Interference with the lower gut-liver axis induces remission of primary sclerosing cholangitis in a patient with ulcerative colitis

Abstract

The gut-liver axis describes the complex interactions between gut microbiota, the small and large bowel, the immune system and the liver. Current evidence associates abnormalities within the gut-liver axis with liver disease such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). PSC is believed to be an immune-mediated disease though the exact mechanism of its pathogenesis remains unknown. Here, we report a case of a 66 -year-old woman with treatment-resistant ulcerative colitis and PSC which continued to be active following subtotal colectomy. Interestingly, her PSC achieved full remission after proctectomy for treatment-resistant proctitis in the rectal stump. This case report supports existing hypotheses that PSC is an immune-mediated disease triggered by antigens within the gut. More notably, it suggests the yet unidentified pathogens may be localised to the lower gastrointestinal tract including the rectum.