Abstract
Background/Aim: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The adipokine chemerin protects from HCC and is reduced in human HCC. In this study, chemerin expression was analyzed in a murine model of NASH-HCC. Materials and Methods: Serum and hepatic chemerin, and ex vivo chemerin receptor activation were monitored in NASH and NASH-HCC in mice fed a low-methionine diet deficient in choline after initiation of tumors by injection of diethylnitrosamine. Results: In non-tumorous liver tissues, the extent of hepatic steatosis, and the levels of proteins regulating hepatic lipids and liver fibrosis were similar in NASH and NASH-associated HCC. Systemic and hepatic chemerin, and chemerin receptor activation were not changed in HCC. Liver tumors only developed in diethylnitrosamine-injected mice and their number was increased in NASH. Chemerin protein was induced in liver in NASH, but was unchanged in HCC tissues. Conclusion: Hepatic and serum chemerin and ex vivo analyzed chemerin receptor activation do not differ in murine NASH-associated HCC when compared to NASH. Hepatic tumors still develop despite high endogenous levels of serum and liver chemerin protein.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2649-2657 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Anticancer Research |
Volume | 38 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 2018 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The study was supported by grants from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (BU 1141/13-1, CB) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CJS).
Funding Information:
The study was supported by grants from the Forschungsgemeinschaft (BU 1141/13-1, CB) and the Institutes of Health Research (CJS).
Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 International Institute of Anticancer Research. All rights reserved.
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
PubMed: MeSH publication types
- Journal Article