| Literature DB >> 20363674 |
Heather Francis1, Cynthia J Meininger.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mast cells are recognized as diverse and highly complicated cells. Aside from their notorious role in allergic inflammatory reactions, mast cells are being implicated in numerous disease processes from heart disease to cancer. Mast cells have been implicated in liver pathogenesis including hepatitis and host allograft rejection after liver transplantation. AIMS: The aim of this review is to discuss the traditional function of mast cells, their location and anatomy with regards to hepatic vasculature and the role of mast cells in hepatic diseases including liver regeneration and rejection. Finally, we will touch on the role of mast cells in liver cancer. In conclusion, we hope that the reader comes away with a better understanding of the diverse and potential role(s) that mast cells may play in liver pathologies. Copyright 2010 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Entities:
Mesh:
Year: 2010 PMID: 20363674 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2010.02.016
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Dig Liver Dis ISSN: 1590-8658 Impact factor: 4.088