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Purinergic signaling in hepatic disease
E Velázquez-Miranda1, M Díaz-Muñoz1, F G Vázquez-Cuevas2
1Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, C.P. 76230, Juriquilla, Querétaro, México.
Purinergic Signalling
|October 3, 2019
Summary
Extracellular purines like ATP act as damage signals during liver injury. While initially promoting repair, chronic signaling can lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Extracellular purines (ATP and adenosine) are key intercellular messengers.
- During tissue damage, they act as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).
- Purines signal tissue alterations, initiating inflammation and immune cell recruitment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the purinergic system in liver damage.
- To focus on the onset and development of liver fibrosis.
- To detail the mediators involved: ATP, adenosine, receptors, and ectonucleotidases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of the purinergic system in liver pathophysiology.
- Analysis of signaling cascades initiated by extracellular ATP post-hepatocellular injury.
- Examination of chronic damage effects leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Main Results:
- Extracellular ATP initially promotes repair and restores hepatic function after injury.
- Chronic hepatocellular damage leads to aberrant ATP signaling.
- This aberrant signaling results in severe liver diseases, including fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Conclusions:
- The purinergic system plays a dual role in liver injury, mediating both repair and pathological fibrosis.
- ATP and adenosine signaling, their receptors, and ectonucleotidases are critical in liver disease progression.
- Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing therapies for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
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