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Role of TWEAK in coregulating liver progenitor cell and fibrogenic responses
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Role of TWEAK in coregulating liver progenitor cell and fibrogenic responses

J.E.E. Tirnitz-Parker, J.K. Olynyk and G.A. Ramm
Hepatology, Vol.59(3), pp.1198-1201
2014
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Abstract

Failure of fibrotic liver to regenerate after resection limits therapeutic options and increases demand for liver transplantation, representing a significant clinical problem. The mechanism underlying regenerative failure in fibrosis is poorly understood. Seventy percent partial hepatectomy (PHx) was performed in C57Bl/6 mice with or without carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- induced liver fibrosis. Liver function and regeneration was monitored at 1 to 14 days thereafter by assessing liver mass, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), mRNA expression, and histology. Progenitor (oval) cell mitogen tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and TWEAK-neutralizing antibody were used to manipulate progenitor cell proliferation in vivo. In fibrotic liver, hepatocytes failed to replicate efficiently after PHx. Fibrotic livers showed late (day 5) peak of serum ALT (35426355 IU/L compared to 93665 IU/L in nonfibrotic livers), which coincided with progenitor cell expansion, increase in profibrogenic gene expression and de novo collagen deposition. In fibrotic mice, inhibition of progenitor activation using TWEAK-neutralizing antibody after PHx resulted in strongly down-regulated profibrogenic mRNA, reduced serum ALT levels and improved regeneration. Failure of hepatocyte-mediated regeneration in fibrotic liver triggers activation of the progenitor (oval) cell compartment and a severe fibrogenic response. Inhibition of progenitor cell proliferation using anti-TWEAK antibody prevents fibrogenic response and augments fibrotic liver regeneration. Targeting the fibrogenic progenitor response represents a promising strategy to improve hepatectomy outcomes in patients with liver fibrosis.

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Citation topics
1 Clinical & Life Sciences
1.102 Stem Cell Research
1.102.1150 Hepatocyte Growth Factor
Web Of Science research areas
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
ESI research areas
Clinical Medicine
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