Abstract
Microparticles (MPs) are 0.1 to 1 μm extracellular vesicles released by virtually all cell types under both physiological and pathological conditions.MPs contain lipids, proteins, RNAs and microRNAs and they act as vectors of information regulating the function of target cells. MPs are involved in cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Recently, several groups demonstrated an implication of MPs in liver diseases. The circulating levels of several subpopulations of MPs are increased in patients with liver disease due to an imbalance between MP production and clearance. MPs modulate several aspects of liver disease development and progression. MPs play a dual role in liver fibrosis: certain types of MPs attenuate fibrosis by increasing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, while others could promote fibrosis notably by stimulating angiogenesis and coagulation. MPs may participate in the hypercoagulable state associated with certain liver diseases. MPs probably enhance portal hypertension by promoting intrahepatic vascular remodeling and splanchnic vasodilation. Hepatocellular carcinoma releases MPs presumably able to enhance tumorogenesis. Besides being vectors of information, MPs may be useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in patients with liver disease. The properties of MPs could also be used to design new tools for the treatment of liver diseases in the future.
| Translated title of the contribution | Microparticles: Vectors for intercellular exchange and potential biomarkers in liver diseases |
|---|---|
| Original language | French |
| Pages (from-to) | 830-838 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Hepato-Gastro |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 2013 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cirrhosis
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Liver fibrosis
- Microvesicles
- Portal hypertension