Ferritin functions as a proinflammatory cytokine via iron-independent protein kinase C zeta/nuclear factor kappaB-regulated signaling in rat hepatic stellate cells.

ABSTRACT:

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Circulating ferritin levels reflect body iron stores and are elevated with inflammation in chronic liver injury. H-ferritin exhibits a number of extrahepatic immunomodulatory properties, although its role in hepatic inflammation and fibrogenesis is unknown. Hepatic stellate cells respond to liver injury through production of proinflammatory mediators that drive fibrogenesis. A specific receptor for ferritin has been demonstrated on activated hepatic stellate cells, although its identity and its role in stellate cell activation is unclear. We propose that ferritin acts as a cytokine regulating proinflammatory function via nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB)-regulated signaling in hepatic stellate cell biology. Hepatic stellate cells were treated with tissue ferritin and iro

SUBMITTER: Ruddell RG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2701483 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature