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Crosstalk Between Angiogenesis and Fibrogenesis in Liver Disease

  • Chronic Liver Disease (M Fernandez, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review provides an overview of the different aspects involved in the crosstalk between fibrogenesis, angiogenesis, and inflammation, contributing to liver disease progression.

Recent Findings

Fibrosis, characterized by abnormal and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, results in compromised tissue and organ structure. This can lead to reduced organ function and eventual failure. Although activated hepatic stellate cells are considered the central players in fibrosis, the participation of other cell types and co-existing pathogenic processes to the initiation and progression of fibrosis has become increasingly recognized.

Summary

Understanding the pathophysiology of fibrosis and the molecular bases of hepatic stellate cell activation is essential to define novel and more efficient targets of antifibrotic therapy to reduce incidence, morbidity, and mortality of the people suffering from chronic liver disease.

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Funding

This work was supported by grants from the Spanish Government (SAF2017-87988-R; PRE2018-083718), the Spanish Association Against Cancer, Worldwide Cancer Research Foundation, BBVA Foundation, La Caixa Foundation, and Marato TV3 Foundation. CIBERehd is an initiative from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. IDIBAPS is supported by the CERCA Programme (Catalan Government).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Angiogenesis in Liver Disease Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

    Marc Mejias, Alexandra Balvey & Mercedes Fernandez

  2. Biomedical Research Networking Center on Hepatic and Digestive Disease (CIBEREHD), Institute of Health Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain

    Marc Mejias, Alexandra Balvey & Mercedes Fernandez

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  1. Marc Mejias
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  2. Alexandra Balvey
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Correspondence to Mercedes Fernandez.

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Mejias, M., Balvey, A. & Fernandez, M. Crosstalk Between Angiogenesis and Fibrogenesis in Liver Disease. Curr. Tissue Microenviron. Rep. 1, 121–129 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43152-020-00013-w

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