Evaluación ex vivo del mesenterio y células de estirpe mieloide como fuente de Interleucina-6 en la regeneración hepática en ratones

Abstract

The mesentery is an adipose tissue associated with the small intestine and colon. Recent studies suggest that, in addition to classical functions such as intestine suspension and node of vascular connections, the mesentery also plays an important role in the systemic regulation of inflammatory processes, like liver regeneration. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic protein that plays both anti- and pro-inflammatory roles in the response of liver regeneration. It has been described that, after a partial hepatectomy (PH), levels of IL-6 increase in bloodstream indicating that this cytokine plays a key role in liver regeneration. Traditionally, Kupffer cells (liver tissue macrophages) have been considered as the main source of IL-6 production after a PH. Nevertheless, studies carried out in the last few years, suggest the contribution of other cells, including hepatocytes, to IL-6 production. Moreover, the existence of extrahepatic IL-6 sources including the mesentery, have also been proposed. In this Final Degree Project, an ex vivo mesentery culture model has been developed with the aim of studying the production of IL-6 by this tissue. The results suggest that myeloid cells, in which Kupffer cells are included, are not the main cell source of IL-6 production in an inflammatory situation in the mesentery.