Association of Autophagy-Related Gene ۵ (ATG۵) With Neonatal Cholestasis in Egyptian Pediatric Patients

Background & Objective: Neonatal cholestasis (NC) occurs in approximately ۱ in ۲۵۰۰ live births. Autophagy-related gene ۵ (ATG۵) is a central component of the autophagy machinery, particularly in autophagosome formation. The autophagic process regulated by ATG۵ has been implicated in various physiological and pathological conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the role of ATG۵ in NC.Methods: This retrospective study analyzed liver biopsies from ۷۴ patients with NC. Immunohistochemical expression of ATG۵ was assessed in hepatocytes and biliary epithelium.Results: A significant association was observed between intrahepatic cholestasis and the intensity of ATG۵ expression in zone II hepatocytes (P = .۰۲۹). Overexpression of ATG۵ in hepatocytes was significantly associated with mild portal tract fibrosis (P = .۰۳۸) and mild lymphocytic infiltrates (P = .۰۰۵).Conclusion: ATG۵ appears to contribute to the pathogenesis of NC in Egyptian infants. These findings may provide a basis for further research into novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

کلیدواژه ها:

ATG۵ ، Neonatal cholestasis ، Immunohistochemical ، Biliary atresia ، Jaundice