The 'secret' of a healthy liver: how stellate cells protect this vital organ

An international study published in the journal Nature and led by Columbia University in New York, with the participation of researchers from Cima , the University of Navarra Clinic , and the Hospital Clínic in Barcelona , has concluded that the liver's stellate cells are essential for the proper functioning of this organ. Until now, it was only known that they were involved in the development of liver fibrosis , a disease that involves the progressive accumulation of scar tissue in this organ in response to injury or chronic inflammation.

Dr. Josepmaria Argemí , a specialist at the Clínica's Hepatology Unit and leader of the Cellular Stress and Immunotherapy in Liver Cancer group at Cima, explained that "thanks to this study, it has been possible to verify that hepatic stellate cells produce a protein called RSPO3 that helps maintain correct spatial or zonal organization. The expression of this protein in stellate cells decreases in liver pathologies."

Researchers have been working for the past decade, combining analysis techniques in human tissue and animal models, as well as using genetic engineering techniques. In the lab, scientists have discovered that the liver's ability to regenerate , detoxify the body, and perform other important functions was profoundly altered when these cells were removed from mice.

They also discovered that, conversely, when these stellate cells are overly activated—as occurs in the presence of disease— the RSPO3 protein decreases in the cells . This low protein level predicts a worse prognosis in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease, suggesting that, under normal conditions, stellate cells are involved in protecting the liver.

According to Dr. Argemí , this study "allows us to advance our understanding of liver physiology and provides information for the development of treatments that promote liver regeneration or recovery after injury."

Liver fibrosis is a disease that causes a progressive buildup of scar tissue in the liver, which can lead to cirrhosis. Although the liver is capable of repairing itself if it suffers minor damage, persistent damage can severely affect its structure and function. This is often the case with persistent high alcohol consumption, metabolic liver diseases associated with obesity or type 2 diabetes , or undiagnosed viral liver infections .