Differential expression of the insulin-like growth factor axis components in rat hepatic stellate cells and liver myofibroblasts

Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and liver myofibroblasts (MF) represent cell populations involved in liver fibrogenesis. Recent studies have shown that HSC, but not MF, underwent spontaneous apoptosis in parallel with their activation. The IGF system consisting of the insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I, -II), their receptors (IGF-IR and IGF-IIR) and binding proteins (IGFBPs) play important role in the regulation of cell growth and apoptosis. The aim of this work was to study and to compare the expression of the IGF axis components in rat HSC and MF. Methods: Cultures of HSC and MF were studied. IGFBP secretion was…