Recent advances in understanding liver fibrosis: bridging basic science and individualized treatment concepts.

ABSTRACT: Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by the formation and deposition of excess fibrous connective tissue, leading to progressive architectural tissue remodeling. Irrespective of the underlying noxious trigger, tissue damage induces an inflammatory response involving the local vascular system and the immune system and a systemic mobilization of endocrine and neurological mediators, ultimately leading to the activation of matrix-producing cell populations. Genetic disorders, chronic viral infection, alcohol abuse, autoimmune attacks, metabolic disorders, cholestasis, alterations in bile acid composition or concentration, venous obstruction, and parasite infections are well-established factors that predispose one to hepatic fibrosis. In addition, excess fat and other lipotoxic mediators provokin

SUBMITTER: Weiskirchen R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6024236 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature