1
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Campana L, Esser H, Huch M, Forbes S. Liver regeneration and inflammation: from fundamental science to clinical applications. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:608-624. [PMID: 34079104 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-021-00373-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Liver regeneration is a complex process involving the crosstalk of multiple cell types, including hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, endothelial cells and inflammatory cells. The healthy liver is mitotically quiescent, but following toxic damage or resection the cells can rapidly enter the cell cycle to restore liver mass and function. During this process of regeneration, epithelial and non-parenchymal cells respond in a tightly coordinated fashion. Recent studies have described the interaction between inflammatory cells and a number of other cell types in the liver. In particular, macrophages can support biliary regeneration, contribute to fibrosis remodelling by repressing hepatic stellate cell activation and improve liver regeneration by scavenging dead or dying cells in situ. In this Review, we describe the mechanisms of tissue repair following damage, highlighting the close relationship between inflammation and liver regeneration, and discuss how recent findings can help design novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Campana
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hannah Esser
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Meritxell Huch
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stuart Forbes
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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2
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Matsuda M, Seki E. The liver fibrosis niche: Novel insights into the interplay between fibrosis-composing mesenchymal cells, immune cells, endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 143:111556. [PMID: 32640349 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a hepatic wound-healing response caused by chronic liver diseases that include viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and cholestatic liver disease. Liver fibrosis eventually progresses to cirrhosis that is histologically characterized by an abnormal liver architecture that includes distortion of liver parenchyma, formation of regenerative nodules, and a massive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Despite intensive investigations into the underlying mechanisms of liver fibrosis, developments of anti-fibrotic therapies for liver fibrosis are still unsatisfactory. Recent novel experimental approaches, such as single-cell RNA sequencing and proteomics, have revealed the heterogeneity of ECM-producing cells (mesenchymal cells) and ECM-regulating cells (immune cells and endothelial cells). These approaches have accelerated the identification of fibrosis-specific subpopulations among these cell types. The ECM also consists of heterogenous components. Their production, degradation, deposition, and remodeling are dynamically regulated in liver fibrosis, further affecting the functions of cells responsible for fibrosis. These cellular and ECM elements cooperatively form a unique microenvironment: a fibrotic niche. Understanding the complex interplay between these elements could lead to a better understanding of underlying fibrosis mechanisms and to the development of effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michitaka Matsuda
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Ekihiro Seki
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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3
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Leite C, Starosta RT, Trindade EN, Trindade MRM, Álvares-da-Silva MR, Cerski CTS. Corrected integrated density: a novel method for liver elastic fibers quantification in chronic hepatitis C. SURGICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s42047-020-0055-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Elastic fibers deposition is triggered during liver fibrosis and is related to worse clinical prognosis in chronic hepatitis C patients. This study aimed to verify if a new method for elastic fiber quantification can be used to discriminate between different degrees of fibrosis in liver biopsies of patients with hepatitis C.
Methods
Individuals presenting with different degrees of fibrosis in liver biopsy were included. Slides of liver samples were stained with orcein with and without prior oxidation. Morphometric analysis was proceeded, and quantification accomplished by corrected integrated density.
Results
Twenty-seven patients, mean age 52 years-old, 59% women, were included. Elastic fibers density was higher in advanced fibrosis patients and there was a positive correlation with Metavir score (Spearman r = 0.609, p < 0.001), as well as with the noninvasive scores Fib-4 (Pearson r = 0.46, p = 0.029) and APRI (r = 0.52, p = 0.01).
Conclusion
Morphometric analysis by corrected integrated density demonstrates that elastic fibers abundance is higher in advanced stage of fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C.
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Karsdal MA, Henriksen K, Genovese F, Leeming DJ, Nielsen MJ, Riis BJ, Christiansen C, Byrjalsen I, Schuppan D. Serum endotrophin identifies optimal responders to PPARγ agonists in type 2 diabetes. Diabetologia 2017; 60:50-59. [PMID: 27631136 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-016-4094-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS The treatment of type 2 diabetes with full peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists improves insulin sensitivity, but is associated with weight gain, heart failure, peripheral oedema and bone loss. Endotrophin, the C-terminal fragment of the α3 chain of procollagen type VI (also called Pro-C6), is involved in both adipose tissue matrix remodelling and metabolic control. We established a serum assay for endotrophin to assess if this novel adipokine could identify type 2 diabetic patients who respond optimally to PPARγ agonists, improving the risk-to-benefit ratio. METHODS The BALLET trial (NCT00515632) compared the glucose-lowering effects and safety of the partial PPARγ agonist balaglitazone with those of pioglitazone in individuals with type 2 diabetes on stable insulin therapy. The per protocol population (n = 297) was stratified into tertiles based on baseline endotrophin levels. Participants were followed-up after 26 weeks, after which correlational analysis was carried out between endotrophin levels and measures of glucose control. This is a secondary post hoc analysis. RESULTS Endotrophin was significantly associated with therapeutic response to balaglitazone and pioglitazone. At week 26, only individuals in the upper two tertiles showed significant reductions in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose compared with baseline. The OR for a 1% and a 0.5% reduction in HbA1c for individuals in the upper two tertiles were 3.83 (95% CI 1.62, 9.04) p < 0.01, and 3.85 (95% CI 1.94, 7.61) p < 0.001, respectively. Endotrophin levels correlated with adipose tissue mass, insulin resistance and fatty liver index. Notably, PPARγ-associated adverse effects, such as moderate-to-severe lower extremity oedema, only occurred in the lower tertile. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Elevated endotrophin serum levels predict response to two insulin sensitisers and reduce the risk of associated adverse effects, thereby, identifying patients with type 2 diabetes who may profit from PPARγ agonist treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten A Karsdal
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev Hovedgade 207, DK-2730, Herlev, Denmark.
| | - Kim Henriksen
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev Hovedgade 207, DK-2730, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Federica Genovese
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev Hovedgade 207, DK-2730, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Diana J Leeming
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev Hovedgade 207, DK-2730, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Mette J Nielsen
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev Hovedgade 207, DK-2730, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Bente J Riis
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev Hovedgade 207, DK-2730, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Claus Christiansen
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev Hovedgade 207, DK-2730, Herlev, Denmark
- Center for Clinical and Basic Research (CCBR), Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Inger Byrjalsen
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev Hovedgade 207, DK-2730, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center of Immune Therapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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5
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Hammam OA, Elkhafif N, Attia YM, Mansour MT, Elmazar MM, Abdelsalam RM, Kenawy SA, El-Khatib AS. Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with praziquantel as a potential therapy for Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21005. [PMID: 26876222 PMCID: PMC4753476 DOI: 10.1038/srep21005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is one of the most serious consequences of S. mansoni infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential anti-fibrotic effect of human Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs) combined with praziquantel (PZQ) in S. mansoni-infected mice. S. mansoni-infected mice received early (8th week post infection) and late (16th week post infection) treatment with WJMSCs, alone and combined with oral PZQ. At the 10th month post infection, livers were collected for subsequent flow cytometric, histopathological, morphometric, immunohistochemical, gene expression, and gelatin zymographic studies. After transplantation, WJMSCs differentiated into functioning liver-like cells as evidenced by their ability to express human hepatocyte-specific markers. Regression of S. mansoni-induced liver fibrosis was also observed in transplanted groups, as evidenced by histopathological, morphometric, and gelatin zymographic results besides decreased expression of three essential contributors to liver fibrosis in this particular model; alpha smooth muscle actin, collagen-I, and interleukin-13. PZQ additionally enhanced the beneficial effects observed in WJMSCs-treated groups. Our results suggest that combining WJMSCs to PZQ caused better enhancement in S. mansoni-induced liver fibrosis, compared to using each alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olfat A Hammam
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Nagwa Elkhafif
- Department of Electron Microscopy, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Yasmeen M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt (BUE), El-Sherouk City, P.O. Box 43, Cairo 11837, Egypt
| | - Mohamed T Mansour
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini, Cairo 11712, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Elmazar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt (BUE), El-Sherouk City, P.O. Box 43, Cairo 11837, Egypt
| | - Rania M Abdelsalam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Sanaa A Kenawy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Aiman S El-Khatib
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini, Cairo 11562, Egypt
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6
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Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells are resident perisinusoidal cells distributed throughout the liver, with a remarkable range of functions in normal and injured liver. Derived embryologically from septum transversum mesenchyme, their precursors include submesothelial cells that invade the liver parenchyma from the hepatic capsule. In normal adult liver, their most characteristic feature is the presence of cytoplasmic perinuclear droplets that are laden with retinyl (vitamin A) esters. Normal stellate cells display several patterns of intermediate filaments expression (e.g., desmin, vimentin, and/or glial fibrillary acidic protein) suggesting that there are subpopulations within this parental cell type. In the normal liver, stellate cells participate in retinoid storage, vasoregulation through endothelial cell interactions, extracellular matrix homeostasis, drug detoxification, immunotolerance, and possibly the preservation of hepatocyte mass through secretion of mitogens including hepatocyte growth factor. During liver injury, stellate cells activate into alpha smooth muscle actin-expressing contractile myofibroblasts, which contribute to vascular distortion and increased vascular resistance, thereby promoting portal hypertension. Other features of stellate cell activation include mitogen-mediated proliferation, increased fibrogenesis driven by connective tissue growth factor, and transforming growth factor beta 1, amplified inflammation and immunoregulation, and altered matrix degradation. Evolving areas of interest in stellate cell biology seek to understand mechanisms of their clearance during fibrosis resolution by either apoptosis, senescence, or reversion, and their contribution to hepatic stem cell amplification, regeneration, and hepatocellular cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan E Puche
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York, New York
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7
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Van Rossen E, Liu Z, Blijweert D, Eysackers N, Mannaerts I, Schroyen B, El Taghdouini A, Edwards B, Davies KE, Sokal E, Najimi M, Reynaert H, van Grunsven LA. Syncoilin is an intermediate filament protein in activated hepatic stellate cells. Histochem Cell Biol 2013; 141:85-99. [PMID: 24043511 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-013-1142-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play an important role in several (patho)physiologic conditions in the liver. In response to chronic injury, HSCs are activated and change from quiescent to myofibroblast-like cells with contractile properties. This shift in phenotype is accompanied by a change in expression of intermediate filament (IF) proteins. HSCs express a broad, but variable spectrum of IF proteins. In muscle, syncoilin was identified as an alpha-dystrobrevin binding protein with sequence homology to IF proteins. We investigated the expression of syncoilin in mouse and human HSCs. Syncoilin expression in isolated and cultured HSCs was studied by qPCR, Western blotting, and fluorescence immunocytochemistry. Syncoilin expression was also evaluated in other primary liver cell types and in in vivo-activated HSCs as well as total liver samples from fibrotic mice and cirrhotic patients. Syncoilin mRNA was present in human and mouse HSCs and was highly expressed in in vitro- and in vivo-activated HSCs. Syncoilin protein was strongly upregulated during in vitro activation of HSCs and undetectable in hepatocytes and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells. Syncoilin mRNA levels were elevated in both CCl4- and common bile duct ligation-treated mice. Syncoilin immunocytochemistry revealed filamentous staining in activated mouse HSCs that partially colocalized with α-smooth muscle actin, β-actin, desmin, and α-tubulin. We show that in the liver, syncoilin is predominantly expressed by activated HSCs and displays very low-expression levels in other liver cell types, making it a good marker of activated HSCs. During in vitro activation of mouse HSCs, syncoilin is able to form filamentous structures or at least to closely interact with existing cellular filaments.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Van Rossen
- Liver Cell Biology Lab, Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium,
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8
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Peng B, Huang X, Nakayasu ES, Petersen JR, Qiu S, Almeida IC, Zhang JY. Using immunoproteomics to identify alpha-enolase as an autoantigen in liver fibrosis. J Proteome Res 2013; 12:1789-96. [PMID: 23458688 DOI: 10.1021/pr3011342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from extracellular matrix accumulation during the wound healing process when the liver is insulted with chronic viral infection, inflammation, or alcoholic diseases. The current diagnosis of liver fibrosis is mainly dependent on biopsy, which is an invasive approach. Identification of serological biomarkers has been considered as the most promising way for early detection of the disease. Although several biomarkers in liver fibrosis have been identified, the problem is that these markers can be also detected in fibrogenesis that occurred in other organs. In this study, we have identified and characterized some cellular proteins that can be recognized by autoantibodies in the sera from patients with precirrhotic stage of liver fibrosis. Among 180 sera from patients with liver fibrosis, 14.4% (26/180) of sera contained autoantibody against a protein migrating around 47 kDa on SDS-PAGE gel. Indirect immunofluorescence assay using purified autoantibody against the 47-kDa protein showed that this protein mainly localized in the cytoplasm. Using immunoproteomic approach, the 47-kDa protein was identified as alpha-enolase. In further study, the frequency of antialpha-enolase antibody in sera from patients with precirrhotic stage of liver fibrosis (21.6%, 27/125) was significantly higher than that in sera from patients with cirrhosis (9.1%, 5/55) and liver cancer (14.3%, 12/84), as well as in sera from healthy individuals (4.1%, 3/74). Therefore, alpha-enolase is an autoantigen that elicits autoimmune response in liver fibrosis and can be a potential prognostic factor for liver fibrosis diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Peng
- Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso , El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
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9
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Pellicoro A, Ramachandran P, Iredale JP. Reversibility of liver fibrosis. FIBROGENESIS & TISSUE REPAIR 2012; 5:S26. [PMID: 23259590 PMCID: PMC3368758 DOI: 10.1186/1755-1536-5-s1-s26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, and its end stage cirrhosis are a major cause of morbidity and mortality and therapeutic options are limited. However, the traditional view of liver disease as an irreversible process is obsolete and it is now evident that the development of liver fibrosis is a dynamic and potentially bidirectional process. Spontaneous resolution of scarring is seen in animal models of liver fibrosis and in human trials in which the stimuli responsible for chronic or repeated hepatic inflammation is successfully removed. Key players in the process are hepatic stellate cells, macrophages, MMPs and their inhibitors Timps. It is also evident that in advanced fibrotic liver disease, specific histological features define what is currently described as "irreversible" fibrosis. This includes the development of paucicellular scars enriched in extensively cross-linked matrix components, such as fibrillar collagen and elastin. Our recent work has focused on the role of macrophage metalloelastase (MMP-12) in the turnover of elastin in reversible and irreversible models of fibrosis. We have shown that elastin turnover in liver injury and fibrosis is regulated by macrophages via Mmp-12 expression, activity and ratio to its inhibitor Timp-1. Failure of elastin degradation, together with increased deposition leads to accumulation of elastin in the fibrotic scars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Pellicoro
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Prakash Ramachandran
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - John P Iredale
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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10
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Hammad MA, Abdel-Bakky MS, Walker LA, Ashfaq MK. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein and tissue factor are involved in monocrotaline/lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatotoxicity. Arch Toxicol 2011; 85:1079-89. [PMID: 21279329 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-011-0649-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2010] [Accepted: 01/11/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
These studies were aimed at characterizing an animal model of inflammation-induced hepatotoxicity that would mimic features of idiosyncratic liver toxicity observed in humans. An attempt was made to identify oxidative damage and the involvement of coagulation system in liver after monocrotaline (MCT) administration under the modest inflammatory condition induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. Mice were given MCT (200 mg/kg) or an equivalent volume of sterile saline (Veh.) po followed 4 h later by ip injection of LPS (6 mg/kg) or vehicle. Mice co-treated with MCT and LPS showed increased plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), decrease in platelet number, and a reduction in hematocrit. Accumulation of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was remarkably higher in the liver sections of mice co-treated with MCT and LPS compared to those given MCT or LPS alone. A similar trend was observed in the expression of CXCL16 receptor in the same liver sections. Elevated expression of tissue factor (TF) and fibrinogen was also observed in the liver sections of MCT/LPS co-treated mice. The in vitro results showed that incubation of HepG2 cells with CXCL16 antibody strongly diminished uptake of ox-LDL. Expression of ox-LDL, CXCL16, and TF represents an early event in the onset of hepatotoxicity induced by MCT/LPS; thus, it may contribute to our understanding of idiosyncratic liver injury and points to potential targets for protection or intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Hammad
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
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11
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Ye Z, Houssein HSH, Mahato RI. Bioconjugation of oligonucleotides for treating liver fibrosis. Oligonucleotides 2008; 17:349-404. [PMID: 18154454 DOI: 10.1089/oli.2007.0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from chronic liver injury due to hepatitis B and C, excessive alcohol ingestion, and metal ion overload. Fibrosis culminates in cirrhosis and results in liver failure. Therefore, a potent antifibrotic therapy is urgently needed to reverse scarring and eliminate progression to cirrhosis. Although activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) remain the principle cell type responsible for liver fibrosis, perivascular fibroblasts of portal and central veins as well as periductular fibroblasts are other sources of fibrogenic cells. This review will critically discuss various treatment strategies for liver fibrosis, including prevention of liver injury, reduction of inflammation, inhibition of HSC activation, degradation of scar matrix, and inhibition of aberrant collagen synthesis. Oligonucleotides (ODNs) are short, single-stranded nucleic acids, which disrupt expression of target protein by binding to complementary mRNA or forming triplex with genomic DNA. Triplex forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) provide an attractive strategy for treating liver fibrosis. A series of TFOs have been developed for inhibiting the transcription of alpha1(I) collagen gene, which opens a new area for antifibrotic drugs. There will be in-depth discussion on the use of TFOs and how different bioconjugation strategies can be utilized for their site-specific delivery to HSCs or hepatocytes for enhanced antifibrotic activities. Various insights developed in individual strategy and the need for multipronged approaches will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Ye
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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12
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Liu KZ, Man A, Shaw RA, Liang B, Xu Z, Gong Y. Molecular determination of liver fibrosis by synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2006; 1758:960-7. [PMID: 16806057 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2006.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2006] [Revised: 05/08/2006] [Accepted: 05/09/2006] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an adaptive response to various injuries and may eventually progress to cirrhosis. Although there are several non-invasive methods available to monitor the progression of liver fibrogenesis, they cannot reliably detect fibrosis in its early stages, when the process can be stopped or reversed by removing or eliminating the underlying etiological agent that cause the hepatic injury. In this study, early fibrosis alterations were characterized biochemically, morphologically, and spectroscopically in a rat bile duct ligation (BDL) model. Progressive elevations in serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and bilirubin levels in the BDL rats were found indicating the dynamic deterioration of hepatocellular function. Immunofluorescence microscopy using monoclonal anti-collagen III antibody further revealed abnormal intertwined networks of collagen fibres surrounding the portal areas and extending into the lobules towards the central veins in all BDL samples starting from week one. Synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy of liver sections was exploited to generate false color spectral maps based upon a unique and strong collagen absorption at 1340 cm(- 1), revealing a collagen distribution that correlated very well with corresponding images provided by immunofluorescence imaging. We therefore suggest that infrared microspectroscopy may provide an additional and sensitive means for the early detection of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kan-Zhi Liu
- Institute for Biodiagnostics, National Research Council of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3B 1Y6.
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13
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Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a scaring process leading to cirrhosis, a major complication of numerous chronic liver diseases. Hepatic stellate cells play a central role in the fibrotic process. After parenchymal or biliary injury, cytokines and growth factors allow the recruitment, proliferation, and activation, of stellate cells toward myofibroblasts, which secrete the extracellular matrix. Fibrosis, resulting from the failure of the balance between synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix, is an evolutive and potentially reversible process. Histological examination is the main investigation to quantify fibrosis. Serological tests are warranted to allow a non invasive follow up of patients. Development of antifibrotic therapies should soon permit to slow down the evolution toward cirrhosis, limiting the needs for hepatic transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Lamireau
- Groupe de recherches pour l'étude du foie, Inserm E9917, université Victor-Segalen, département de pédiatrie, hôpital Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France.
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14
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Benyon
- University Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, United Kingdom
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15
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Harrison RF, Hawkins PN, Roche WR, MacMahon RF, Hubscher SG, Buckels JA. 'Fragile' liver and massive hepatic haemorrhage due to hereditary amyloidosis. Gut 1996; 38:151-2. [PMID: 8566845 PMCID: PMC1382995 DOI: 10.1136/gut.38.1.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The first case of amyloidosis is reported in which spontaneous massive hepatic haemorrhage necessitated emergency liver transplantation. Liver transplantation, as a treatment for a failing liver due to amyloidosis has not been previously reported. At transplantation, the liver tissue was uncharacteristically friable, although the subsequent vascular and biliary anastomoses were uncomplicated. Histological examination of the liver showed a surprisingly modest amount of amyloid, which was shown immunohistochemically to be derived from lysozyme, and a striking absence of reticulin staining. Both the patient's father and paternal grandfather had died from spontaneous hepatic haemorrhage, and histological review of their liver tissue showed similarly modest deposition of lysozyme-derived amyloid associated with loss of reticulin staining. In each case the quantity of amyloid was far less than would be expected to interfere with the mechanical integrity of the liver. This is the only report of hepatic disintegration associated with absence of reticulin staining, and it is probable that the mechanism represents a novel secondary effect of the amyloid deposits in the livers of this family.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Harrison
- Department of Pathology, University of Birmingham
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16
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Koukoulis GK, Shen J, Virtanen I, Gould VE. Immunolocalization of cellular fibronectins in the normal liver, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Ultrastruct Pathol 1995; 19:37-43. [PMID: 7770960 DOI: 10.3109/01913129509014601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Cellular (c) fibronectins (Fn) differ biochemically, immunologically, and functionally from plasma fibronectins (pFn). Most existing data on Fn distribution in the normal and diseased liver require revision because those studies were based on reagents that did not distinguish pFn from cFn and predated the development of specific cFn monoclonal antibodies (Mabs). We immunostained cryosections of normal adult livers (n = 5), cirrhotic livers (n = 20), and livers with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (n = 10) by the avidin-biotin-complex method with specific Mabs to the extradomains A and B (EDA, EDB) and oncofetal (Onc) isoforms of cFn. Selected samples were stained with an antiserum to pFn; fetal livers served as controls. Normal and cirrhotic livers showed EDA-cFn staining in the portal, septal, and perisinusoidal matrix; its distribution was more restricted than that of pFn. In cirrhosis, EDA-cFn reactions were strongest at sites of piecemeal necrosis and around proliferating ductules in biliary cirrhosis. EDA-cFn reactions were consistently most intense in the matrix of HCC. Distinct from adult normal and cirrhotic livers, reactions for EDB- and Onc-cFn were noted exclusively in most cases of HCC. We conclude that the only cFn isoform indigenous to the normal adult liver matrix is EDA-cFn. Enhanced EDA-cFn in cirrhotic livers may serve as indicator of active stromal remodeling. The restriction of EDB- and Onc-cFn to a large subset of HCC and the putative role of cFn in modulating cell-matrix adhesive interactions would suggest that the emergence of these molecules may be related to the variably invasive and metastatic properties of these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- G K Koukoulis
- Department of Pathology, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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17
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Ueda T, Kohli Y, Abe Y, Katoh T, Ogasawara T, Nojyo Y, Kashima K. Electron microscopic study of endogenous peroxidase activity in human liver macrophages. Histochem Cell Biol 1995; 103:11-7. [PMID: 7736275 DOI: 10.1007/bf01464470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the conditions of fixation for ultrastructurally demonstrating the endogenous peroxidase (PO) activity of macrophages in biopsied human liver. The application of microwaving and immersion fixation with tannic acid and aldehydes allowed excellent visualization of PO activity in the nuclear envelope (NE), rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER), and cytoplasmic granules (CG), with good preservation of cellular ultrastructures. The macrophages with PO activity showed one of the following five patterns of PO localization: positive in both the NE and rER but negative in the CG (type 1); negative in both the NE and rER but positive in the CG (type 2); negative in the NE but positive in both the rER and CG (type 3); positive in all three (type 4); PO negative (type 5). The type 1 cells resembled typical Kupffer cells, type 2 cells monocytes, and type 3 and 4 cells the exudate-resident macrophages considered to be a transitional form between exudate and resident macrophages. Type 5 cells may also be a transitional form between the exudate and resident macrophage, or an end-stage macrophage derived from exudate macrophages which have lost their PO activity. Tannic-acid-aldehyde immersion fixation with microwaving may be a useful method in the study of the PO activities of macrophages in biopsied human liver specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ueda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fukui Medical School, Japan
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18
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Baloch Z, Klapper J, Buchanan L, Schwartz M, Amenta PS. Ontogenesis of the murine hepatic extracellular matrix: an immunohistochemical study. Differentiation 1992; 51:209-18. [PMID: 1459362 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-0436.1992.tb00698.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
To define the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in hepatogenesis, we examined the temporal and spatial deposition of fibronectin, laminin and collagen types I and IV in 12.5-21.5 day fetal and 1, 7 and 14 day postnatal rat livers. In early fetal liver, discontinuous deposits of the four ECM components studied were present in the perisinusoidal space, with laminin being the most prevalent. All basement membrane zones contained collagen type IV and laminin, including those of the capsule (mesothelial), portal vein radicles and bile ductules. Fibronectin had a distribution similar to that of collagen type IV early in gestation. However, at later gestational dates, fibronectin distribution in the portal triads approached that of collagen type I, being present in the interstitial connective tissues; whereas, collagen type IV and laminin were restricted to vascular and biliary basement membrane zones in those regions. The cytoplasm of some sinusoidal lining cells and hepatocytes reacted with antibodies to extracellular matrix components. By electron microscopy the immunoreactive material was localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, indicating the ability of these cells to synthesize these ECM proteins. Biliary ductular cells had prominent intracytoplasmic staining for laminin and collagen type IV from day 19.5 gestation until 7 days of postnatal life, but lacked demonstrable fibronectin or collagen type I. These results demonstrate that by 12.5 days of gestation the rat liver anlage has deposited a complex extracellular matrix in the perisinusoidal space. The prevalence of laminin in the developing hepatic lobules suggests a possible role for this glycoprotein in hepatic morphogenesis. In view of the intimate association of the hepatic lobular extracellular matrix with the developing vasculature, we hypothesize that laminin provides a scaffold of the developing liver, but once the ontogenesis is complete, intrahepatic perisinusoidal laminin expression is suppressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Baloch
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, PA
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19
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Griffiths MR, Shepherd M, Ferrier R, Schuppan D, James OF, Burt AD. Light microscopic and ultrastructural distribution of type VI collagen in human liver: alterations in chronic biliary disease. Histopathology 1992; 21:335-44. [PMID: 1398536 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.1992.tb00404.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We have investigated the distribution of type VI collagen in normal human liver obtained from cadaveric renal transplant donors, using a peroxidase-antiperoxidase method for light microscopic visualization, and an immunogold labelling method for ultrastructural localization. The distribution was compared with that of the more abundant interstitial collagen type III, using antibodies to amino terminal procollagen type III. Staining for type VI collagen was identified in Glisson's capsule, in portal tract stroma and within the space of Disse. Perisinusoidal staining showed intra-acinar heterogeneity with the intensity in acinar zones 2 and 3 being greater than in zone 1. Type III collagen was also found in the space of Disse although no significant intra-acinar variation in staining intensity was noted. Immuno-gold labelling for type VI collagen was demonstrated on amorphous or microfilamentous material lying between, and occasionally appearing to interconnect, cross-striated collagen fibrils, whereas labelling for amino terminal procollagen type III was exclusively on fibrils. Intracellular staining for type VI collagen was noted in perisinusoidal (lto) cells. These results confirm that type VI collagen is a ubiquitous constituent of the normal hepatic extracellular matrix and suggest that it may be synthesized by perisinusoidal (lto) cells. The distribution of type VI collagen was also studied in biopsy material from patients with different histological stages of primary biliary cirrhosis. Intense staining was noted around proliferating bile ductules within developing fibrous septa and in established septa of cirrhotic liver. These observations indicate that this 'minor' matrix component may play an important role in hepatic fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Griffiths
- University Department of Pathology, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
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Abstract
Eleven hepatoblastomas of various subtypes and normal liver tissue were investigated with antibodies against collagen types I-VI, laminin, fibronectin and endothelial and macrophage-associated antigens. Epithelial hepatoblastoma cells, unlike non-neoplastic hepatocytes, exhibited intracellular immunoreactivity for various extracellular matrix proteins (depending on the subtype: laminin, fibronectin and collagen types III, IV and V). The intracellular expression of extracellular matrix proteins by the tumour cells increased from the fetal subtype, through the embryonal subtype, to the small cell subtype. The epithelial tumours exhibited sinusoid-like blood vessels in numbers that varied according to the subtype. These contained Kupffer cells and exhibited greater amounts of the basement membrane components collagen type IV and laminin in the perisinusoidal space than those in the normal liver. The small cell hepatoblastoma exhibited smaller numbers of sinusoids, pronounced intracellular expression of extracellular matrix proteins and large numbers of fibres immunoreactive for collagen type III. In the mixed hepatoblastomas, the extracellular matrix of the osteoid was most strongly immunoreactive for collagen type I and that of the spindle cell areas for collagen type III.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ruck
- Institute of Pathology, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
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22
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Wewer UM, Albrechtsen R. Carcinoma-associated perisinusoidal laminin may signal tumour cell metastasis to the liver. VIRCHOWS ARCHIV. A, PATHOLOGICAL ANATOMY AND HISTOPATHOLOGY 1992; 421:87-93. [PMID: 1514250 DOI: 10.1007/bf01607040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The perisinusoidal space of the liver shows extensive modulation of the extracellular matrix in response to various pathological conditions. We studied perisinusoidal laminin expression immunohistochemically using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies in 110 human liver specimens obtained at autopsy. In normal adult liver the perisinusoidal spaces contained only minimal amounts of immunoreactive laminin. In 86% of patients dying from cancer with liver metastasis, however, a distinct increase in the amount of perisinusoidal laminin could be demonstrated. The perisinusoidal space also contained laminin in cancer patients without liver metastasis. In 3 cases of leukaemia sinusoids were laminin negative. In cirrhosis and chronic passive congestion there was, as expected, laminin immunoreactivity in the perisinusoidal space. The results obtained using polyclonal antibodies against laminin were confirmed using chain-specific monoclonal antibodies against B2 laminin. In an ex vivo assay, viable tumour cells (Panc-1 and clone A) were found to bind with remarkable specificity to frozen sections of liver tissue containing perisinusoidal laminin as opposed to liver tissues without laminin. We suggest that this perisinusoidal laminin may directly on indirectly mediate tumour cell metastasis to the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- U M Wewer
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University Institute of Pathological Anatomy, Copenhagen, Denmark
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23
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Horisberger M. Colloidal gold and its application in cell biology. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 1992; 136:227-87. [PMID: 1506145 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(08)62054-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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24
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Griffiths MR, Keir S, Burt AD. Basement membrane proteins in the space of Disse: a reappraisal. J Clin Pathol 1991; 44:646-8. [PMID: 1890197 PMCID: PMC496754 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.44.8.646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The distribution of two major basement membrane components, type IV collagen and laminin, was studied within the perisinusoidal space of Disse in normal human liver using (i) an immunoperoxidase method for light microscopy and (ii) immunogold labelling for ultrastructural localisation. Although immunoreactivity depended on the mode of tissue fixation, both proteins could be identified at this site using a panel of affinity purified antibodies. These findings indicate that these proteins are normal constituents of the perisinusoidal extracellular matrix, and refute the hypothesis that capillarization of the sinusoids in chronic liver disease results from neo-expression of laminin in the space of Disse.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Griffiths
- University Department of Pathology, Western Infirmary, Glasgow
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Adachi E, Hayashi T, Hashimoto PH. A comparison of the immunofluorescent localization of collagen types I, III, and V with the distribution of reticular fibers on the same liver sections of the snow monkey (Macaca fuscata). Cell Tissue Res 1991; 264:1-8. [PMID: 1711415 DOI: 10.1007/bf00305716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Localizations of collagen types I, III, and V in monkey liver, as determined by the indirect immunofluorescence method, were photographically superimposed on the fibers revealed by silver-staining in the same tissue sections. Immunofluorescence for type I collagen was found to correspond with the brown collagen fibers and with some of the coarse reticular fibers, while that for type III collagen was found to correspond with most, but not all, reticular fibers of the liver as well as with the brown collagen fibers. The distribution of type V collagen coincides not only with the collagen fibers in the stroma of portal triads and around the central veins, but also with the coarse and fine reticular fibers in the liver lobules. By immuno-electron microscopy, reaction products with anti-type III and V collagens antibodies were demonstrated on cross-striated collagen fibrils, about 45 nm in diameter, in the space of Disse. From these observations, it is concluded that: (1) the fine reticular fibers are mainly composed of type III and type V collagens, and (2) the collagen fibers and coarse reticular fibers in the periphery of liver lobules are composed of type I, type III and type V collagens.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Adachi
- Department of Anatomy, Osaka University Medical School, Japan
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