Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The aetiology and pathogenesis of PSC have not yet been clearly defined. The hypothesis that PSC is an immune mediated disease is supported by associations with HLA haplotypes, the presence of autoantibodies, increased levels of total serum immunoglobulins and the association with other autoimmune diseases. PSC does not, however, have many of the characteristics of classical autoimmunity, particularly the usual female preponderance of disease and lack of a good response to immunosuppression. Non-immune mechanisms such as bacterial infection, ischaemia and toxicity are also clearly important in the development of the disease and these factors may trigger peribiliary inflammation and cytokine-induced hepatic fibrosis. PSC may be triggered in genetically susceptible individuals by toxic or infectious agents gaining access to the liver via a diseased and permeable colon.

Original publication

DOI

10.1053/bega.2001.0206

Type

Journal article

Journal

Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol

Publication Date

08/2001

Volume

15

Pages

577 - 589

Keywords

Bacterial Infections, Cholangitis, Sclerosing, Female, Humans, Male