Researchers have discovered a hormone capable of inactivating the cells responsible for liver fibrosis, which could ultimately allow the development of a new treatment.
- Fibrosis is the formation of an abnormally large amount of scar tissue in the liver.
- Researchers have discovered a hormone capable of inactivating the cells responsible for the formation of this scar tissue.
- This is the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide hormone, naturally present in the body.
Cirrhosis constitutes the last progressive stage of fibrosis associated with chronic liver diseases, according toAssistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP). In France, 200,000 to 500,000 people are affected.
The stellate cells responsible for liver fibrosis
THE MSD Manual defines fibrosis as the formation of an abnormally large amount of scar tissue in the liver, which occurs when this organ tries to repair itself and replace damaged cells. The processes that trigger the formation of this scar tissue are cellular.
Currently, there is no curative treatment for fibrosis. Doctors usually try to control the causes of fibrosis, such as obesity or diabetes, and medications can improve liver function over several years, but they do not impact the fibrosis itself. .
A new study, published in the Journal of Hepatology, shows that it would be possible to act on the cells responsible for the formation of scar tissue at the origin of fibrosis. More precisely, these are the so-called stellate cells of the liver, because the shape resembles a star.
A hormone helps inactivate stellate cells
“We have found a way to inactivate these cells and thus stop the fibrogenic process, explains the professor Kim Ravnskjaerin a communicated. It could [être un moyen, ndlr] to stop the formation of scar tissue.“
During their work, the scientists found a hormone, called vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), which can stop the formation of scar tissue by acting on stellate cells. VIP is a hormonenaturally present in the intestine and neurons, from where it is released when we eat, continues Kim Ravnskjaer. Liver stellate cells, in particular, have high expression of VIP receptors on their surface. VIP stimulates blood supply to the liver but also appears to keep stellate cells inactive.”
Ultimately, this discovery could make it possible, according to scientists, to develop a treatment against liver fibrosis, using the VIP hormone. “This could lead to new ways of treating patients, says Kim Ravnskjaer. For example, one could develop synthetic hormones designed to target specific cell receptors.“
Until now, treatments against liver fibrosis under study in the laboratory have always shown harmful side effects. This is why they are not allowed. But, according to Kim Ravnskjaer, acting on the cells responsible for fibrosis, thanks to this hormone, could avoid these harmful consequences for patients. “The more precisely we can target the right cells, the fewer side effects there will be and the better for the patient”, concludes Kim Ravnskjaer. But before that, scientists still need to conduct a lot of research.
