Therapeutic potential of microRNA: a new target to treat intrahepatic portal hypertension?

Abstract

Intrahepatic portal hypertension accounts for most of the morbidity and mortality encountered in patients with liver cirrhosis, due to increased portal inflow and intrahepatic vascular resistance. Most treatments have focused only on portal inflow or vascular resistance. However, miRNA multitarget regulation therapy may potentially intervene in these two processes for therapeutic benefit in cirrhosis and portal hypertension. This review presents an overview of the most recent knowledge of and future possibilities for the use of miRNA therapy. The benefits of this therapeutic modality--which is poorly applied in the clinical setting--are still uncertain. Increasing the knowledge and current understanding of the roles of miRNAs in the development of intrahepatic portal hypertension and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) functions, as well as their potential as novel drug targets, is critical.

Figure 1

HSCs and intrahepatic modulation of portal pressure.

Figure 2

Summary of the miRNAs and the TGF-β pathway involved in HSCs. The particular TGF-β signaling pathway affected by miRNAs is described in detail in the review.

Figure 3

Summary of the miRNAs and the VEGF pathway involved in HSCs. The particular VEGF signaling pathway affected by miRNAs is described in detail in the review.