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

A 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.

CITA DEL ARTÍCULO Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020 Jan;17(1):5-6.
doi: 10.1038/s41575-019-0233-8