Increased expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with autoimmune hepatitis

ABSTRACT

Background: Previous studies have indicated an elevated level of serum Interleukin [IL]-22 in patients with autoimmune hepatitis [AIH]. However, there are no experimental data on the master transcription factor [aryl hydrocarbon receptor] that plays an important role in the development of T helper type 22 [Th22] cells as major producers of IL-22. The aim of the present study was to examine the expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in patients with AIH and in normal controls