TGF beta 1 expression in the liver is thus a function predominantly of mononuclear and mesenchymal cells as well as of some hepatocytes, whereas TGF beta 2 expression is a specific property of bile duct epithelial cells that may be related to the formation of specialized periductular connective tissue during bile duct proliferation.
A significant pathological side effect, bile-duct proliferation, was seen in the liver of AAV2-LDLR rabbits associated with an increased expression of Cyr61 matricellular protein.
Further analysis of these cells revealed colocalized expression of collagen and yes-associated protein (YAP; a marker associated with bile duct proliferation/fibrosis) and an increased production of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α.
Further analysis of these cells revealed colocalized expression of collagen and yes-associated protein (YAP; a marker associated with bile duct proliferation/fibrosis) and an increased production of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α.
In BDL rats, DHI administration attenuated liver necrosis, bile duct proliferation and collagen accumulation and reduced the expression of genes associated with fibrogenesis, including Tgfb1, Mmp-2, Acta2 and Col1a1.