Update on the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis

Abstract

Fibrogenesis represents the main pathophysiological consequence of chronic liver disease and leads to life-threatening clinical consequences. The knowledge in this field has grown exponentially in the past 20 years and, currently, evaluation and treatment of liver fibrosis are central issues in hepatology. Classic mechanisms of liver fibrogenesis have been expanded and consolidated over the past few years. Concomitantly, novel mechanisms have been suggested and demonstrated. The aim of this article is to provide an update on these mechanisms with an attempt to integrate classic and novel pathways responsible for the evolution of the fibrogenic process and, potentially, for its regression.