Retinoids in health and disease: A role for hepatic stellate cells in affecting retinoid levels

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta. Molecular and cell biology of lipids 2020-06, Vol.1865 (6), p.158674-158674, Article 158674
• Main Authors: Haaker, Maya W., Vaandrager, Arie B., Helms, J. Bernd
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Hepatic stellate cells; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Hepatocyte; Liver; Retinoic acid; Retinol; Retinol binding protein
• ISSN: 1388-1981; 1879-2618
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2020.158674

Vitamin A (retinol) is important for normal growth, vision and reproduction. It has a role in the immune response and the development of metabolic syndrome. Most of the retinol present in the body is stored as retinyl esters within lipid droplets in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In case of liver damage, HSCs release large amounts of stored retinol, which is partially converted to retinoic acid (RA). This surge of RA can mediate the immune response and enhance the regeneration of the liver. If the damage persists activated HSCs change into myofibroblast-like cells producing extracellular matrix, which increases the chance of tumorigenesis to occur. RA has been shown to decrease proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. The levels of RA and RA signaling are influenced by the possibility to esterify retinol towards retinyl esters. This suggests a complex regulation between different retinoids, with an important regulatory role for HSCs. [Display omitted] •Retinoids are important for normal physiology and pathology.•Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are important in liver storage and release.•HSCs have a regulatory role in the complex regulation between retinoids.