Mechanisms of Fibrosis Development in NASH

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disease world-wide, affecting 20-25% of the adult population. In 25% of patients, NAFLD progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which increases the risk for the development of cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. In patients with NASH, liver fibrosis is the main determinant of mortality. Here, we review how interactions between different liver cells culminate in fibrosis development in NASH, focusing on triggers and consequences of hepatocyte-macrophage-hepatic stellate cell (HSC) crosstalk.
Source: Gastroenterology - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Source Type: research