The role of cytokines in hepatic regeneration

Regulation of the regenerative response to liver injury is a complex process. Recent work from several groups demonstrates that cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α and tumor necrosis factor-regulated cytokines, such as interleukin-6, play a critical role in initiating hepatocyte proliferation during liver regeneration. These cytokines appear to promote hepatocyte proliferation by activating transcription factors that are necessary during prereplicative stages of the cell cycle. They may also influence the production of mitogenic factors by liver nonparenchymal cells. Emerging evidence indicates that other cytokines, including interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β, are also induced during liver regeneration and act to limit the biologic activity of tumor necrosis factor. Thus, liver injury triggers a cytokine cascade that regulates the subsequent regenerative response.

Duke Scholars

Author Anna Mae Diehl Medicine, Gastroenterology