The role of macrophage polarization in liver repair following an acute injury.

摘要

Acute liver failure is a condition in which the liver loses of function and the ability to repair. ALF is hallmarked by the inability of monocytes and macrophages to become classically activated. The mechanisms by which macrophages may contribute to the liver injury and their role in the subsequent repair are not well characterized.;The purpose of these studies was to determine the role of macrophages in acute liver injury and repair in response to carbon tetrachloride treatment. We found that compared to control mice, the ALT activity level was not significantly different in macrophage-depleted mice, while an increased area of necrosis was observed in macrophage-depleted mice 72hrs following injury. However, a decreased amount of Type I collagen staining was seen in macrophage-depleted mice while no change was seen in the mRNA levels of Type I collagen and factors related to collagen production. Collectively, these studies suggest that macrophages may play a role in the clearance of necrotic cells and collagen remodeling to aid in liver repair.;Macrophages are known to polarize into a pro-inflammatory phenotype termed M1 macrophages and an anti-inflammatory phenotype, M2 macrophages. Currently, the role of M1 and M2 macrophages in liver injury and repair is not clear. I have conducted preliminary studies that determined the validity and feasibility of an in vitro macrophage polarization and the localization of adoptively transferred macrophages to the liver into macrophage depleted mice following the induction of an acute liver injury.