Cholestasis and cholestatic syndromes.
OBJECTIVE
This review focuses on the recent advances in cholestatic liver diseases. While there is an emphasis placed on translational and treatment-focused studies, basic science studies with the greatest impact on the field are also covered.


RESULTS
Highlights include new discoveries for the role of the farsenoid X receptor and sodium-dependent taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide; new insights into the pathogenesis of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1, biliary atresia, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and primary biliary cirrhosis; new information for assessing prognosis in biliary atresia and primary biliary cirrhosis; and important clinical trials in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.


CONCLUSIONS
The studies of 2006 have furthered our understanding of cholestasis and cholestatic syndromes. While we continue to add to our knowledge of pathogenesis and treatment for many of these diseases, much work remains.
O'Leary
Jacqueline G
JG
Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
Pratt
Daniel S
DS
D000818:Animals; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000378:metabolism; D001692:Biological Transport / Q000502:physiology; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde / Q000379:methods*; D002779:Cholestasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D013577:Syndrome; D014580:Ursodeoxycholic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D001647:Bile Acids and Salts; D014580:Ursodeoxycholic Acid; C081331:24-norursodeoxycholic acid