title: A mechanism for the anti-fibrogenic effects of the pregnane X receptor (PXR) in the liver: inhibition of NF-kappaB?
abstract: The liver is susceptible to chronic damage through exposure to a variety of toxins (e.g. alcohol) and viruses (e.g. hepatitis C). Obesity, autoimmune diseases (e.g. autoimmune hepatitis) and a variety of genetic diseases (e.g. Wilson's disease) also lead to chronic liver damage. This damage results in scarring fibrogenesis, structural disruption and functional impairment of the organ. Recent work suggests that there is cross-talk between the PXR and NF-kappaB pathways. This cross-talk may explain the observation that PXR activators inhibit liver fibrosis in in vitro and in vivo animal models of the disease. This reveiw will focus on the two transcription factors and their potential interaction.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Cellular Medicine (CALS), Medical School, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Axon
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Cowie
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Mann
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology; D000077297:Pregnane X Receptor; D011987:Receptors, Steroid / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D016328:NF-kappa B; D000077297:Pregnane X Receptor; D011987:Receptors, Steroid