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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Bile Duct Ligation in Mice: Induction of Inflammatory Liver Injury and Fibrosis by Obstructive Cholestasis
Published on: February 10, 2015
[Liver fibrosis: from pathophysiology to therapeutic openings]
1Service d'Hépatologie et de Gastroentérologie, Groupe Hospitalier Henri-Mondor-Albert-Chenevier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 94010 Créteil cedex, France. ariane.mallat@hmn.aphp.fr
Abstract:
Understanding of liver fibrosis pathogenesis has undergone tremendous advances over the past twenty years. In this respect, demonstration of the reversibility of fibrosis was a major turnpoint. The panel of therapeutic targets is continuously expanding. Clinical development has however remained limited, heretofore, but should rapidly progress owing to the availability of accurate non-invasive methods for assessment of fibrosis, to improvement in the selection patients included in therapeutic trials, and to the development of cell specific targeting devices for agents at risk of adverse effects.
Insights
Liver fibrosis is reversible, marking a significant breakthrough. Advances in non-invasive assessment and targeted therapies are accelerating clinical development for this liver condition.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and liver disease research.
- Molecular mechanisms of fibrogenesis.
- Translational medicine in liver disorders.
Context:
- Significant progress in understanding liver fibrosis pathogenesis over the last two decades.
- The pivotal discovery of fibrosis reversibility has reshaped therapeutic strategies.
- Expanding landscape of potential molecular targets for liver fibrosis.
Purpose:
- To review advances in liver fibrosis pathogenesis.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential and challenges in clinical development.
- To discuss factors enabling future clinical progress.
Summary:
- Liver fibrosis pathogenesis understanding has advanced, with reversibility being a key finding.
- While therapeutic targets are numerous, clinical development has lagged.
- Progress is anticipated due to improved non-invasive fibrosis assessment and targeted therapies.
Impact:
- Facilitates improved patient selection for clinical trials.
- Enables development of safer, cell-specific therapeutic agents.
- Accelerates translation of research findings into clinical practice for liver fibrosis.
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