Feedback Signaling between Cholangiopathies, Ductular Reaction, and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Cells. 2021 Aug 12;10(8):2072. doi: 10.3390/cells10082072.

Abstract

Fatty liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are global health disparities, particularly in the United States, as a result of cultural eating habits and lifestyle. Pathological studies on NAFLD have been mostly focused on hepatocytes and other inflammatory cell types; however, the impact of other biliary epithelial cells (i.e., cholangiocytes) in the promotion of NAFLD is growing. This review article will discuss how cholestatic injury and cholangiocyte activity/ductular reaction influence NAFLD progression. Furthermore, this review will provide informative details regarding the fundamental properties of cholangiocytes and bile acid signaling that can influence NAFLD. Lastly, studies relating to the pathogenesis of NAFLD, cholangiopathies, and ductular reaction will be analyzed to help gain insight for potential therapies.

Keywords: bile acids; cholangiocytes; cholestatic liver disease; ductular reaction; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bile Acids and Salts / metabolism
  • Bile Ducts / cytology
  • Bile Ducts / metabolism*
  • Cannabinoids / metabolism
  • Cholestasis / etiology
  • Cholestasis / pathology*
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neurosecretory Systems / metabolism
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / complications
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / pathology*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • Bile Acids and Salts
  • Cannabinoids
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A