Serum interleukin‑17 levels predict inflammatory activity in patients with autoimmune hepatitis.

INTRODUCTION    The etiology of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is unclear, with molecular mimicry between host and viral/drug antigens being the most plausible mechanism initiating the immune cascade that induces hepatocyte injury. Finding a serologic parameter that closely relates to the liver histology would be beneficial for monitoring AIH activity and optimizing treatment. OBJECTIVES    We studied serum interleukin (IL)-17 levels and IL‑17 activators (IL‑6 and transforming growth factor β1 [TGF-β1]) in treatment-naive and immunosuppressed patients with AIH.

[Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis--current treatment options].

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the term used to describe the distinct clinical entity in which the liver biopsy findings are similar to that observed in alcoholic hepatitis, but patients lack a history of significant alcohol consumption. The most widely supported theory implicates insulin resistance as the key mechanism leading first to hepatic steatosis, and next to steatohepatitis. In spite of lacking proof by EBM (evidence based medicine) and effective therapy for NASH, modification of risk factors, such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, and good diabetic control is generally recommended.