Combined features of low phospholipid-associated cholelithiasis and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis 3

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Adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette, subfamily B, member 4 (ABCB4) gene alterations can cause two distinct clinical entities: progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3) and low phospholipid-associated cholelithiasis (LPAC). Based on the findings in two siblings and a review of the literature, we aimed to identify determinants of disease phenotypic traits associated with ABCB4 gene alterations. Two siblings presented, before the age of 30 years, recurrent symptomatic cholelithiasis and extensive biliary fibrosis that progressed towards portal hypertension and liver failure necessitating liver transplantation. We analysed the sequence of the ABCB4 gene and immunolocalization of the protein in the liver. Sequence analysis of ABCB11, potentially involved in similar symptoms, was also performed. Two heterozygous non-synonymous variants of ABCB4 were found in both siblings. One of them (c.959C>T; p.Ser320Phe) was previously implicated in LPAC and the second one (c.2858C>A; p.Ala953Asp) in PFIC3. Both patients were also heterozygous for the ABCB11 variant Val444Ala, which predisposes to cholestatic disorders. ABCB4 was normally detected at the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes. The review of ABCB4 gene variants reported so far shows that the vast majority of variants causing PFIC3 and LPAC are distinct. Also as a general rule, homozygous variants cause PFIC3 while heterozygous variants lead to LPAC. Combined PFIC3 and LPAC phenotype is a rare clinical event, which may be determined by the coexistence of ABCB4 variants related to both phenotypes and also potentially to the ABCB11 variant. Thus, most of the patients presenting with LPAC are not at a particular risk of developing PFIC3 features in adulthood.