Role of fat-storing cells in hepatic fibrogenesis. Retinoids as possible therapeutic agents.
In normal liver, fat-storing cells are the main storage site of vitamin A derivatives, mainly of retinyl palmitate and oleate. During liver injury, the phenotype of fat-storing cells alters dramatically. The cells gradually lose their fat-droplets, proliferate and synthesize large amounts of connective tissue molecules. In the present paper, we summarize the characteristics of fat-storing cells, review the role of fat-storing cells in development of hepatic fibrosis, and describe how retinoids affect the protein synthesis and proliferation of these cells.
De Bleser
P
P
Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Free University Brussels (V.U.B.), Belgium.
Geerts
A
A
Wisse
E
E
D000818:Animals; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008106:Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012176:Retinoids / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D012176:Retinoids