Inhibitory effect of oestradiol on activation of rat hepatic stellate cells in vivo and in vitro. Issue 1 (1st January 1999)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shimizu, I; Mizobuchi, Y; Yasuda, M; Shiba, M; Ma, Y-R; Horie, T; Liu, F; Ito, S
• Is Part Of: Gut. Volume 44:Issue 1(1999)
• Page Start: 127
• Page End: 136
• Publication Date: 1999-01-01
• Subjects: hepatic stellate cells -- hepatic fibrosis -- oestradiol -- α smooth muscle actin -- retinyl palmitate; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; 616.33
• DOI: 10.1136/gut.44.1.127
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0017-5749

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Hepatic stellate cells play a key role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Aims: To examine the inhibitory effect of oestradiol on stellate cell activation. Methods: In vivo, hepatic fibrosis was induced in rats by dimethylnitrosamine or pig serum. In vitro, rat stellate cells were activated by contact with plastic dishes resulting in their transformation into myofibroblast-like cells. Results: In the dimethylnitrosamine and pig serum models, treatment with oestradiol at gestation related doses resulted in a dose dependent suppression of hepatic fibrosis with restored content of hepatic retinyl palmitate, reduced collagen content, lower areas of stellate cells which express α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and desmin, and lower procollagen type I and III mRNA levels in the liver. In cultured stellate cells, oestradiol inhibited type I collagen production, α-SMA expression, and cell proliferation. These findings suggest that oestradiol is a potent inhibitor of stellate cell transformation. Conclusion: The antifibrogenic role of oestradiol in the liver may contribute to the sex associated differences in the progression from hepatic fibrosis to cirrhosis.