Alpha-single chains of collagen type VI inhibit the fibrogenic effects of triple helical collagen VI in hepatic stellate cells.

The interaction of extracellular matrix (ECM) components with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is thought to perpetuate fibrosis by stimulating signaling pathways that drive HSC activation, survival and proliferation. Consequently, disrupting the interaction between ECM and HSCs is considered a therapeutical avenue although respective targets and underlying mechanisms remain to be established. Here we have interrogated the interaction between type VI collagen (CVI) and HSCs based on the observation that CVI is 10-fold upregulated during fibrosis, closely associates with HSCs in vivo and promotes cell proliferation and cell survival in cancer cell lines.

Extracts of Lindera obtusiloba induce antifibrotic effects in hepatic stellate cells via suppression of a TGF-beta-mediated profibrotic gene expression pattern.

Liver fibrosis is characterized by high expression of the key profibrogenic cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and the natural tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1, leading to substantial accumulation of extracellular matrix. Liver fibrosis originates from various chronic liver diseases, such as chronic viral hepatitis that, to date, cannot be treated sufficiently. Thus, novel therapeutics, for example, those derived from Oriental medicine, have gained growing attention.

Erythropoietin promotes hepatic regeneration after extended liver resection in rats.

Background And Aim: It has been proven in various animal studies that recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) protects renal, cardiac and neuronal, as well as hepatic, tissue from ischemia, and promotes regeneration of adult central nervous system neurons. To date, no data are available as to whether rHuEPO has the ability to stimulate liver regeneration after liver resection.

Methods: Rats undergoing 70% or 90% hepatectomy received an intraportalvenous administration (i.