3D imaging reveals degeneration of sympathetic nerves in liver in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Through the application of new three-dimensional imaging technology, researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden discovered that part of the autonomic nervous system of the liver undergoes severe degeneration in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study, which is conducted in mice and human liver tissue, shows that degeneration of the nerves correlates with the severity of the liver disease. The results are published in the journal Scientists progress.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common liver disorder, with a prevalence of around 25% worldwide. About a third of all cases of fatty liver disease will progress to steatohepatitis, which is a serious disease that seriously affects the entire metabolism.

In this article, researchers explore the nervous system in fatty liver disease using volume immunoimaging and light microscopy, a novel imaging technique that, overall, provides 3D visualization to large scale with cellular resolution. According to the study, this technology can reveal even early, minor or hidden structural deficiencies in the liver.

We now know that the nerves in the liver have multiple subtle regulatory roles. Their role, however, may be more essential during the fight-or-flight response or when subjected to metabolic challenges. The degeneration of the sympathetic nerves in the liver and the abnormal functioning of the remaining nerve fibers in fatty liver disease could compromise all of these functions, which could contribute to further worsening of the disease, as part of a vicious cycle. “

Csaba Adori, study leader, researcher, department of neurosciences, Karolinska Institutet

Already occurs at an early stage

According to the study, alterations in the innervation of the liver already occur in the early stages of fatty liver disease. With progression to more severe steatohepatitis, these impairments develop into pronounced degeneration of the nerves. Nerve pathology is also similar in the mouse model of fatty liver disease and in samples of human fatty liver. The research team now hopes that the results of the study will open the door to new therapeutic approaches in the treatment of steatohepatitis and portal hypertension, by targeting the sympathetic nervous system of the liver.