Hypoxia and inflammation reduce the expression of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in the hepatocytes – a mechanism that explains the lower expression of MR in cirrhosis

Introduction: Hypoxia and inflammation are the main mechanisms in the development of cirrhosis. Cirrhosis leads to increased concentration of aldosterone. Aldosterone activates the MR. The aim was to investigate the role of MR during the development of cirrhosis. Methods: Fibrosis and cirrhosis was induced by CCl4 administration for 5, 8 or 12 weeks (w). Total liver tissue, hepatocytes (Hep), hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and endothelial cells (LSEC) were isolated. Gene expression was analyzed using qRT-PCR and droplet digital PCR. Hepatoma cells (MH1C1) were treated with cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α each 10…