Kinetics of cytokine expression in cirrhotic rats

Abstract

Cirrhosis development in BDL rats is associated with progressively enhanced expression of hepatic pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which is not in accord with the corresponding serum concentration. The circulating cytokine concentration may not totally reflect the hepatic expression level throughout the development of cirrhosis.

Can serum cytokines predict hepatic cytokine expression in liver cirrhosis?

“…1 The study by Hsieh et al study is characterized by a systemic approach to evaluate the overall picture of hepatic and circulating cytokines, including IFN-g, TNF-a, IL-10 and TGF-b, during cirrhosis development. 2 Their study shows that cirrhosis development is associated with progressively enhanced hepatic pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokine expression in BDL rats. However, corresponding serum concentrations were not completely in accordance with hepatic cytokine expression in BDL rats.…”

“…8 Hsieh et al observed that the trends for serum TNF-a changes were not consistent with those for hepatic TNF-a expression levels, which suggests that measurement of serum TNF-a cannot reflect hepatic TNF-a expression. 2 Previous studies revealed that hepatic IFN-g mRNA correlated with the degree of liver damage. 9 Natgonat et al reported that hepatic IFN-g mRNA expression was higher in liver biopsy specimens from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis than in normal control individuals.…”

“…6 Hsieh et al observed that hepatic TNF-a expression rather than serum TNF-a was markedly elevated in BDL rats. 2 A previous study suggested that TNF-a plays a central role in hepatic regeneration following both toxic and partial hepatectomy. Exogenous TNF-a stimulates hepatic DNA synthesis in rodents and accelerates recovery of liver weight following partial hepatectomy.…”

“…However, corresponding serum concentrations were not completely in accordance with hepatic cytokine expression in BDL rats. 2 Hsieh et al conclude that circulating cytokine concentrations may not totally reflect their hepatic expression levels during the development of cirrhosis. 2 The roles of cytokines, which may be responsible for initiation and progression of hepatic injury, fibrosis and cirrhosis, but can also participate in liver regeneration, are complicated in hepatic damage.…”

“…2 Hsieh et al conclude that circulating cytokine concentrations may not totally reflect their hepatic expression levels during the development of cirrhosis. 2 The roles of cytokines, which may be responsible for initiation and progression of hepatic injury, fibrosis and cirrhosis, but can also participate in liver regeneration, are complicated in hepatic damage. 3 Elevated circulating TNF-a has been observed in patients with alcoholic liver disease, especially those who are malnourished, and has been correlated with survival.…”