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Published on: February 25, 2022
NOX in liver fibrosis.
Samuele De Minicis1, David A Brenner
1Department of Medicine, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10026, USA.
NADPH oxidase, crucial for host defense and cell signaling, drives liver fibrosis by activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Inhibiting this enzyme complex in HSCs offers a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Hepatology
Background:
- NADPH oxidase (NOX) produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells.
- NOX is integral to intracellular signaling and host defense mechanisms.
- In the liver, NOX is implicated in the pathogenesis of fibrogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of non-phagocytic NADPH oxidase in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which profibrogenic stimuli activate NADPH oxidase in HSCs.
- To assess the therapeutic potential of targeting NADPH oxidase in liver fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized pharmacological inhibition (DPI) and genetic models (p47(phox) knockout mice).
- Investigated NADPH oxidase activation in HSCs by profibrogenic agonists (Ang II, PDGF) and apoptotic bodies.
- Identified key functional components of the NADPH oxidase complex in HSCs, including Rac1.
Main Results:
- NADPH oxidase is functionally active in both Kupffer cells and HSCs.
- Profibrogenic agonists and apoptotic bodies activate NADPH oxidase in HSCs.
- Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of NADPH oxidase reduced HSC activity and liver fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- Non-phagocytic NADPH oxidase plays a critical role in HSC activation and liver fibrogenesis.
- Targeting NADPH oxidase in HSCs presents a promising strategy for treating liver fibrosis.
- Rac1 is a key functional component of the NADPH oxidase complex in HSCs.
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