Research advances of DNA methylation in biliary atresia

Biliary atresia (BA) is one of the common causes of neonatal obstructive jaundice and its pathogenesis has remained elusive. It is usually correlated with genetic susceptibility, viral infection, immune injury, toxin and other environmental factors. Further investigations have revealed that abnormal methylation of DNA is involved in inflammation and damage of bile duct. Its potential etiological role in BA is extensively reviewed. Key words: Biliary atresia; DNA; Methylation