Hepatic Stellate Cells in Liver Fibrosis and siRNA-Based Therapy.

Hepatic Stellate Cells in Liver Fibrosis and siRNA-Based Therapy.
Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol. 2016 Aug 18;
Authors: Omar R, Yang J, Liu H, Davies NM, Gong Y
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a reversible wound-healing response to either acute or chronic liver injury caused by hepatitis B or C, alcohol, and toxic agents. Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by excessive accumulation and reduced degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Excessive accumulation of ECM alters the hepatic architecture leading to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis results in failure of common functions of the liver. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a major role in the development of liver fibrosis as HSC are the main source of the excessive production of ECM in an injured liver. RNA interference (RNAi) is a recently discovered therapeutic tool that may provide a solution to manage multiple diseases including liver fibrosis through silencing of specific gene expression in diseased cells. However, gene silencing using small interfering RNA (siRNA) is encountering many challenges in the body after systemic administration. Efficient and stable siRNA delivery to the target cells is a key issue for the development of siRNA therapeutic. For that reason, various viral and non-viral carriers for liver-targeted siRNA delivery have been developed. This review will cover the current strategies for the treatment of liver fibrosis as well as discussing non-viral approa...

Source: Pharmacological Reviews - August 17, 2016 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Omar R, Yang J, Liu H, Davies NM, Gong Y Tags: Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol Source Type: research