Causes Of Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is a very rare chronic disease that affects the liver. It occurs when the immune system mistakes the liver for a foreign invader and attacks it. Over time, these attacks can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and even organ failure. Treatment and monitoring are crucial to prevent these dire consequences. There are two different types of autoimmune hepatitis. Type 1 can affect anyone of any age, although it is important to note it is extremely uncommon. Type 2 is typically diagnosed in children and usually does not develop in adulthood. Both types have a variety of causes, from heredity to viral infections.

Genetics

One of the underlying causes of autoimmune hepatitis is genetics. A family history of this disease or other autoimmune diseases increases an individual's risk of developing autoimmune hepatitis. Scientists have not yet discovered specific gene mutations that might cause it. However, autoimmune hepatitis does seem to run in families, indicating there is likely an inherited gene mutation associated with it. With the advances in modern genomics, there may be a way to test for this gene mutation in the near future. Someone who has this gene mutation would not necessarily develop autoimmune hepatitis. Rather, they would be more susceptible than the average person. Genetic susceptibility is just one of many factors that contribute to causing the disease.

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Environmental Factors

In the case of autoimmune hepatitis, genes and environmental factors seem to work together to cause an immune reaction. Someone can have the genetic makeup to develop autoimmune hepatitis but never get sick. This, scientists believe, is because the damaged genes require an environmental trigger to become activated. It is not possible, however, to avoid these environmental triggers, for the most part. The environmental factors that cause autoimmune hepatitis are things like viruses and certain medications. Everyone comes down with viruses sometimes, even despite meticulous hygiene. Medications are sometimes necessary, and there is no way to predict if a certain one will cause an autoimmune disease.

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