Introduction of DDC-Induced Cholestatic Liver Disease Mouse Model
We would like to introduce mice model of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), as well as 3,5-Diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-Dihydrocollidine (DDC) mice model.
PSC
PSC is a chronic bile duct disorder characterized by plaque inflammation, fibrosis, and stricture of the bile ducts, which may progress to the terminal stage requiring liver transplantation.
Ursodeoxycholic acid is a potent treatment that is often prescribed for patients who suffer from PSC, however this drug does not stop the disease progression completely. Therefore, it is essential that new treatments that are able to halt the development of PSC are developed as soon as possible.
About the DDC model
The DDC model pathogenesis is based on the mixed dietary administration of DDC to mice, which induces fibrosis around the bile ducts and ductular reaction.
In this model, elevated levels of the blood marker ALP and “onion skin” periductal fibrosis are observed in the liver histology, which are included in the diagnostic criteria for PSC as defined by American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and European Association for the Study of the Live (EASL). Thus, it is a high clinical correlative PSC model.
If you are interested in a drug evaluation study for PSC, cholangitis, or fibrosis of the bile ducts, we hope you will consider conducting a study utilizing our DDC model.