Recent developments in the pathophysiology of cholestasis

The past decade has brought tremendous growth in the understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in cholestasis, both at the genetic and acquired levels. The discovery and characterization of an array of hepatobiliary transport proteins, the nuclear receptors that regulate them, and the potential clinical implications of these defective, altered, or variably expressed proteins are the key elements of our current understanding of cholestasis. It is hoped that future studies will enhance therapeutic options and the ability to care for patients with cholestatic disorders.