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Hepatic macrophages in liver fibrosis: pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets

Hai Li1, Hong You2, Xu Fan3

  • 1Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Splenic Medicine , Affiliated Hospital, Logistics University of People's Armed Police Force , Tianjin , People's Republic of China.

BMJ Open Gastroenterology
|June 3, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Hepatic macrophages play dual roles in liver fibrosis, promoting it early on and resolving it later. Understanding these roles may reveal new therapeutic targets for liver fibrosis.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Hepatology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Hepatic macrophages are the most abundant non-parenchymal cells in the liver.
  • Their function in liver fibrosis is complex and stage-dependent.
  • Evidence suggests hepatic macrophages may exist as distinct types or exhibit phenotypic plasticity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of hepatic macrophage roles in liver fibrosis.
  • To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting hepatic macrophages in liver fibrosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on hepatic macrophages in experimental liver fibrosis.
  • Analysis of macrophage functions in early and late stages of fibrosis.
  • Identification of molecular mechanisms involved in macrophage-mediated fibrosis promotion and resolution.

Main Results:

  • Hepatic macrophages promote liver fibrosis in early stages by recruiting inflammatory cells and secreting pro-inflammatory mediators.
  • In late stages, hepatic macrophages contribute to fibrosis resolution by secreting matrix metalloproteinases.
  • The dynamic functions suggest a potential for therapeutic modulation.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatic macrophages exhibit stage-specific, dichotomous roles in liver fibrosis.
  • Targeting hepatic macrophage phenotypes and functions presents a promising therapeutic avenue for liver fibrosis treatment.
Keywords:
HEPATIC FIBROSISIMMUNOLOGY IN HEPATOLOGYMACROPHAGES

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