Pradhan-Sundd T, Kato GJ, Novelli EM. Molecular Mechanisms of Hepatic Dysfunction in Sickle Cell Disease: Lessons From The Townes Mouse Model.
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022;
323:C494-C504. [PMID:
35759437 PMCID:
PMC9359658 DOI:
10.1152/ajpcell.00175.2022]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal-recessive-genetic disorder that affects ~100,000 Americans and millions of people worldwide. Erythrocyte sickling, vaso-occlusion, sterile inflammation and hemolysis are the major pathophysiological pathways leading to liver injury in SCD. Although hepatic dysfunction affects up to 10-40% of SCD patients, therapeutic approaches to prevent liver injury in SCD are not known, and the molecular mechanisms promoting progressive liver injury in SCD remain poorly understood. Animal models have been beneficial in bridging the gap between preclinical and translational research in SCD. Recent advances in methodology have allowed the development of several humanized mouse models to address various aspects of SCD related liver diseases. This review provides an overview of current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic options of SCD associated liver dysfunction using the Townes mouse model.
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