Hepatic osteodystrophy: the influence of liver disease and portal hypertension on cytokine activation.
Chronic liver disease is frequently complicated by bone disease. The mechanisms leading to bone-loss are unknown but are probably not related to abnormal vitamin D metabolism. The effects of portal hypertension and porto-systemic shunting on bone-loss have not been studied. It is postulated that liver disease, or the complications of liver disease (portal hypertension or porto-systemic shunting), might be responsible for the activation of cytokines. It is further postulated that these cytokines might be the final common pathway leading to bone-loss in both parenchymal and cholestatic liver disorders by modifying osteoblast or osteoclast function.
van der Merwe
S W
SW
Department of Experimental Hepatology and Department of Physiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa. svdm@lantic.co.za
Attfield
D
D
Fevery
J
J
Bogaerde
J B
JB
D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism; D010018:Osteomalacia / Q000209:etiology*
D016207:Cytokines