Inhibitory effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor α, Interleukin 2, and Interferon γ on CTGF expression in cultured rat hepatocytes

Introduction: Although inflammation typically precedes the development of fibrosis, the underlying regulatory mechanisms may be different. Liver residing cytokine producing CD4+ T-helper (Th) cells differentiate into Th1 (antifibrogenic) and Th2 (profibrogenic) subsets and modulate organ fibrosis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis and suggested as an important downstream mediator of the fibrogenic master cytokine TGF-ß. Recently, we were the first to identify that hepatocytes (PC) are the major cellular source of CTGF in the liver. Aim: To inv…