Which antibody is associated with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)?

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease characterized by the progressive destruction of small and medium-sized bile ducts within the liver. One of the hallmark serological findings in patients with PBC is the presence of anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMAs). These antibodies target components of the mitochondria, specifically the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, and their presence is considered a key biomarker for the diagnosis of PBC.

In clinical practice, the detection of anti-mitochondrial antibodies helps to differentiate PBC from other liver diseases with overlapping symptoms. The majority of patients with PBC (around 90%) will test positive for these antibodies, making them a significant serological marker for this condition. Their presence is also involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, which is characterized by autoimmune-mediated damage to the bile ducts.

While other antibodies, such as anti-nuclear antibodies and anti-smooth muscle antibodies, may be present in various autoimmune conditions, they are not specific for PBC and are more typically associated with other disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or autoimmune hepatitis, respectively. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies are usually seen in conditions such as vascul