Biliary Metaplasia and Macrophage Activation Define the Cellular Landscape of Cardiogenic Liver Disease

Abstract

Right heart failure significantly impacts liver remodeling and function, a process referred to as cardiogenic liver disease. Although recognized as a risk factor for adverse outcomes, little is understood about the cellular and molecular players that contribute to liver disease in heart failure. Using human liver biopsy samples from patients with heart failure and a mouse model of liver congestion, we unraveled a nexus of macrophages, hepatic stellate cells, and biliary metaplastic cells that shape the pathologic environment of cardiogenic liver disease.