Rational design of fluorescent imaging agents for hepatic diseases: from molecular mechanisms to diagnostic precision

Hepatic diseases represent a significant global health threat, with their complex pathological processes originating from molecular dysregulation and microenvironmental imbalance. A profound understanding of the mechanisms of hepatic diseases and the development of precise detection technologies are mutually reinforcing and indispensable. Fluorescence imaging technology, characterized by high sensitivity and strong specificity, enables in situ and dynamic monitoring of key biomarkers for hepatic diseases. It thereby reveals pathological processes at the molecular and cellular levels, providing a powerful visualization tool for research on disease mechanisms and early precision diagnosis. In recent years, significant progress has been made in this field. This review systematically summarizes the latest advances in the development and application of fluorescent probes for various hepatic diseases since 2020. We outline the design principles and strategies targeting different biomarkers and expound on the core mechanisms regulating the optical signals of the probes. This review provides a detailed discussion on biological imaging using fluorescent probes in diseases including fatty liver disease, acute liver injury, and hepatocellular carcinoma, analysing their activation mechanisms and biological discoveries. Furthermore, the challenges and future directions in this field are discussed. This review aims to promote the development of more efficient and multifunctional fluorescent probes, which will expand the application of fluorescence imaging technology for the precision diagnosis and treatment of hepatic diseases.