Research of the Hifih laboratory (hemodynamics, fibrosis interaction and hepatic tumor invasiveness) relates to chronic liver disease. Friday, April 18, the association Les Sapins de l’Espoir went to the Institute of Health Biology (IBS) to exchange with the researchers of theDo After funding the acquisition of new scientific equipment.
Christine Dutertre, at the center, president of the association Les Sapins de l’Espoir, in front of the microbiological security post bought by the association. Directed by Professor Jérôme Boursier, the Hifih laboratory is particularly interested in hepatic steatosis, also called “foie gras disease”. This pathology is marked by an abnormal accumulation of fat in liver cells and can evolve to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Researchers are studying in particular the role of extra cellular vesicles from bacteria in the intestinal microbiota, in the development of liver cancers. “” We collect samples of blood, stools, urine and patient livers followed at the CHU d’Angers, Details Jérôme Boursier. These samples are then frozen at -80 ° C before being analyzed within our laboratory. »
-Significant financial support
The association Les Sapins de l’Espoir financed the purchase last February of an incubator and a microbiological security (PSM) security position, making it possible to cultivate and manipulate cell cultures in optimal conditions.
« We therefore now have two well-equipped culture pieces: one for work on primary cells (human or animal tissues) and another for the culture of immortalized cells, that is to say capable of dividing indefinitelycontinues the director. It is necessary to have equipment adapted to the cultivation of cells in controlled environment in order to prevent all contamination. »
The incubator and the PSM were financed up to 20,000 euros by the association Les Sapins de l’Espoir. Founded in 1995 and carried out only by volunteers, it collects funds from donors in order to finance the purchase of equipment intended for the fight against cancer and research for partner medical teams. To date, more than a million euros have been collected. “” For the year 2024-2025, we have invested 63,000 euros in equipment for several hospitals and CHUs, underlines Christine Dutertre, the president of the association, during an exchange with the researchers on Friday April 18 at theIBS. It is a pleasure to collaborate with you and to see the equipment concretely, We will always be attentive to your needs. »
