Helicobacter bilis infection induces oxidative stress in and enhances the proliferation of human cholangiocytes

Cholangiokines: undervalued modulators in the hepatic microenvironment

The biliary epithelial cells, also known as cholangiocytes, line the intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts, forming a barrier between intra- and extra-ductal environments. Cholangiocytes are mostly known to modulate bile composition and transportation. In hepatobiliary diseases, bile duct injury leads to drastic alterations in cholangiocyte phenotypes and their release of soluble mediators, which can vary depending on the original insult and cellular states (quiescence, senescence, or proliferation). The cholangiocyte-secreted cytokines (also termed cholangiokines) drive ductular cell proliferation, portal inflammation and fibrosis, and carcinogenesis. Hence, despite the previous consensus that cholangiocytes are bystanders in liver diseases, their diverse secretome plays critical roles in modulating the intrahepatic microenvironment. This review summarizes recent insights into the cholangiokines under both physiological and pathological conditions, especially as they occur during liver injury-regeneration, inflammation, fibrosis and malignant transformation processes.

Helicobacter bilis Contributes to the Occurrence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Inducing Host Immune Disorders

Gut microbiota coevolve with humans to achieve a symbiotic relationship, which ultimately leads to physiological homeostasis. A variety of diseases can occur once this balance is disrupted. Helicobacter bilis (H. bilis) is an opportunistic pathogen in humans, triggering multiple diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a chronic immunologically mediated inflammation of the human gastrointestinal tract, and its occurrence is closely related to the gut microbiota. Several studies have demonstrated that H. bilis colonization is associated with IBD, and its mechanism is related to host immunity. However, few studies have investigated these mechanisms of action. Therefore, this article is aimed at reviewing these studies and summarizing the mechanisms of H. bilis-induced IBD from two perspectives: adaptive immunity and innate immunity. Furthermore, this study provides a preliminary discussion on treating H. bilis-related IBD. In addition, we also demonstrated that H. bilis played an important role in promoting the carcinogenesis of IBD and discussed its mechanism.