A narrative review of genes associated with liver fibrosis in biliary atresia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Biliary atresia (BA) is characterized by biliary inflammation and obstruction. In the later phase, liver fibrosis occurs. Although the etiology of BA is believed to be multi-factorial, genetic predisposition has been proposed to play a critical role in the pathogenesis. This review aimed to provide an updated summary of the genes that have been reported to be involved in BA-associated liver fibrosis.

METHODS

The review was conducted via evaluation of MalaCards (BA disease: MalaCards-research articles, drugs, genes, clinical trials) which is a universally applied website including various human disease database. The database of genes that are involved in liver fibrosis were studied.

KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS

Thirty-one genes that are associated with BA according to the disease relevance score were reviewed after further evaluations. Eleven genes () that are specific and with a potential association with liver fibrosis were selected for detailed description. Increased expression of , , , , , , , and maybe associated with the development of liver fibrosis in BA patients, while the expression of and are more likely to suppress liver fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Current scientific evidence using gene database has revealed a close association between genetic anomalies and the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis in BA. With a better understanding of these anomalies, therapy targeting these related genes may be a new therapeutic approach to alleviate liver fibrosis in BA.