Gender and Autoimmune Liver Diseases: Relevant Aspects in Clinical Practice

Overview

Journal J Pers Med

Date 2022 Jun 24

PMID 35743710

Authors

Federica Invernizzi

Marta Cilla

Silvia Trapani

Maria Guarino

Valentina Cossiga

Martina Gambato

Maria Cristina Morelli

Filomena Morisco

Patrizia Burra

Annarosa Floreani

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) include autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. The etiologies of AILD are not well understood but appear to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. AILDs commonly affect young individuals and are characterized by a highly variable clinical course. These diseases significantly influence quality of life and can progress toward liver decompensation or the onset of hepatocellular or cholangiocarcinoma; a significant number of patients eventually progress to end-stage liver disease, requiring liver transplantation. In this review, we focus on the sex characteristics and peculiarities of AILD patients and highlight the relevance of a sex-specific analysis in future studies. Understanding the sex differences underlying AILD immune dysregulation may be critical for developing more effective treatments.

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