1. Interaction of non‑parenchymal hepatocytes in the process of hepatic fibrosis (Review).
- Author
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Cheng QN, Yang X, Wu JF, Ai WB, and Ni YR
- Subjects
- Capillaries metabolism, Capillaries pathology, Endothelial Cells metabolism, Endothelial Cells pathology, Hepatic Stellate Cells pathology, Hepatocytes metabolism, Hepatocytes pathology, Humans, Kupffer Cells, Liver pathology, Liver Cirrhosis pathology, Lung Injury pathology, Signal Transduction genetics, Hepatic Stellate Cells metabolism, Liver metabolism, Liver Cirrhosis genetics, Lung Injury genetics
- Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is the process of fibrous scar formation caused by chronic liver injury of different etiologies. Previous studies have hypothesized that the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the central process in HF. The interaction between HSCs and surrounding cells is also crucial. Additionally, hepatic sinusoids capillarization, inflammation, angiogenesis and fibrosis develop during HF. The process involves multiple cell types that are highly connected and work in unison to maintain the homeostasis of the hepatic microenvironment, which serves a key role in the initiation and progression of HF. The current review provides novel insight into the intercellular interaction among liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, HSCs and Kupffer cells, as well as the hepatic microenvironment in the development of HF.
- Published
- 2021
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