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Abstract
Models of liver fibrosis, which include cell culture models, explanted and biopsied human material, and experimental animal models, have demonstrated that liver fibrosis is a highly dynamic example of solid organ wound healing. Recent work in human and animal models has shown that liver fibrosis is potentially reversible and, in specific circumstances, demonstrates resolution with a restoration of near normal architecture. This Review highlights the manner in which studies of models of liver fibrosis have contributed to the paradigm of dynamic wound healing in this solid organ.
Authors
John P. Iredale
Figure 3
Diagramatic representation of the possible sources of liver myofibroblasts.
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There is considerable evidence supporting the notion that HSCs are a major source of myofibroblasts in the injured liver. Additionally, contributions to the myofibroblast population might come from portal myofibroblasts. Most recently, BM stem cells have been demonstrated to contribute to the inflammatory cell population and the myofibroblast population in the injured liver, which might occur directly or through an intermediary cell, such as a quiescent HSC or CD45+ fibrocyte. Research is currently underway to determine the role of EMT in the development of liver myofibroblasts.
Copyright © 2025 American Society for Clinical Investigation
ISSN: 0021-9738 (print), 1558-8238 (online)