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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Bile Duct Ligation in Mice: Induction of Inflammatory Liver Injury and Fibrosis by Obstructive Cholestasis
08:56

Bile Duct Ligation in Mice: Induction of Inflammatory Liver Injury and Fibrosis by Obstructive Cholestasis

Published on: February 10, 2015

Primary biliary cirrhosis in men

M R Lucey, J M Neuberger, R Williams

    Gut
    |November 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Primary biliary cirrhosis presents differently in men and women, with men experiencing less pruritus and skin pigmentation. While survival is similar, men have a higher risk of developing hepatoma.

    Area of Science:

    • Hepatology
    • Gastroenterology
    • Clinical Medicine

    Background:

    • Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic liver disease.
    • Understanding sex-based differences in PBC presentation and progression is crucial for patient management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the differences in presenting features and clinical course of primary biliary cirrhosis between men and women.
    • To explore potential factors contributing to observed sex-based variations in PBC.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective review of 39 men and 191 women diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis between 1970 and 1984.
    • Comparison of demographic data, presenting symptoms (pruritus, skin pigmentation), associated autoimmune conditions, and clinical outcomes (survival, hepatoma development) between sexes.

    Main Results:

    • Age and disease severity at diagnosis were similar in both sexes.
    • Pruritus was significantly less common in men than women (p < 0.01), particularly compared to premenopausal women.
    • Skin pigmentation was less marked in men at diagnosis (p < 0.05).
    • Autoimmune conditions, such as sicca syndrome, were more prevalent in women.
    • Hepatoma developed significantly more frequently in male patients (p < 0.01), while overall survival was similar.

    Conclusions:

    • Primary biliary cirrhosis exhibits distinct clinical features in men and women, suggesting a potential role for sex hormones in symptom manifestation.
    • Men with PBC have a higher risk of developing hepatoma compared to women.
    • Further research into sex-specific pathomechanisms and risk factors for PBC complications is warranted.

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