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Bile Duct Ligation in Mice: Induction of Inflammatory Liver Injury and Fibrosis by Obstructive Cholestasis
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Molecular pathogenesis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Marco Arrese1, Rocio I R Macias, Oscar Briz

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. marrese@med.puc.cl

Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine
|March 29, 2008
PubMed

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) occurs mainly in the third trimester and is characterised by pruritus and elevated serum bile acid levels. ICP is associated with an increased perinatal risk and higher rates of foetal morbidity and mortality. Although the pathogenesis of this disease is unknown, a genetic hypersensitivity to female hormones (oestrogen and/or progesterone) or their metabolites is thought to impair bile secretory function. Recent data suggest that mutations or polymorphisms of genes expressing hepatobiliary transport proteins or their nuclear regulators may contribute to the development and/or severity of ICP. Unidentified environmental factors may also influence pathogenesis of the disease. This review summarises current knowledge on the potential mechanisms involved in ICP at the molecular level.

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