Document Type
Article
Department
Pathology and Microbiology
Abstract
Expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor, c-met is up-regulated in various forms of liver injury. This study evaluated the relationship between HGF and c-met expression and pathological changes in experimental alcoholic liver disease. Rats (5 per group) were fed ethanol and a diet containing saturated fat corn oil or fish oil by intragastric infusion. Dextrose isocalorically replaced ethanol in controls. In a second set of experiments, Kupffer cells, endothelial cells and hepatocytes were isolated from rats in each group. Pathological evaluation and analysis of HGF and c-met expression were performed in liver and the different cell types. Increased expression of HGF and c-met expression was detected in the liver of rats showing necroinflammatory changes. The Kupffer and endothelial cells were primarily responsible for the increase in HGF, c-met expression was seen only in hepatocytes. Thus, up-regulation of HGF and c-met occurred in the presence of the necrosis and inflammation suggesting that HGF may be acting to protect against liver injury or accelerate the regenerative process.
Publication (Name of Journal)
International Journal of Molecular Medicine
Recommended Citation
Lalani, E., Poulsam, R., Stamp, G., Fogt, F., Thomas, P., & Nanji, A. A. (2005). Expression of hepatocyte growth factor and its receptor c-met, correlates with severity of pathological injury in experimental alcoholic liver disease. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 15, 811-817.