Is the prevalence of gallstones in chronic liver disease related to degree of liver dysfunction?
Progressive liver dysfunction is a risk factor for gallstones particularly in males. HCV infection and PiZ carriership may further increase biliary lithogenesis.
Cadherin 11 expression is regulated by mediators of inflammation, such as TNFalpha. Since cadherin 11 plays an important role in cartilage destruction in experimental arthritis, down-modulation of cadherin 11 by potent antiinflammatory therapies in humans with arthritis may contribute to halting cartilage damage.