Multiple choice

The activation of which of the following is responsible for early ethanol-induced liver injury in human beings?

  1. Mesothelium

  2. Stellate cells

  3. Kupffer cells

  4. Hepatocytes

  5. Cryoprotectant

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Kupffer cell activation is responsible for early ethanol-induced liver injury, common in chronic alcoholics. Chronic alcoholism and liver injury deal with a two hit system. The second hit is characterised by an activation of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and CD14, receptors on the Kupffer cell that internalise endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide or LPS).