These results indicate that the increased expression of gp210 in small bile ducts, which is probably associated with damage to BECs by inflammation, is possibly involved in autoimmune response to gp210 leading to the progression to end-stage hepatic failure in PBC.
The serial quantitation of serum anti-gp210-C-terminal peptide antibodies is useful for monitoring the effect of UDCA and for the early identification of patients at high risk for end-stage hepatic failure.