How Inflammation Impinges on NAFLD: A Role for Kupffer Cells

Figure 2

Role of Kupffer cells in fibrosis regression. Initial activation of Kupffer cells contributes to liver injury and hepatocyte cell death through the release of inflammatory cytokines (1). Phagocytosis of hepatocyte debris, however, may trigger an an antifibrogenic phenotype in Kupffer cells by inducing the expression of metalloproteinases that degrade collagen fibers (2). Phagocytosis may also increase Wnt signaling in KC and promote the differentiation of hepatic progenitor cells into new hepatocytes (3). A reduced phagocytic capacity of Kupffer cells may underlie impairments in antifibrogenic responses and contribute to the setting of fibrosis in NASH.