HIP/PAP Accelerates Liver Regeneration and Protects Against Acetaminophen Injury in Mice *

Abstract
Human hepatocarcinoma-intestine-pancreas/pancreatic-associated protein HIP/PAP is a secreted C-type lectin belonging to group VII, according to Drickamer's classification. HIP/PAP is overexpressed in liver carcinoma; however, its functional role remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that HIP/PAP is a paracrine hepatic growth factor promoting both proliferation and viability of liver cells in vivo . First, a low number of implanted hepatocytes deriving from HIP/PAP-transgenic mice ( In conclusion , the present data offer new insights into the biological functions of C-type lectins. In addition, HIP/PAP is a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of liver failure. (Hepatology 2005;42:618–626.)