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Liver-spleen axis: intersection between immunity, infections and metabolism
Giovanni Tarantino1, Antonella Scalera, Carmine Finelli
1Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy. tarantin@unina.it
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|June 27, 2013
Summary
The spleen, crucial for immune function, is linked to liver health. Its size measured by ultrasound may indicate metabolic health, especially in obesity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Metabolic Medicine
Background:
- The spleen is vital for immune modulation, peripheral tolerance, and pathogen clearance.
- Its role in metabolic diseases like obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly recognized.
- The liver-spleen axis highlights their interconnected functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review spleen function and assessment methods in humans.
- To explore the spleen's metabolic and endocrine roles, particularly in obesity and NAFLD.
- To propose spleen longitudinal diameter via ultrasonography as a novel marker for splenic function within the liver-spleen axis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of spleen function, diseases, and its role in immunity and metabolism.
- Analysis of existing data on obesity's impact on the immune system.
- Evaluation of spleen longitudinal diameter as a potential biomarker.
Main Results:
- The spleen is essential for immune homeostasis and clearing apoptotic cells and bacteria.
- Obesity impacts the immune system, but mechanisms involving the spleen require further investigation.
- Spleen longitudinal diameter measured by ultrasonography is proposed as a simple, accessible marker for splenic function.
Conclusions:
- Understanding spleen function is critical for managing immune and metabolic disorders.
- The spleen's metabolic and endocrine roles, especially in obesity and NAFLD, warrant further clinical evaluation.
- Ultrasonography measurement of spleen longitudinal diameter offers a promising tool for assessing splenic function and the liver-spleen axis.
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