Open AccessRole of monocytes and macrophages in experimental and human acute liver failure
Author(s) -
Lucia Possamai,
Charalambos Antoniades,
Quentin M. Anstee,
Alberto Quaglia,
Diego Vergani,
Mark Thursz,
Julia Wendon
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.v16.i15.1811
Subject(s) - pathogenesis , immunology , innate immune system , immune system , medicine , coagulopathy , inflammation , monocyte , macrophage , liver failure , organ dysfunction , biology , sepsis , biochemistry , in vitro
Acute liver failure (ALF) is a devastating clinical syndrome characterised by progressive encephalopathy, coagulopathy, and circulatory dysfunction, which commonly leads to multiorgan failure and death. Central to the pathogenesis of ALF is activation of the immune system with mobilisation of cellular effectors and massive production of cytokines. As key components of the innate immune system, monocytes and macrophages are postulated to play a central role in the initiation, progression and resolution of ALF. ALF in humans follows a rapidly progressive clinical course that poses inherent difficulties in delineating the role of these pivotal immune cells. Therefore, a number of experimental models have been used to study the pathogenesis of ALF. Here we consider the evidence from experimental and human studies of ALF on the role of monocytes and macrophages in acute hepatic injury and the ensuing extrahepatic manifestations, including functional monocyte deactivation and multiple organ failure.