Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
09:03
The CYP2D6 Animal Model: How to Induce Autoimmune Hepatitis in Mice
Published on: February 3, 2012
Relapsing polychondritis associated with hepatitis C virus infection
Iman Hemmati1, Eric Yoshida, Kam Shojania
1Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. hemmatii@yahoo.com
Clinical Rheumatology
|November 5, 2011
Summary
Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare autoimmune disease. This review explores its link to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, reporting a case where HCV treatment led to RP remission.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Hepatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare, multisystem autoimmune disorder targeting cartilaginous tissues.
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a common systemic illness with diverse manifestations.
- The association between RP and HCV infection is rarely documented.
Observation:
- A case study of a 59-year-old male with relapsing polychondritis (RP) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is presented.
- The patient's RP was resistant to standard treatments.
- Literature review on RP and HCV association was conducted.
Findings:
- Treatment of HCV infection with pegylated interferon and ribavirin achieved a sustained virologic response.
- This HCV treatment also resulted in the remission of treatment-resistant RP.
- A potential link between HCV infection and RP is suggested, though causality remains unproven.
Implications:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may be a potential trigger or associated factor in relapsing polychondritis (RP).
- Treating HCV infection could potentially lead to the remission of associated RP.
- Further research is needed to establish a causal relationship between HCV and RP.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
01:24Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
01:21Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive and irreversible inflammation of the pancreas, most often caused by long-term alcohol abuse, but it can also be related to ductal obstruction, smoking, or genetic factors.Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is repeatedly exposed to harmful agents like alcohol, smoking, ductal obstruction, or genetic predisposition. These factors lead to the release of toxic metabolites and inflammatory cytokines, sustaining chronic inflammation in the pancreatic...
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
01:25Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing, relapsing inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by irreversible damage to the gland. It results in progressive destruction of the pancreatic parenchyma, fibrosis, and eventual loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. The disease may evolve gradually after multiple episodes of acute pancreatitis or develop independently.EtiologyChronic pancreatitis can arise from a variety of causes:Alcohol use is the leading cause, accounting for 70–80% of...