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Semin Liver Dis 1999; 19(2): 141-155
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1007106
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1999 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Cytokines and the Hepatic Acute-Phase Response

G. Ramadori1 , B. Christ2
  • 1Department of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
  • 2Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Publication History

Publication Date:
17 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The acute-phase reaction comprises a variety of systemic changes in response to tissue injury and infection. Synthesis of several plasma proteins in the liver undergoes dramatic changes during the acute-phase reaction. These changes are mediated by the action of cytokines, mainly interleukin 6-(IL6-) and interleukin 1-(IL1-) type cytokines.

The role of these cytokines is reviewed in detail. Attention is payed to the differences recently detected between the locally and systemically induced acute-phase response-in particular, the newest findings concerning the meaning of single cytokines. Also, changes in liver metabolic enzyme expression under acute-phase conditions are discussed. The impact ofcytokine and cytokine-receptor knockout or transgenic mouse models on current knowledge is provided. The role of cytokines together with that of soluble cytokine receptors in the resolution of the acute-phase response is discussed.

KEY WORDS

cytokines - acute-phase response - liver - inflammation