Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats
09:37

Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats

Published on: August 1, 2018

Vascular deterioration in cirrhosis: the big picture

Jaime Bosch1

  • 1Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic-Idibaps, University of Barcelona and Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Barcelona, Spain. jbosch@clinic.ub.es

Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|December 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Cirrhosis causes significant hepatic circulation abnormalities, including increased vascular tone and impaired vasodilation. These vascular changes extend beyond the liver, impacting multiple organs and offering new therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology and Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Cirrhosis presents with substantial hepatic circulation abnormalities.
  • These include functional issues like increased vascular tone and impaired vasodilation, and anatomical changes such as sinusoidal remodeling and angiogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanisms behind hepatic and systemic vascular abnormalities in cirrhosis.
  • To identify new therapeutic targets for improving patient survival.

Main Methods:

  • The study reviews current knowledge on the mechanisms of vascular changes in cirrhosis.
  • It synthesizes findings on both hepatic and extrahepatic vascular alterations.

Main Results:

  • Cirrhosis leads to increased hepatic vascular resistance and portal hypertension due to vascular remodeling and thrombosis.
  • Vascular dysfunction is observed not only in the liver but also in splanchnic organs, heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, and skin.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the mechanisms of these widespread vascular changes is crucial.
  • These insights pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes for patients with cirrhosis.

More Related Videos

New Thrombectomy Technique for Total Portal Vein Thrombosis in Liver Transplantation08:45

New Thrombectomy Technique for Total Portal Vein Thrombosis in Liver Transplantation

Published on: June 27, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology01:24

Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology

Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...
Cirrhosis I: Introduction01:23

Cirrhosis I: Introduction

Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
Portal Hypertension01:22

Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension is an increase in blood pressure within the portal venous system. Normally, this pressure is less than 5 mmHg. It is considered clinically significant when it rises above 10 mmHg. At this threshold, complications from altered blood flow and venous congestion emerge.EtiologyPortal hypertension arises from conditions that impede blood flow through the liver. The most common cause is cirrhosis, in which chronic liver injury leads to fibrotic scarring. This fibrosis narrows or...
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction01:24

Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction

Esophageal varices are dilated, tortuous veins which are found mainly in the submucosa of the lower esophagus but which may also appear higher up or extend into the stomach. They develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, often as a result of liver cirrhosis. This condition scars and damages the liver, impeding normal blood flow through the portal vein. To compensate, blood seeks alternative pathways, forming fragile new vessels (varices) in the esophagus and stomach. These...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management01:28

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder01:26

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...