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Research from Medical Center in the Area of Science Published

2012 FEB 10 -- Current study results from the report, "Ductular reactions in human liver: diversity at the interface," have been published. "Interest in hepatic ductular reactions (DRs) has risen in recent years because of a greater appreciation of their potential roles in regeneration, fibrogenesis, and carcinogenesis. However, confusion exists because there is significant, but often unappreciated diversity at the tissue, cellular, and subcellular levels in DRs of different diseases and stages of disease," scientists writing in the journal Hepatology report.

"DRs are encountered in virtually all liver disorders in which there is organ-wide liver damage and cell loss, but are also present in focal lesions such as focal nodular hyperplasia and adenoma. Moreover, diverse DR phenotypes can be present within any single disease entity, and are shaped by the etiology and evolution of the disease. Although much remains to be clarified, recent studies suggest that the diversity of appearances of the DRs are likely to reflect the differing signals at the anatomic, cellular, and molecular levels driving the proliferative response. These appear to determine the relative proportions of transit-amplifying cells, the degree of hepatocytic or cholangiocytic differentiation, and their relationships with stromal, vascular, and inflammatory components. The molecular signaling pathways governing these regenerative fate decisions closely replicate those found in human and other vertebrate embryos and more generally in stem cell niches throughout the body. Like the latter, complex interactions with matrix as well as mesenchymal and inflammatory cells, vessels, and innervation are likely to be of fundamental importance," wrote A.S. Gouw and colleagues, Medical Center.

The researchers concluded: "Embracing systems/tissue biological approaches to exploring DRs, in addition to more traditional cellular and molecular biological techniques, will further enhance our understanding and, thereby, we believe potentiate new therapeutic possibilities."

Gouw and colleagues published their study in Hepatology (Ductular reactions in human liver: diversity at the interface. Hepatology, 2011;54(5):1853-63).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting A.S. Gouw, Dept. of Pathology and Medical Biology, Pathology Section, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.

Keywords: City:Groningen, Country:Netherlands, Region:Europe, Science.

This article was prepared by Health & Medicine Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2012, Health & Medicine Week via NewsRx.com.