For apoptosis factors, compared with the control group, Caspase 3 and Caspase 8 in the MCE group, P53 in the PBC group and Caspase 3, Caspase 8 and P53 in the MCE + PBC group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), besides, BCL-2 was significantly up-regulated in the MCE group (P < 0.05) (Fig. 8B). This evidence concerns the gene CASP8 and primary biliary cholangitis.