The platelet-derived chemokine CXCL4 mediates experimental liver fibrosis and is associated with HCV and NASH induced fibrosis

Aims: Liver fibrosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Platelets are involved in liver damage but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. We here investigate the platelet-derived chemokine CXCL4 as a molecular mediator of fibrotic liver damage. Methods: Serum concentrations and intrahepatic mRNA of CXCL4 were measured in patients with chronic liver diseases and mice after toxic liver injury. Platelet aggregation in early fibrosis was determined by electron microscopy in patients and immunohistochemistry in mice. Cxcl4-/- and wild-type mice were subjected to two models of chronic…