Preface

Cholestasis is an impairment of bile secretion which can lead to，or is associated with a large variety of liver diseases. It results in retention of bile acids and other potential toxic biliary constituents in the liver which lead to liver cell injury，hepatocellular apoptosis and/or necrosis and may eventually progress to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Cholestasis is characterized clinically by a large spectrum of manifestations which range from abnormalities of serum biochemistry to jaundice and hepatocellular failure. Therefore，it is not surprising that diagnosis and treatment of cholestasis and cholestatic liver disease involves many disciplines. Therapies are being developed on the basis of new insight into the mechanisms of cholestatic liver injury and the adaptive/compensatory responses to cholestasis. Evidence based clinical management strategies including methods for early diagnosis（e.g.biochemical test，histological examination and imaging）and treatment are needed to improve the prognosis，quality of life and outcome pf patients with cholestatic liver diseases. To this end the contributions of basic scientists and clinicians as exemplified in this book are of great relevance.

The book edited by Professor Lungen Lu and Professor Minde Zeng was written by 55 scientists and clinicians from Shanghai，Beijing，Guangzhou and other areas active and experienced in the field of liver diseases. It compiles in an informative and profound way the most recent advances in our understanding of cellular and molecular pathology with recommendations for diagnosis and therapy. It is a valuable source of information for both biomedical scientists and clinicians from various disciplines. The innovative concept of the text book，which combines basic and clinical aspects，promises wide acceptance and hopefully，will stimulate young scientists and medical doctors to join an area which is intellectually challenging，fascinating and of great medical relevance. There is no doubt that a book of this kind is needed and should receive wide-spread distribution.

Prof. Gustav Paumgartner，MD

University Hospital Munich-Grosshadern

Marchioninistr. 15

D-81377 Munich，Germany.