Protective potential of the gallbladder in primary sclerosing cholangitis
Nora Cazzagon, Ester Gonzalez‐Sanchez, Haquima El-Mourabit, Dominique Wendum, Dominique Rainteau, Lydie Humbert, Christophe Corpechot, Olivier Chazouillères, Lionel Arrivé, Chantal Housset, Sara Lemoinne
Abstract
Background & Aims: Gallbladder enlargement is common in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The gallbladder may confer hepatoprotection against bile acid overload, through the sequestration and cholecystohepatic shunt of bile acids. The aim of this study was to assess the potential impact of the gallbladder on disease features and bile acid homeostasis in PSC. Methods: knockout mouse model of PSC. Results: knockout mice, cholecystectomy caused an increase in hepatic bile acid content and in circulating secondary bile acids, and an aggravation in cholangitis, inflammation and liver fibrosis. Conclusion: Altogether, our findings indicate that the gallbladder fulfills protective functions in PSC. Impact and implications: knockout mouse model of PSC, cholecystectomy causes an aggravation of cholangitis and liver fibrosis. Overall, our results suggest that the gallbladder plays a protective role in PSC.