Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver
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Review
IL-33 and HMGB1 alarmins: sensors of cellular death and their involvement in liver pathology.
'Alarmins' are a group of proteins or molecules that are released from cells during cellular demise to alert the host immune system. Two of them, Interleukin-33 (IL-33) and high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), share many similarities of cellular localization, functions and involvement in various inflammatory pathologies including hepatitis. The expressions of IL-33 and HMGB1, and their receptors ST2 and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), are substantially up-regulated during acute and chronic hepatitis. ⋯ A contrast in expression of IL-33 and HMGB1 alarmins were associated with type of hepatocellular death mediated by immune cells or hepato-toxic agents. The massive release of active form of IL-33 from hepatocytes may affect the recruitment and activation of its ST2-positive target immune cells in the liver to confer its alarmin functions. This review highlights the emerging roles of alarmin proteins in various liver pathologies, by focusing on classical HMGB1 and a newly discovered alarmin, the IL-33.
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TNF-α is increased in hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). Pentoxifylline (PTX) mitigated experimental HPS through the inhibition of TNF-α. However, PTX has pleiotropic effects besides the inhibition of TNF-α. This study is to neutralize TNF-α with specific monoclonal antibody to TNF-α (TNF-α McAb) to investigate the effect of TNF-α on HPS. ⋯ TNF-α McAb improves HPS in cirrhotic rats; this effect is likely mediated through the inhibition of TNF-α PI3K/Akt-NO pathway.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP): a noninvasive method for the detection of hepatic steatosis based on transient elastography.
Accurate tools for the noninvasive detection of hepatic steatosis are needed. The Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) specifically targets liver steatosis using a process based on transient elastography. ⋯ The CAP is a promising tool for the noninvasive detection of hepatic steatosis. Advantages of CAP include its ease of measurement, operator-independence and simultaneous availability with LSM for fibrosis assessment.