Increased p16(INK4a)-expressing senescent bile ductular cells are associated with inadequate response to ursodeoxycholic acid in primary biliary cholangitis

摘要

Background & aims: Senescent biliary epithelial cells (BECs) may be involved in the pathophysiology of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) by secreting senescence-associated secretory phenotypes. We examined an association of the extent of cellular senescence in BECs with clinicopathological features including response to urso-deoxycholic acid (UDCA) and a possibility of senolytic therapy in PBC.