Involvement of cholangiocyte proliferation in biliary fibrosis

Abstract

Cholangiocytes are the epithelial cells that line the biliary tree. In the adult liver, they are a mitotically dormant cell population, unless ductular reaction is triggered by injury. The ability of cholangiocytes to proliferate is important in many different human pathological liver conditions that target this cell type, which are termed cholangiopathies (i.e. primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and biliary atresia). In our article, we provide background information on the morphological and functional heterogeneity of cholangiocytes, summarize what is currently known about their proliferative processes, and briefly describe the diseases that target these cells. In addition, we address recent findings that suggest cholangiocyte involvement in epithelialtomesenchymal transformation and liver fibrosis, and propose directions for future studies.

Review of experimental models for inducing hepatic cirrhosis by bile duct ligation and carbon tetrachloride injection

“…During the first week from BDL the hepatic microcirculation did not show any alterations with respect to the normal liver 46 . Using this method LC is achieved between seven days to four weeks 17,26 .…”

Development of an Animal Model of Fibrous Cholangitis in Pigs

“…Both of them are characterized by fibrosis, which begins from the porta hepatis and the extrahepatic tree and is extended up to the smaller intrahepatic ducts. Furthermore, they have the distinctive features of interlobular ductal proliferation, periportal inflammatory infiltration and apoptosis of cholangiocytes [14,15]. Recent studies support the autoimmune pathogenesis and implicate the innate immunity of the biliary epithelium in both diseases, [16][17][18].…”

Suppression of Ov-grn-1 encoding granulin of Opisthorchis viverrini inhibits proliferation of biliary epithelial cells

“…In the human liver, differentiated cholangiocytes are mitotically dormant (Priester et al, 2010). Cholangiocyte proliferation may include some combination of proliferation of pre existing ductules, progenitor cell activation, and appearance of intermediate hepatocytes (Priester et al, 2010).…”