Immunological basis in the pathogenesis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Abstract

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy poses a great risk to both maternal and fetal health. Despite extensive research, much of the pathogenesis of this disorder is unknown. The increase in bile acids observed in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy has been noted to cause a change in the immune system from the normally mediated TH2 response to one that is more oriented towards TH1. In this literature review, we have critically reviewed the current literature regarding the changes in the immune system and the potential effects of immunological changes in the management of the patient. The current treatment, ursodeoxycholic acid, is also discussed along with potential combination therapies and future directions for research.

• Authors: Spencer P Larson, Oormila Kovilam, Devendra K Agrawal
• Journal: Expert review of clinical immunology (Expert Rev Clin Immunol) Vol. 12 Issue 1 Pg. 39-48 ( 2016) ISSN: 1744-8409 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 26469633 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Review)

Chemical References

• Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Topics

• Animals
• Cholestasis (drug therapy, immunology)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunity
• Liver (immunology, pathology)
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications (drug therapy, immunology)
• Th1-Th2 Balance
• Th2 Cells (immunology)
• Ursodeoxycholic Acid (therapeutic use)