Clinical features of anti-gp210-positive, AMA-negative patients with abnormal liver function

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Autoimmune Liver Diseases
• Clinical Immunology

Background:

• Anti-gp210 and antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) are key serological markers for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).
• Distinguishing PBC from other liver diseases in AMA-negative patients with anti-gp210 antibodies presents a diagnostic challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize clinical features of anti-gp210-positive, AMA-negative patients with abnormal liver function.
• To identify factors associated with a primary biliary cholangitis diagnosis in this specific patient group.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 93 anti-gp210-positive, AMA-negative patients.
• Review of clinical, biochemical, serological, pathological, and follow-up data.
• Exploratory comparisons between patients diagnosed with PBC and those with other liver diseases.

Main Results:

• 48 patients were diagnosed with PBC, and 45 with non-PBC liver diseases.
• PBC patients showed higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and anti-gp210 titers, with higher anticentromere antibody (ACA) positivity.
• PBC patients had lower total bilirubin (TBIL) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels compared to the non-PBC group.

Conclusions:

• Anti-gp210 positivity in AMA-negative individuals warrants consideration for PBC.
• Higher anti-gp210 titers and a cholestatic biochemical profile are more indicative of PBC.
• Anti-gp210 antibodies can be present in non-PBC liver diseases, highlighting the need for comprehensive evaluation.