[Pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to review the pathogenic mechanisms of auto-immune hepatitis.


METHODS
The study was based on a review of all relevant articles from literature on the mechanisms of auto-immunity in auto-immune hepatitis.


RESULTS
The precise mechanisms through which liver damage occurs are not fully understood. Auto-immune hepatitis seems to be a consequence of auto-antigen exposure, genetic predisposition and defective immuregulatory mechanisms. Auto-antigen is presented by class II molecules of the major histocompatibility complex. Cytokines and non specific auto-immune promotors modulate immune reactivity. Cell-mediated and antibody-dependent forms of cytotoxicity are probably interactive pathogenic mechanisms.


CONCLUSIONS
Disturbance in the tight balance between auto-aggression and self-tolerance, affected by several internal and external factors are likely in auto-immune hepatitis.
Maamouri
Nadia
N
Service de Gastro.B, La Rabta.
Ouerghi
Hager
H
Belkahla
Néziha
N
Cheikh
Imed
I
Ben Ammar
Ahmed
A
D000367:Age Factors; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D019693:Hepatitis, Autoimmune / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010641:Phenotype; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology
D001324:Autoantigens; D016207:Cytokines; D007074:Immunoglobulin G