Resistin mediates the hepatic stellate cell phenotype

Figure 6 Schematic diagram illustrating a possible mechanism by which resistin potentiates hepatic stellate cells profibrogenic phenotype. Adipose tissue is a predominant source of resistin expression and secretion in rodents. Increased adipose resistin released into the bloodstream and liver stimulates HSCs to produce increased amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (IL-6 and MCP-1), leading to enhanced HSC proliferation and migration, but attenuation of HSC apoptosis. In addition, resistin promotes KC TGFβ1 which subsequently activates HSC by up-regulation of collagen I. Therefore, resistin is considered one of the pro-fibrogenic adipocytokines. TGFβ1: Transforming growth factor; NF-κB: Nuclear factor κB; IL-6: Interleukin 6; MCP-1: Monocyte chemotactic protein-1; HSCs: Hepatic stellate cells.