Wen B, Wang QY, Li L, Zhang JG. Precision targeting of pathological angiogenesis in liver cirrhosis: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic translation challenges. World J Hepatol 2026; 18(4): 114955 [DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v18.i4.114955]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Biao Wen, Chief Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, No. 312 Middle Section of Baoguang Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China. 820695761@qq.com
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Gastroenterology & Hepatology
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Minireviews
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Apr 27, 2026 (publication date) through Apr 22, 2026
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Publication Name
World Journal of Hepatology
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1948-5182
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Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA
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Wen B, Wang QY, Li L, Zhang JG. Precision targeting of pathological angiogenesis in liver cirrhosis: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic translation challenges. World J Hepatol 2026; 18(4): 114955 [DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v18.i4.114955]
World J Hepatol. Apr 27, 2026; 18(4): 114955 Published online Apr 27, 2026. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v18.i4.114955
Precision targeting of pathological angiogenesis in liver cirrhosis: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic translation challenges
Biao Wen, Qiong-Ya Wang, Lan Li, Jian-Guo Zhang
Biao Wen, Qiong-Ya Wang, Lan Li, Jian-Guo Zhang, Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China
Co-first authors: Biao Wen and Qiong-Ya Wang.
Author contributions: Wang QY performed the majority of the writing; Li L conducted a comprehensive literature search; Zhang JG was responsible for preparing the figures and tables and contributed to partial writing; Wen B was primarily responsible for revising the manuscript; Wen B and Wang QY have made crucial and indispensable contributions towards the completion of the project and thus qualified as the co-first authors of the paper; all authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Supported by the High-Level Scientific Research Startup Fund Project of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, No. CYFY-GQ40; and Chengdu City Medical Research Project, No. 2022247.
Conflict-of-interest statement: There is no conflict of interest associated with any of the senior author or other coauthors contributed their efforts in this manuscript.
Corresponding author: Biao Wen, Chief Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, No. 312 Middle Section of Baoguang Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China. 820695761@qq.com
Received: October 10, 2025 Revised: December 29, 2025 Accepted: February 13, 2026 Published online: April 27, 2026 Processing time: 201 Days and 2.9 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: This review systematically elaborates the central role of pathological angiogenesis in cirrhotic portal hypertension, focusing on molecular mechanisms such as the hypoxia-inducible factor-vascular endothelial growth factor axis, inflammatory stress, and local renin-angiotensin system activation. Although targeted therapies show excellent efficacy in preclinical studies, their clinical translation is hampered by three challenges: Vascular heterogeneity, activation of compensatory pathways, and risks associated with systemic administration. The article also highlights emerging strategies, including targeting novel mechanosensory receptors such as GPR116, combination therapies, and precision medicine models based on the “hepatic hypertension-chip”, which offer new perspectives for individualized treatment.
