pathologically by destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts. PBC is largely classified into three
subtypes based on clinical course:(i) gradually progressive,(ii) portal hypertension, and (iii)
hepatic failure. Previous studies have indicated that serum levels of the pro-inflammatory
cytokine TNF-α, is elevated in PBC patients with fibrosis. Although the severity of cholangitis
might also be related to the PBC subtype, its etiology has been unclear. Several studies …