Velázquez-Miranda E, Díaz-Muñoz M, Vázquez-Cuevas FG. Purinergic signaling in hepatic disease.
Purinergic Signal 2019;
15:477-489. [PMID:
31576486 DOI:
10.1007/s11302-019-09680-3]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular purines (ATP and adenosine) are ubiquitous intercellular messengers. During tissular damage, they function as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). In this context, purines announce tissue alterations to initiate a reparative response that involve the formation of the inflammasome complex and the recruitment of specialized cells of the immune system. The present review focuses on the role of the purinergic system in liver damage, mainly during the onset and development of fibrosis. After hepatocellular injury, extracellular ATP promotes a signaling cascade that ameliorates tissue alterations to restore the hepatic function. However, if cellular damage becomes chronic, ATP orchestrates an aberrant reparative process that results in severe liver diseases such as fibrosis and cirrhosis. ATP and adenosine, their receptors, and extracellular ectonucleotidases are mediators of unique processes that will be reviewed in detail.
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