Tissue transglutaminase does not affect fibrotic matrix stability or regression of liver fibrosis in mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

The ubiquitous cross-linking enzyme tissue transglutaminase (TG2) has been implicated in irreversible collagen stabilization in liver fibrosis, although functional evidence is lacking. We studied the contribution of TG2 to hepatic fibrotic matrix stability, as well as liver fibrosis progression and regression in TG2-deficient mice.

Methods

Advanced liver fibrosis was induced by carbon tetrachloride or thioacetamide in TG2(-/-) mice and their wild-type littermates to study fibrosis progression and its spontaneous regression for up to 36 weeks. Pattern and extent of fibrosis were analyzed by histology and hepatic hydroxyproline quantification. Dynamic changes in hepatic matrix cross-linking were assessed by stepwise collagen extraction. Expression of 7 TGs an

SUBMITTER: Popov Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3374132 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature