This study demonstrates that CCL2 is a key molecule for the development of metabolic and histological alterations in the liver of mice sensitive to the development of hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis, a finding with potential to identify new therapeutic targets in liver diseases.
In a large cohort of ALD patients, we analysed plasma levels and liver expression of CCL2 and their association with liver disease severity and histological lesions.
Although serum CCL2 levels were associated with early liver fibrosis, rs12075 itself was not associated with HCV infection or the severity of liver disease in any of the cohorts.
To further define this process, the gene expression of the monocyte chemoattractant monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) was examined in animal and human liver disease.