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Updated: May 20, 2026
10:06
Cell Type-specific Gene Expression Profiling in the Mouse Liver
Published on: September 17, 2019
Autotaxin in liver fibrosis
1Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan. ikeda-1im@h.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Summary
Autotaxin (ATX) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) are elevated in liver fibrosis. This review explores their connection to liver fibrosis stages and potential roles in disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hepatology
- Lipid Mediator Research
Background:
- Autotaxin (ATX) generates lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a key lipid mediator.
- Elevated ATX and LPA levels are observed in specific disorders, including liver fibrosis.
- The biological functions of ATX are primarily linked to its enzymatic production of LPA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on the association between ATX, LPA, and liver fibrosis.
- To evaluate the utility of serum ATX levels in predicting liver fibrosis severity.
- To discuss the potential roles of elevated serum ATX and plasma LPA in liver fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent findings on ATX, LPA, and liver fibrosis.
- Analysis of studies investigating the correlation between ATX/LPA levels and fibrosis staging.
- Synthesis of evidence on the pathophysiological involvement of ATX and LPA in liver fibrosis.
Main Results:
- A significant relationship exists between ATX/LPA levels and liver fibrosis.
- Serum ATX levels show potential as a biomarker for predicting liver fibrosis stages.
- Increased circulating ATX and LPA are implicated in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- ATX and LPA are critically involved in the development and progression of liver fibrosis.
- Serum ATX represents a promising non-invasive marker for assessing liver fibrosis.
- Targeting the ATX-LPA axis may offer therapeutic strategies for liver fibrosis.
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