Etiopathogenesis and Diagnostic Strategies in Autoimmune Hepatitis

Abstract

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease with the incidence of 10 to 17 per 100,000 people in Europe. It affects people of any age, but most often occurs in the 40–60 age group. The clinical picture is varied, from asymptomatic to severe acute hepatitis or liver failure. The disease onset is probably associated with the impaired function of T lymphocytes, the development of molecular mimicry, intestinal dysbiosis, or infiltration with low density neutrophils, which, alongside autoantibodies (i.e., ANA, ASMA), implicate the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), as a component of the disease process, and mediate the inappropriate immune response. AIH is characterized with an increased activity of aminotransferases, elevated concentration of serum immunoglobulin G, the presence of circulating autoantibodies and liver inflammation. The result of the histological examination of the liver and the presence of autoantibodies, although not pathognomonic, still remain a distinguishing feature. The diagnosis of AIH determines lifelong treatment in most patients. The treatment is implemented to prevent the development of cirrhosis and end-stage liver failure. This work focuses mainly on the etiopathogenesis and diagnosis of AIH.