Protective effects of Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) in acute and chronic liver injury indicate a novel function in liver homeostasis

Background and Aims: Lipocalin-2 is expressed under pernicious conditions such as intoxication, infection, inflammation and other forms of cellular stress. Experimental liver injury models showed rapid and sustained LCN2 production, of which injured hepatocytes are the main source. The biological function of LCN2 however requires further elucidation. Methods: LCN2-/- mice were exposed to short- term application of CCl4, lipopolysaccharides and Concanavalin A and chronic experimental liver injury (long-term CCl4 or bile duct ligation). Subsequent injuries were assessed by liver function analysis, qRT-PCR for chem…