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Programmed cell death in hepatic fibrosis: current and perspectives
Ju-Lu Lu1, Chuan-Xin Yu2, Li-Jun Song3
1National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, 214064, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
This review explores how programmed cell death, including apoptosis and pyroptosis, impacts hepatic fibrosis. Targeting cell death pathways in liver cells, especially hepatic stellate cells, offers potential therapeutic strategies for fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hepatic fibrosis involves complex signaling pathways and molecular patterns.
- Programmed cell death (PCD) processes like apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis are increasingly linked to fibrosis progression.
- Understanding the dual role of PCD in liver injury and repair is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics of hepatic fibrosis and various PCD types.
- To summarize recent advancements in understanding PCD's role in promoting and resolving hepatic fibrosis.
- To highlight the distinct functions of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) death versus other liver cell death in fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on hepatic fibrosis and programmed cell death.
- Analysis of signaling pathways, cytokines, chemokines, and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).
- Focus on recent findings regarding PCD's influence on HSCs and other liver cells.
Main Results:
- Hepatic fibrosis development and resolution are modulated by multiple factors, including PCD.
- Targeting HSC death or protecting other liver cells can potentially delay or reverse fibrosis.
- Different PCD pathways exhibit varied effects on fibrosis based on the cell type involved.
Conclusions:
- Programmed cell death plays a significant role in the pathogenesis and resolution of hepatic fibrosis.
- Modulating specific PCD pathways, particularly in HSCs, presents a promising therapeutic avenue.
- Further research into targeted PCD interventions could lead to novel treatments for liver fibrosis.
