Response of hepatocytes against endoplasmic reticulum stress in chronic liver diseases

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26461026
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Gastroenterology
• Research Institution: University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
• Principal Investigator: Harada Masaru 産業医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (00241175)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 小胞体ストレス / オートファジー / 非アルコール性脂肪性肝疾患 / ウイルソン病 / 酸化ストレス / C型肝炎

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) of hepatocytes is demonstrated in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), viral hepatitis () and Wilson disease. Saturated fatty acids induce ER stress and inhibit autophagic flux. Unsaturated fatty acid or chemical chaperones cancels this phenomenon. Wilson disease is also associated with ER stress of hepatocytes demonstrated by the electron microscopy. Copper induced oxidative stress and ER stress in cultured cells of both hepatic origin and non-hepatic origin. Zinc and chemical chaperones cancel copper induced ER stress.
ER stress is involved in pathogenesis of various liver diseases and regulation of ER stress is important for the management of various liver diseases.

Free Research Field

消化器病学