Platelet-Derived Growth Factor C in Alcoholics

An exploratory study of cytokine and inflammatory profiles between young adult low-risk and at-risk drinkers

BACKGROUND

This exploratory study examined plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and growth factors as well as intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (iFABP) and zonulin levels between young adult male and female low-risk and at-risk drinkers.

METHODS

A total of 33 low-risk (phosphatidylethanol levels <20 ng/ml; 19 female) and 44 at-risk drinkers (phosphatidylethanol levels ≥20 ng/ml; 30 female) were included in this study. Fasting blood samples were obtained in all participants. A multiplex assay was used to measure 48 chemokines and growth factors. An enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to measure plasma levels of human iFABP and zonulin.

RESULTS

We found that in young female, at-risk drinkers had a lower level of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (p = 0.04) and platelet-derived growth factor BB (P = 0.04) than low-risk drinkers, while in males, an elevated level of interferon-gamma was found in at-risk drinkers compared to low-risk drinkers (P = 0.04). Intestinal fatty acid-binding protein levels were significantly higher and zonulin levels were significantly lower in at-risk-risk drinkers compared to low-risk drinkers (P = 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that at-risk drinking in young adults is associated with alterations in specific cytokines and proteins involved in intestinal barrier function.

The possible pathogenesis of liver fibrosis: therapeutic potential of natural polyphenols

Liver fibrosis is the formation of a fibrous scar resulting from chronic liver injury, independently from etiology. Although many of the mechanical details remain unknown, activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a central driver of liver fibrosis. Extracellular mechanisms such as apoptotic bodies, paracrine stimuli, inflammation, and oxidative stress are critical in activating HSCs. The potential for liver fibrosis to reverse after removing the causative agent has heightened interest in developing antifibrotic therapies. Polyphenols, the secondary plant metabolites, have gained attention because of their health-beneficial properties, including well-recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, in the setting of liver fibrosis. In this review, we present an overview of the mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis with a specific focus on the activation of resident HSCs. We highlight the therapeutic potential and promising role of natural polyphenols to mitigate liver fibrosis pathogenesis, focusing on HSCs activation. We also discuss the translational gap from preclinical findings to clinical treatments involved in natural polyphenols in liver fibrosis.

Portal vein thrombosis due to essential thrombocythemia with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis

Portal vein thrombosis is caused by various diseases, including liver cirrhosis, cancer, abdominal infection, and myeloproliferative disorders. Essential thrombocythemia is one of the myeloproliferative disorders in which the bone marrow produces excessive amount of platelets and can be accompanied by various thrombotic diseases; however, essential thrombocythemia with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis has not been reported yet. We herein report a case of extensive portal vein thrombosis due to essential thrombocythemia with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis. A 49-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to liver dysfunction. Extended portal vein thrombosis, splenomegaly, and thrombocytosis were founded. The examination of Janus kinase 2 V617F mutation in the bone marrow was positive. These findings resulted in the diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis due to essential thrombocythemia. Furthermore, Raynaud's phenomenon, finger's sclerosis, and positive anti-centromere antibody led to limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis. To further analyze the causal relationship between essential thrombocythemia and limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis, platelet-derived growth factor was examined. High level of serum platelet-derived growth factor, possibly caused by high platelet count due to essential thrombocythemia, was observed. As platelet-derived growth factor has been reportedly associated with the occurrence of systemic sclerosis, the present case indicates the possible causal link between essential thrombocythemia and limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis through high platelet-derived growth factor.