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OJVRTM
Online Journal of Veterinary Research©
Mekonnen GA, Nederbragt H.
Utrecht University, Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, Division of Pathology, P.O.
Box 80158, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands.
ABSTRACT
Mekonnen GA, Nederbragt H., A review of extracellular matrix in normal and fibrotic canine liver Onl J Vet Res., 10 (2):85-101, 2006. In the canine
liver as in any other organs, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a scaffold that
maintains the structure and integrity of the cells and to some extent regulate
the cellular functions. The ECM of both normal and fibrotic livers contains a
variety of structural and adhesive proteins, proteoglycan and glycosaminoglycans. The amount is the result of the balance
between production and breakdown and known to increase 5-10 folds during
fibrosis. Matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases
play a substantial role in the remodeling process. When there is a persistent
injury to the liver, mainly hepatic stellate cells and fibroblasts are
activated and transformed into a myofibroblast-like
cells and produce a variety of matrix proteins in excessive amount. TGF-
β, interleukin-1, TGF-α, PDGF, and EGF are known to be involved in
the activation of these cells. Despite the scarcity of knowledge on the
etiologies of canine fibrosis, intervening to arrest fibrogenesis
is a sound choice. In this review we present the current understanding of
extracellular matrix components, biochemical interactions, pathogenesis and
possible therapeutic approaches to liver fibrosis with particular emphasis on
canine species.
Key words: Canine; Normal and fibrotic
liver; Fibrogenesis; Extracellular matrix; Fibrous
proteins, Glycosaminoglycans; Proteoglycans