Role of serum organic solute transporter alpha/beta and sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the role of OST-α, OST-β and NTCP in patients with ICP, with a view to determine patients with severe prognosis and to minimize adverse fetal outcomes. Material and methods: Sixty-nine pregnant women diagnosed with ICP and 50 healthy women were included the study. Serum OST-α, OST-β and NTCP were measured using ELISA kits. Results: The median OST-α levels were 176.3 pg/mL in women with ICP and 201 pg/mL in healthy subjects (p = 0.205). The median OST-β levels were found to be 51.17 pg/mL in patients with ICP and 40.9 pg/mL in controls (p = 0.033). Median NTCP levels were 519.7 ng/mL in the ICP group and 483.3 ng/mL in healthy women (p = 0.051). Conclusions: This is the first study to evaluate serum levels of OST-α, OST-β and NTCP in patients with ICP. It is likely that OST-α, OST-β and NTCP contribute to the etiopathogenesis of ICP. Serum OST-α and OST-β levels can be used as diagnostic and monitoring markers of ICP, and the inhibition of these molecules could provide therapeutic benefit in ICP by reducing the circulation of enterohepatic bile acids

The effectiveness of small heterodimer partner and FGF 19 levels in prediction of perinatal morbidity in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

© 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and small heterodimer partner (SHP) are molecules responsible for controlling serum bile acid levels. We designed this study for evaluating the effects of FGF 19 and SHP in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Fifty-six pregnant women having ICP and 20 healthy pregnant women were included in the study. The patients were followed up until delivery in terms of pregnancy-related morbidity/mortality. Serum FGF 19 and SHP levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum FGF 19 and SHP levels were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p:.04, p:.003, respectively). In ROC analysis, SHP level above 1995 ng/L was found effective in predicting the need for neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) follow-up with 53.8% sensitivity and 77.8% specificity. High SHP levels were correlated with perinatal morbidity, mortality and neonatal ICU hospitalisation.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Itching, elevated serum transaminase and serum total bile acid (TBA) levels are the most important clinical and biochemical findings of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and small heterodimer partner (SHP) are molecules–responsible for controlling serum bile acid levels. ICP is associated with preterm labour, asphyxia, foetal distress, stillbirth and preeclampsia. What do the results of this study add? Serum FGF 19 and SHP levels were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group. High SHP level was found effective in predicting the need for neonatal intensive care unit and showed a negative correlation with birth week and birth weight. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Checking SHP levels can help to predict perinatal mortality and morbidity. Treatments to be developed through the mechanism of action of FGF 19 and SHP can be promising in the treatment of ICP and other cholestatic liver diseases