Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells are implicated in multiple fibrotic mechanisms

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Cell Biology
• Fibrosis Research

Background:

• Chronic liver diseases stem from liver injury, leading to fibrosis.
• Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are primary responders to liver injury and crucial in fibrosis pathogenesis.
• LSEC capillarization is a significant event in chronic liver disease and fibrosis progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the complexity and plasticity of LSECs in fibrotic liver diseases.
• To explore LSEC interactions with other intra-hepatic cells.
• To summarize anti-fibrosis mechanisms targeting LSECs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on LSECs in liver fibrosis.
• Analysis of molecular and cellular processes involved in LSEC-mediated fibrosis.
• Examination of cytokines, pathways, epigenetic, and metabolic factors influencing LSECs.

Main Results:

• LSECs exhibit complexity and plasticity in fibrotic liver disease.
• Cross-talk between LSECs and intra-hepatic cells is vital in fibrosis.
• Various factors, including VEGF, TGF-β, Hedgehog, and Notch pathways, influence LSEC-mediated fibrosis.

Conclusions:

• LSECs are central to liver fibrosis development.
• Targeting LSECs presents a promising therapeutic avenue for anti-fibrosis treatments.
• This review provides a theoretical foundation for future LSEC-focused anti-fibrosis research.