Association of HLA-DRB1 Alleles and Autoimmune Hepatitis in Turkish Patients

Abstract

Objectives: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) which is characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia and a wide range of circulating auto antibodies is a necro-inflammatory liver disease of unknown aetiology. Immunogenetic studies have shown the association of autoimmunity with HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) alleles. Furthermore, they have shown a decrease in the expression of HLA antigens on lymphocyte surface and a dysregulation of gene expression arranged by HLA. A significant association is found between AIH and HLA-DRB1(star)03, (star)04 and (star)13 alleles in various studies. We performed HLA-DRB1 genotyping in Turkish patients with AIH.