Pathogenic role of environmental toxins in immune-mediated liver diseases

J Immunotoxicol. 2008 Jan;5(1):59-68. doi: 10.1080/15476910802019086.

Abstract

Immune-mediated liver diseases contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality due to liver failure and the need for liver transplantation. The pathogenesis of the immune-mediated chronic liver diseases, primary sclerosing cholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and primary biliary cirrhosis, is poorly understood. Genetic susceptibility factors may play a role, but increasing attention is being given to the association between environmental factors and these diseases. The existence of such a relationship is supported by epidemiologic surveys, animal models, and geographic clustering analyses. Unearthing the cause of this association may provide insight into the pathogenesis of immune-mediated chronic liver diseases and autoimmunity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Demography
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Hazardous Waste / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases / epidemiology
  • Liver Diseases / etiology*
  • Liver Diseases / immunology*
  • Liver Diseases / pathology
  • Liver Diseases / therapy
  • Liver Transplantation
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Models, Animal
  • Rats
  • Risk Factors
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects
  • Xenobiotics / toxicity

Substances

  • Hazardous Waste
  • Xenobiotics