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Liedtke C, Luedde T, Sauerbruch T, Scholten D, Streetz K, Tacke F, Tolba R, Trautwein C, Trebicka J, Weiskirchen R. Experimental liver fibrosis research: update on animal models, legal issues and translational aspects. FIBROGENESIS & TISSUE REPAIR 2013; 6:19. [PMID: 24274743 PMCID: PMC3850878 DOI: 10.1186/1755-1536-6-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is defined as excessive extracellular matrix deposition and is based on complex interactions between matrix-producing hepatic stellate cells and an abundance of liver-resident and infiltrating cells. Investigation of these processes requires in vitro and in vivo experimental work in animals. However, the use of animals in translational research will be increasingly challenged, at least in countries of the European Union, because of the adoption of new animal welfare rules in 2013. These rules will create an urgent need for optimized standard operating procedures regarding animal experimentation and improved international communication in the liver fibrosis community. This review gives an update on current animal models, techniques and underlying pathomechanisms with the aim of fostering a critical discussion of the limitations and potential of up-to-date animal experimentation. We discuss potential complications in experimental liver fibrosis and provide examples of how the findings of studies in which these models are used can be translated to human disease and therapy. In this review, we want to motivate the international community to design more standardized animal models which might help to address the legally requested replacement, refinement and reduction of animals in fibrosis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Liedtke
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tom Luedde
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tilman Sauerbruch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - David Scholten
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Konrad Streetz
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - René Tolba
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen D-52074, Germany
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Abstract
Animal models have allowed detailed study of hemodynamic alterations typical of portal hypertension and the molecular mechanisms involved in abnormalities in splanchnic and systemic circulation associated with this syndrome. Models of prehepatic portal hypertension can be used to study alterations in the splanchnic circulation and the pathophysiology of the hyperdynamic circulation. Models of cirrhosis allow study of the alterations in intrahepatic microcirculation that lead to increased resistance to portal flow. This review summarizes the currently available literature on animal models of portal hypertension and analyzes their relative utility. The criteria for choosing a particular model, depending on the specific objectives of the study, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan-G Abraldes
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Villarroel 170, University of Barcelona 08036, Spain.
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Abstract
Animal models have allowed detailed study of hemodynamic alterations typical of portal hypertension and the molecular mechanisms involved in abnormalities in splanchnic and systemic circulation associated with this syndrome. Models of prehepatic portal hypertension can be used to study alterations in the splanchnic circulation and the pathophysiology of the hyperdynamic circulation. Models of cirrhosis allow study of the alterations in intrahepatic microcirculation that lead to increased resistance to portal flow. This review summarizes the currently available literature on animal models of portal hypertension and analyzes their relative utility. The criteria for choosing a particular model, depending on the specific objectives of the study, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan-G Abraldes
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Villarroel 170, University of Barcelona 08036, Spain.
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Abraldes JG, García-Pagán JC. Modelos animales en el estudio de la hipertensión portal. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2006; 29:51-9. [PMID: 16393631 DOI: 10.1157/13083254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Animal models allow detailed study of the hemodynamic alterations in portal hypertension syndrome and of the molecular mechanisms involved in the abnormalities in splenic and systemic circulation associated with this syndrome. Models of prehepatic portal hypertension can be used to study alterations in the splenic circulation and the physiopathology of hyperdynamic circulation. Moreover, models of cirrhosis allow the alterations in intrahepatic microcirculation that lead to increased resistance to portal flow to be studied. The present review summarizes currently available animal models of portal hypertension and analyzes their relative utility in investigating the distinct disorders associated with this entity. The criteria for the choice of a particular model, depending on the specific objectives of the study, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Abraldes
- Servicio de Hepatología, ICMDiM, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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