This supports the idea that the underlying cause of ICP is a disturbance in liver metabolism, caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Jaco Terme
A recent international study sheds new light on these mechanisms. The study collected extensive genetic data from more than 4,700 women with a history of ICP and a control group of more than 436,000 women from Finland, Iceland, Estonia and Denmark.
“We have identified a total of 26 genetic regions associated with this condition, including ten regions that have not been previously reported. Genes in these regions influence how the liver processes bile acids, fats and cholesterol. This supports the idea that the underlying cause of ICP is a disturbance in liver metabolism, caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy,” says postdoctoral research fellow Jacco Terme, affiliated with both the University of Tampere and the University of Oulu.
In addition to identifying new genetic risk factors for ICP, researchers have investigated other conditions associated with the disorder. Women with a history of ICP have been found to be more likely to develop diseases of the liver and bile ducts, including fatty liver disease, gallstones, and cholangitis. They also had a higher risk of developing some autoimmune diseases — such as Crohn’s disease — as well Thyroid disorders and Type 2 diabetes.
“Our analyzes also suggest a possible common genetic basis between pancreatitis and pancreatitis, namely inflammation of the pancreas, meaning that the same genetic susceptibility may increase the risk of both conditions. This is a new finding that, to our knowledge, has not been previously reported. However, more studies are needed to better understand this association,” Terme says.
The results hold promise for identifying at-risk groups, improving diagnosis and treatment, and supporting early identification of related conditions.
source: University of Tampere
