Role of gut microbiota in primary biliary cholangitis

Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC,formerly known as primary biliary cirrhosis)is a chronic female-predominant inflammatory and cholestatic liver disease with a prolonged course and poor prognosis[1].It is characterized by anti-mitochondrial autoanti-body(AMA),immunoglobulin M and lymphocyte infiltration in the portal area of liver tissue.A recent systemic review has shown a steady rise both in incidence and prevalence of PBC,with 5.31/100000 persons and 40.2/100000 persons,respectively[2].It can cause fatigue,pruritus and is associated with a high risk of cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated[3].The pathogenesis of PBC may be related to genetic,environmental,immune factors and individual susceptibility,but the specific etiology is not clear.Several previous studies[4,5]have found that gut microbiota plays an important role in a variety of liver diseases,including PBC.The bidirectional crosstalk between liver and microbiome appears to be crucial in maintaining health and could be therapeutically targeted,such as by fecal microbiota transplantation.