Hepatocyte–stellate cell synapse in alcohol-induced steatosis: another role for endocannabinoids

Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Published online: 04 November 2019; doi:10.1038/s41575-019-0233-8A new study demonstrates a novel role for an endocannabinoid in promoting hepatocyte steatosis. The study describes a mode of bidirectional communication between the alcohol-injured hepatocyte and the glutamate-activated hepatic stellate cell. This intercellular communication represents a novel targetable pathogenic mechanism that could lead to new strategies to prevent fatty liver disease progression to cirrhosis.
Source: Nature Reviews Gastroenterology and Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Source Type: research