Accelerated CCl 4 -Induced Liver Fibrosis in Hjv-/- Mice, Associated with an Oxidative Burst and Precocious Profibrogenic Gene Expression

Authors: Giada Sebastiani, Kostas Gkouvatsos, Carmen Maffettone, Graziella Busatto, Maria Guido, Kostas Pantopoulos

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025138

Abstract Summary

Iron overload accelerates liver damage and fibrosis in hemochromatosis mouse models. Mice lacking hemojuvelin developed severe liver injury 2-4 weeks earlier than controls when exposed to toxins, showing elevated oxidative stress and profibrogenic gene expression even before visible pathology. These findings reveal how excess hepatic iron triggers premature fibrosis pathways.

Why Brain? 🧠

Iron overload in hemochromatosis accelerates liver fibrosis through oxidative stress and early activation of scar-forming genes, explaining why these patients develop severe liver damage faster than others.

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