JOURNAL OF PRACTICAL HEPATOLOGY ›› 2016, Vol. 19 ›› Issue (1): 121-124.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-5069.2016.01.035

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Progress in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis

Chen Xiaoyu, Yang Changqing   

  1. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Disease Institute, Tongji Hospital,Tongji University School of Medicine,Shanghai,200065
  • Received:2015-10-30 Online:2016-01-10 Published:2016-02-04

Abstract: Liver fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by intrahepatic diffuse excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM),which is also a common response occurred in the progression of varied chronic liver disease to cirrhosis. As ECM is mainly secreted by hepatic stellate cells(HSC) and its activation process is the central part of liver fibrosis development. In this review,we will summarize the mechanism of HSC activation in combination with the roles of hepatocytes,other non-parenchymal cells and various profibrogenic cytokines. This paper will also describe the significance of intestinal flora alteration and aberrant expression of microRNAs in the development of liver fibrosis.

Key words: Liver fibrosis, Pathogenesis, Hepatic stellate cell, Extracellular matrix, Intestinal flora alteration, MicroRNAs