Angiogenesis and liver fibrosis

Core Tip

Core tip: Hepatic angiogenesis is closely associated with the progression of fibrosis in chronic liver diseases (CLDs). Recent evidences demonstrated that blocking angiogenesis means also prevention of fibrosis progression. Hypoxia plays a crucial role in eliciting angiogenesis together with hepatic stellate cells being the most prominent sources of vascular endothelial growth factor and Angiopoietin-1. Adipokines, endoplasmic reticulum stress and related unfolded protein response; neuropilins; might be future therapeutical target in the progression of fibrosis in CLDs. Moreover studies on non-alcoholic steatohepatits demonstrated that of angiotensin and renin inhibitors could be effectively used as a new treatment strategy against angiogenesis in the prevention of fibrosis in CLDs.