What causes intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy?

After a woman becomes pregnant, her body functions will change quietly due to changes in hormone levels and physical constitution. The different physical constitutions of women largely determine whether some diseases will occur. Next, let's take a look at the causes of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

1. Placenta synthesizes estrogen during pregnancy

The estrogen level in pregnant women increases significantly. Estrogen can reduce the activity of Na+-K+-ATPase, reduce energy supply, and lead to bile acid metabolism disorders; estrogen can increase the ratio of cholesterol to phospholipids in the liver cell membrane, reduce fluidity, affect the permeability to bile acid, and block the outflow of bile; estrogen acts on the estrogen receptors on the surface of liver cells, changes liver cell protein synthesis, and leads to increased bile reflux. The combined effect of the above factors may lead to the occurrence of ICP. Clinical studies believe that estrogen is not the only factor causing ICP. It may be caused by abnormal estrogen metabolism and the liver's high sensitivity to the physiological increase in estrogen during pregnancy.

2. Genetic and environmental factors

Epidemiological studies have found that the incidence of ICP is related to the season, with a higher incidence in winter than in summer. The incidence of ICP is also significantly increased in women whose mothers or sisters have a history of ICP, indicating that genetic and environmental factors play a role in the occurrence of ICP.

3.Medications

Some drugs that reduce bile transport through the bile ducts, such as azathioprine taken after kidney transplantation, can cause ICP.