anti-liver kidney microsomal type 1 (LKM-1) showing a remarkable antigen-specificity directed against cytochrome P4502D6. We also review the literature in relation to AMA positivity in paediatric age and adolescence. In our case, the presence of AIH-2-specific anti-LKM-1 and PBC-specific AMA was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), and immunoblotting and ELISA based on recombinant mitochondrial antigens. The clinical, laboratory and histological features of the child are given in detail. Interestingly the mother was AMA positive without other features of PBC. The child was successfully treated with immunosuppression and five years after the original diagnosis is on a low dose of prednisolone and azathioprine, with no signs of relapse. Anti-LKM-1 antibodies are still present in low titres. AMA were detectable for the first 4 years after the diagnosis and disappeared later. Conclusion This is the first case report in the literature of AIH type 2 with an unexpected PBC-specific AMA positivity in a young child. Response to immunosuppressive treatment was satisfactory and similar to that described in AIH. A review of published reports on AMA positivity in paediatric age shows that the antibody may arise in the context of immunodeficiency and is variably associated with liver damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Invernizzi
- Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano(MI), Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sex differences associated with primary biliary cirrhosis. Clin Dev Immunol 2012; 2012:610504. [PMID: 22693524 PMCID: PMC3369468 DOI: 10.1155/2012/610504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a cholestatic liver disease of autoimmune origin, characterised by the destruction of small intrahepatic bile ducts. The disease has an unpredictable clinical course but may progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis. The diagnostic hallmark of PBC is the presence of disease-specific antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA), which are pathognomonic for the development of PBC. The disease overwhelmingly affects females, with some cases of male PBC being reported. The reasons underlying the low incidence of males with PBC are largely unknown. Epidemiological studies estimate that approximately 7–11% of PBC patients are males. There does not appear to be any histological, serological, or biochemical differences between male and female PBC, although the symptomatology may differ, with males being at higher risk of life-threatening complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding and hepatoma. Studies on X chromosome and sex hormones are of interest when studying the low preponderance of PBC in males; however, these studies are far from conclusive. This paper will critically analyze the literature surrounding PBC in males.
Collapse
|
22
|
Epstein-barr virus as a trigger of autoimmune liver diseases. Adv Virol 2012; 2012:987471. [PMID: 22693505 PMCID: PMC3368154 DOI: 10.1155/2012/987471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases includes a combination of genetic factors and environmental exposures including infectious agents. Infectious triggers are commonly indicated as being involved in the induction of autoimmune disease, with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) being implicated in several autoimmune disorders. EBV is appealing in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease, due to its high prevalence worldwide, its persistency throughout life in the host's B lymphocytes, and its ability to alter the host's immune response and to inhibit apoptosis. However, the evidence in support of EBV in the pathogenesis varies among diseases. Autoimmune liver diseases (AiLDs), including autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), have a potential causative link with EBV. The data surrounding EBV and AiLD are scarce. The lack of evidence surrounding EBV in AiLD may also be reflective of the rarity of these conditions. EBV infection has also been linked to other autoimmune conditions, which are often found to be concomitant with AiLD. This paper will critically examine the literature surrounding the link between EBV infection and AiLD development. The current evidence is far from being conclusive of the theory of a link between EBV and AiLD.
Collapse
|
23
|
Smyk DS, Bogdanos DP, Kriese S, Billinis C, Burroughs AK, Rigopoulou EI. Urinary tract infection as a risk factor for autoimmune liver disease: from bench to bedside. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2012; 36:110-21. [PMID: 21907008 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2011.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 07/21/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases include autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis. A variety of environmental and genetic risk factors have been associated with these conditions. Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI) have been strongly associated with PBC, and to a lesser extent with AIH. These observations were initially based on the observation of significant bacteriuria in female patients with PBC. Larger epidemiological studies demonstrated that there was indeed a strong correlation between recurrent UTI and PBC. AIH has not been linked to recurrent UTI in epidemiological studies; however treatment of UTI with nitrofurantoin can induce AIH. As Escherichia coli is the most prevalent organism isolated in women with UTI, it has been suggested that molecular mimicry between microbial and human PDC-E2 (the main autoantigenic target in PBC) epitopes may explain the link between UTI and PBC. Multiple studies have demonstrated molecular mimicry and immunological cross-reactivity involving microbial and self-antigen mimics. This review will examine the literature surrounding UTI and autoimmune liver disease. This will include case reports and epidemiological studies, as well as experimental data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Smyk
- Liver Immunopathology, Institute of Liver Studies and Liver Unit, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill Campus, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bogdanos DP, Smyk DS, Rigopoulou EI, Mytilinaiou MG, Heneghan MA, Selmi C, Gershwin ME. Twin studies in autoimmune disease: genetics, gender and environment. J Autoimmun 2011; 38:J156-69. [PMID: 22177232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2011.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2011] [Accepted: 11/12/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Twin studies are powerful tools to discriminate whether a complex disease is due to genetic or environmental factors. High concordance rates among monozygotic (MZ) twins support genetic factors being predominantly involved, whilst low rates are suggestive of environmental factors. Twin studies have often been utilised in the study of systemic and organ specific autoimmune diseases. As an example, type I diabetes mellitus has been investigated to establish that that disease is largely affected by genetic factors, compared to rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma, which have a weaker genetic association. However, large twin studies are scarce or virtually non-existent in other autoimmune diseases which have been limited to few sets of twins and individual case reports. In addition to the study of the genetic and environmental contributions to disease, it is likely that twin studies will also provide data in regards to the clinical course of disease, as well as risk for development in related individuals. More importantly, genome-wide association studies have thus far reported genomic variants that only account for a minority of autoimmunity cases, and cannot explain disease discordance in MZ twins. Future research is therefore encouraged not only in the analysis of twins with autoimmune disease, but also in regards to epigenetic factors or rare variants that may be discovered with next-generation sequencing. This review will examine the literature surrounding twin studies in autoimmune disease including discussions of genetics and gender.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios P Bogdanos
- Institute of Liver Studies, Liver Immunopathology, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Immunopathogenesis of primary biliary cirrhosis: an old wives' tale. IMMUNITY & AGEING 2011; 8:12. [PMID: 22136162 PMCID: PMC3238302 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4933-8-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 12/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a cholestatic liver disease characterised by the autoimmune destruction of the small intrahepatic bile ducts. The disease has an unpredictable clinical course, but may progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Although medical treatment with urseodeoxycholic acid is largely successful, some patients may progress to liver failure requiring liver transplantation. PBC is characterised by the presence of disease specific anti-mitochondrial (AMA) antibodies, which are pathognomonic for PBC development. The disease demonstrates an overwhelming female preponderance and virtually all women with PBC present in middle age. The reasons for this are unknown; however several environmental and immunological factors may be involved. As the immune systems ages, it become less self tolerant, and mounts a weaker response to pathogens, possibly leading to cross reactivity or molecular mimicry. Some individuals display immunological changes which encourage the development of autoimmune disease. Risk factors implicated in PBC include recurrent urinary tract infection in females, as well as an increased prevalence of reproductive complications. These risk factors may work in concert with and possibly even accelerate, immune system ageing, contributing to PBC development. This review will examine the changes that occur in the immune system with ageing, paying particular attention to those changes which contribute to the development of autoimmune disease with increasing age. The review also discusses risk factors which may account for the increased female predominance of PBC, such as recurrent UTI and oestrogens.
Collapse
|
26
|
Smyk DS, Mytilinaiou MG, Milkiewicz P, Rigopoulou EI, Invernizzi P, Bogdanos DP. Towards systemic sclerosis and away from primary biliary cirrhosis: the case of PTPN22. AUTOIMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 2011; 3:1-9. [PMID: 26000122 PMCID: PMC4389021 DOI: 10.1007/s13317-011-0023-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2011] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by immune-mediated destruction of the small and medium size intrahepatic bile ducts. PBC patients often have concomitant autoimmune diseases, which are most often autoimmune thyroid disease, as well as Sicca syndrome. Occasionally, some PBC patients will also have systemic sclerosis of the limited cutaneous type (lcSSc). Conversely, up to one-fourth of SSc patients are positive for antimitochondrial antibody, the serologic hallmark of PBC. It is also common for SSc patients to have concomitant autoimmune disease, which may include PBC in rare cases. This has led to speculation of shared environmental and/or genetic factors, which lead to the development of PBC in SSc patients and vice versa. Recent genetic studies have revealed associations with several genes in both SSc and PBC. PTPN22 is one gene that has been associated with SSc, but not with PBC. It may be argued that some SSc patients with a particular genotype, which shares genes found in both conditions may develop PBC. Likewise, particular genes such as PTPN22 may infer susceptibility to SSc alone. The presence of PTPN22 may also contribute to the development of SSc in PBC patients. The lack of a large number of overlapping genes may, in part, explain the relative rarity of PBC with SSc and vice versa. This review will examine the literature surrounding the genetic associations of PBC and SSc, and the role of PTPN22 in particular.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S. Smyk
- Institute of Liver Studies, King’s College London School of Medicine at King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill Campus, London, SE5 9RS UK
| | - Maria G. Mytilinaiou
- Institute of Liver Studies, King’s College London School of Medicine at King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill Campus, London, SE5 9RS UK
| | - Piotr Milkiewicz
- Liver Unit, Liver Unit and Liver Research Laboratories, Pomeranian Medical University, SPSK2, Powstancow Wlkp, 7270-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Eirini I. Rigopoulou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University of Thessaly Medical School, Thessaly, Mezourlo, Larissa, 41222 Greece
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA USA
| | - Dimitrios P. Bogdanos
- Institute of Liver Studies, King’s College London School of Medicine at King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill Campus, London, SE5 9RS UK
| |
Collapse
|