Mechanisms of alcohol-induced hepatic injury: implications of TGF-β

The damaging effect of chronic alcohol intoxication on the liver is mediated via complex interactions between liver cells involving oxidative stress, fat deposition and increased production of fibrogenic cytokines, among which TGF-β plays a pivotal role. Since hepatocytes are the predominant cell type of the liver and are clearly responsive to TGF-β, they may actively contribute to fibrogenesis. To obtain a comprehensive view on TGF-β effects in hepatocytes, Affymetrix microarrays were performed. Results were confirmed by qRT-PCR, Western blot analysis and specific enzyme assays. Cell toxicity was determined by…