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An enzyme found in the liver that helps convert proteins into energy for the liver cells. When the liver is damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream and levels increase
A protein made in the liver that enters your bloodstream and keeps fluid from leaking out of your blood vessels into other tissues; when levels drop, may suggest cirrhosis development
An enzyme found in the liver and bone, which is important for breaking down proteins; elevated levels could mean liver disease
Antibodies are proteins that the body releases to identify and neutralize harmful molecules in the body such as bacteria and viruses; AMAs are antibodies that attack the membranes of certain cells and are seen in most, but not all, people who have primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)
An accumulation of fluid in the abdominal area of the body that is a symptom of later-phase primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)
An enzyme that helps the body break down amino acids; AST can be elevated as a result of damage to tissues of the body, including the liver. AST is also known as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase
A disorder where the body attacks its own cells as if they were a virus or bacteria
A condition in which the body’s immune system attacks liver cells, leading to inflammation of the liver
A disorder causing chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland, which may affect its function
A fluid made in the liver and stored in the gallbladder; when released by the liver, bile helps with digestion
Tubes in the body that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine; in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), bile ducts are damaged, which can cause bile to build up in the liver. Bile buildup can become toxic and can further damage the bile ducts
A yellow bile pigment formed during the breakdown of red blood cells, it’s processed by the liver and excreted in stool; when the liver is not working properly, bile can accumulate in the blood and tissues of the body and can make the skin, and sometimes the eyes, appear yellow (jaundice)
A biological substance which is easily measurable and can help indicate that there is an underlying medical condition
Difficulty in concentrating and processing information and short-term memory lapses
A disorder in which individuals are not able to tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, leaving individuals unable to absorb nutrients
Inflammation of the bile ducts
Slowing down or stopping the normal flow of bile
Lasts a long time and does not go away
A serious condition of the liver where the organ stops working because of an accumulation of scar tissue; cirrhosis can cause chronic liver failure and may require a liver transplant
A noninvasive diagnostic imaging test that uses X-ray technology to produce images of the inside of the body and provide information about injury, disease, or changes to the liver, gallbladder, and biliary tract; it can also be important in identifying complications of the disease such as esophageal varices and ascites
A disorder that results in hardening of the skin and consists of calcinosis, Raynaud’s disease, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia syndrome
A mental state characterized by feelings of sadness, despair, and discouragement; depression can range from normal feelings of “the blues” to a serious disorder that interferes with daily life
A protein molecule that helps facilitate chemical reactions in the body
A noninvasive ultrasound-based test used to measure liver scarring (fibrosis)
The formation of excessive fibrous tissue in response to tissue damage
When the body holds on to liquids that otherwise would be removed; the liquids accumulate and can cause swelling
This enzyme is typically the first liver enzyme to rise in the blood when bile ducts become obstructed and is used as a confirmatory test to determine if the high alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is due to liver disease
Cancer of the liver
The increase of immune cells to a particular group of cells or tissues as a response to cellular injury; typically involves pain, heat, redness, and swelling
Passed from parent to child through the genes
A yellow appearance of the skin and/or eyes caused by having too much bilirubin in the body
A procedure that removes a small amount of tissue from the liver; the sample can then be closely looked at to make a diagnosis, or to see how damaged the liver may be
Blood tests used to help diagnose and monitor liver disease or damage
A noninvasive diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create images of the liver and bile ducts
A noninvasive diagnostic tool that uses magnets and radio waves to capture detailed images of the liver and biliary tract; it can also reveal the stage of liver fibrosis
These cells help your blood form clots (think scabs when you get a cut). Low platelet counts are common in people with cirrhosis
Abnormally high blood pressure in a major vein of the liver that is a complication of cirrhosis
A chronic disease that damages the bile ducts inside and outside the liver; different from primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), which affects primarily small bile ducts inside the liver
Becoming worse over time
Important compounds in the body that are essential components of cells and tissues
Itching of the skin that can affect a specific spot on the skin or can be felt all over
In the US, a disease is considered rare (or orphan) if it affects fewer than 200,000 people
A disorder that causes a restriction of oxygen flow to the fingers and toes, resulting in discoloration of the skin in response to stress or cold
A disorder in which the joints are chronically inflamed
A disorder in which the body’s moisture‑producing glands, such as the tear ducts of the eyes and saliva glands of the mouth, stop working properly over time
Something that you can feel or experience as a result of a disease or condition; the most common symptoms of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are itching (pruritus) and fatigue (tiredness), but you may also experience dry eyes and mouth, and trouble remembering and concentrating
Enlarged and abnormally windy veins
A fluid made in the liver and stored in the gallbladder; when released by the liver, bile helps with digestion
Tubes in the body that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine; in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), bile ducts are damaged, which can cause bile to build up in the liver. Bile buildup can become toxic and can further damage the bile ducts
The increase of immune cells to a particular group of cells or tissues as a response to cellular injury; typically involves pain, heat, redness, and swelling
Inflammation of the bile ducts
Slowing down or stopping the normal flow of bile
The formation of excessive fibrous tissue in response to tissue damage
A serious condition of the liver where the organ stops working because of an accumulation of scar tissue; cirrhosis can cause chronic liver failure and may require a liver transplant
Lasts a long time and does not go away
Becoming worse over time
Passed from parent to child through the genes
In the US, a disease is considered rare (or orphan) if it affects fewer than 200,000 people
Something that you can feel or experience as a result of a disease or condition; the most common symptoms of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are itching (pruritus) and fatigue (tiredness), but you may also experience dry eyes and mouth, and trouble remembering and concentrating
Itching of the skin that can affect a specific spot on the skin or can be felt all over
Difficulty in concentrating and processing information and short-term memory lapses
A mental state characterized by feelings of sadness, despair, and discouragement; depression can range from normal feelings of “the blues” to a serious disorder that interferes with daily life
A yellow appearance of the skin and/or eyes caused by having too much bilirubin in the body
When the body holds on to liquids that otherwise would be removed; the liquids accumulate and can cause swelling
Enlarged and abnormally windy veins
An accumulation of fluid in the abdominal area of the body that is a symptom of later-phase primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)
Abnormally high blood pressure in a major vein of the liver that is a complication of cirrhosis
Cancer of the liver
A procedure that removes a small amount of tissue from the liver; the sample can then be closely looked at to make a diagnosis, or to see how damaged the liver may be
A biological substance which is easily measurable and can help indicate that there is an underlying medical condition
Blood tests used to help diagnose and monitor liver disease or damage
Important compounds in the body that are essential components of cells and tissues
A protein molecule that helps facilitate chemical reactions in the body
Antibodies are proteins that the body releases to identify and neutralize harmful molecules in the body such as bacteria and viruses; AMAs are antibodies that attack the membranes of certain cells and are seen in most, but not all, people who have primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)
An enzyme found in the liver and bone, which is important for breaking down proteins; elevated levels could mean liver disease
This enzyme is typically the first liver enzyme to rise in the blood when bile ducts become obstructed and is used as a confirmatory test to determine if the high alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is due to liver disease
An enzyme that helps the body break down amino acids; AST can be elevated as a result of damage to tissues of the body, including the liver. AST is also known as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase
An enzyme found in the liver that helps convert proteins into energy for the liver cells. When the liver is damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream and levels increase
A protein made in the liver that enters your bloodstream and keeps fluid from leaking out of your blood vessels into other tissues; when levels drop, may suggest cirrhosis development
These cells help your blood form clots (think scabs when you get a cut). Low platelet counts are common in people with cirrhosis
A yellow bile pigment formed during the breakdown of red blood cells, it’s processed by the liver and excreted in stool; when the liver is not working properly, bile can accumulate in the blood and tissues of the body and can make the skin, and sometimes the eyes, appear yellow (jaundice)
A noninvasive diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create images of the liver and bile ducts
A noninvasive ultrasound-based test used to measure liver scarring (fibrosis)
A noninvasive diagnostic imaging test that uses X-ray technology to produce images of the inside of the body and provide information about injury, disease, or changes to the liver, gallbladder, and biliary tract; it can also be important in identifying complications of the disease such as esophageal varices and ascites
A noninvasive diagnostic tool that uses magnets and radio waves to capture detailed images of the liver and biliary tract; it can also reveal the stage of liver fibrosis
A disorder where the body attacks its own cells as if they were a virus or bacteria
A condition in which the body’s immune system attacks liver cells, leading to inflammation of the liver
A disorder causing chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland, which may affect its function
A disorder in which individuals are not able to tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, leaving individuals unable to absorb nutrients
A disorder that results in hardening of the skin and consists of calcinosis, Raynaud’s disease, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia syndrome
A chronic disease that damages the bile ducts inside and outside the liver; different from primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), which affects primarily small bile ducts inside the liver
A disorder that causes a restriction of oxygen flow to the fingers and toes, resulting in discoloration of the skin in response to stress or cold
A disorder in which the joints are chronically inflamed
A disorder in which the body’s moisture‑producing glands, such as the tear ducts of the eyes and saliva glands of the mouth, stop working properly over time
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