Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) Expressed from an AAV1 Vector Leads to a Complete Reversion of Liver Cirrhosis in Rats.

ABSTRACT: IGF-I modulates liver tissue homeostasis. It is produced by hepatocytes and signals within the liver through IGF-I receptor expressed on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Liver cirrhosis is characterized by marked IGF-I deficiency. Here we compared the effect of two different gene therapy vectors encoding IGF-I as a potential treatment for cirrhotic patients. Rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced liver cirrhosis were treated with controls or with adeno-associated virus 1 (AAV) or simian virus 40 (SV40) vectors expressing IGF-I (AAVIGF-I or SVIGF-I) and molecular and histological studies were performed at 4 days, 8 weeks and 16 weeks. Increased levels of IGF-I were observed in the liver as soon as 4 days after vector administration. Control cirrhotic rats showed increased hepatic expression o

SUBMITTER: Sobrevals L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5033470 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature