Screening of anti-mitochondrial antibody subtype M2 in residents at least 18 years of age in an urban district of Shanghai, China.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of anti-mitochondrial antibody subtype M2 (AMA-M2) in a healthy population, and characterize the clinical features and risk factors of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: AMA-M2 was screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 19012 residents who received health checkup in Xuhui District of Shanghai. Other relevant liver biochemical markers and responses to questionnaires were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Total 133 residents (about 0.73% of the 19012 residents) were detected AMA-M2, including 33 males (0.40%) and 100 females (0.94%). PBC was confirmed in 25 residents. Pollution and household smoking were found to be related to PBC. In addition, the prevalence of M2 antibody was found significantly higher in the residents living near viaducts, especially the intersection region of multiple viaducts, than those who lives in other regions. CONCLUSIONS: Although the incidence of PBC is low, it is not a rare disease, and PBC may be associated with the living environment and genetic factors.