Fibrinogen-like protein 1, a hepatocyte derived protein is an acute phase reactant.
Fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) is a hepatocyte derived protein that is upregulated in regenerating rodent livers following partial hepatectomy. It has been implicated as a mitogen for liver cell proliferation. In this study, we show that recombinant human IL-6 induces FGL1 expression in Hep G2 cells in a pattern similar to those of acute phase reactants. Following induction of acute inflammation in rats by subcutaneous injection of turpentine oil, serum FGL1 levels are also enhanced. Although, a recent report suggests that FGL1 associates almost exclusively with the fibrin matrix, we report here that approximately 20% of the total plasma FGL1 remains free. The enhancement of FGL1 levels in vitro by IL-6 and its induction after turpentine oil injection suggest that it is an acute phase reactant. Its presence in bound and free forms in the blood also implies biological roles that extend beyond the proposed autocrine effect it has on hepatocytes during regeneration.
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 021115, USA.
Zhilin
Z
Liu
Chinweike
C
Ukomadu
D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D000210:Acute-Phase Reaction / Q000276:immunology*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000276:immunology*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005340:Fibrinogen; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000276:immunology*
D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins; C485894:FGL1 protein, human; D015850:Interleukin-6; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D005340:Fibrinogen