Role of macrophages in alcoholic liver disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) affects more than 10 million people in the U.S. It is reported that alcohol-related liver cirrhosis accounts for nearly half of liver cirrhosis-associated deaths in the U.S. Macrophages (M Φ) have emerged as a critical player and therapeutic target in many chronic inflammatory diseases. Increased numbers of hepatic MΦ and their activation are found in all stages of ALD in patients and animal models, suggesting the involvement of these cells in the pathogenesis of ALD.
Source: Alcohol - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: research