Development of new treatment for severe liver diseases using platelets

本研究的目的是利用具有促肝增殖作用的血小板功能，开发肝再生和肝功能衰竭的治疗新策略。2005年，我们在小鼠肝切除后发现血小板促进肝再生。血小板通过PI3K/Akt途径直接影响肝细胞增殖。2006年，我们发现在过度肝切除后，血小板促进肝再生。我们还发现，血小板中的HGF和IGF-1是肝细胞增殖的主要效应因子。为了长期保存血小板，我们创造了一种冷冻干燥的血小板，保存了它的形状、生长因子和肝细胞增殖的效果。2007年，我们发现，在肝硬变大鼠和小鼠中，血小板可以防止纤维化的进展并促进肝再生。血小板抗纤维化的机制可能是通过降低转化生长因子β和增加基质金属蛋白酶-9的表达来实现的。在这项研究中，我们指出，血小板和血小板制品将在治疗肝硬变方面有效。我们将继续开展使用血小板治疗严重肝病的临床研究。

The aim of this research is to develop new treatment strategy of liver regeneration and liver failure using platelet function of hepato-proliferative effect. In 2005, we revealed that platelets promote liver regeneration after hepatectomy using mice. Platelets had direct effect on hepatocytes proliferation via PI3 kinase/Akt pathway. In 2006, we revealed that platelets promote liver regeneration after excessive hepatectomy. We also revealed that HGF and IGF-1 in platelets are the main effector of hepatocytes proliferation. To preserve platelets for a long time, we created a freeze dried platelet which preserved its shape, growth factors, and the effect of hepatocyte proliferation. In 2007, we revealed that platelets prevent progression of fibrosis and promote liver regeneration in cirrhotic rats and mice. The mechanism of reducing fibrosis by platelets was reducing TGF beta and increasing MMP-9 expression. In this research, we indicated that platelets and platelet products would be effective in liver cirrhosis treatment. We will continue clinical studies for treating severe liver diseases using platelets