Animal models for liver disease - A practical approach for translational research

Abstract

Animal models are crucial for improving our understanding of human pathogenesis, enabling researchers to identify therapeutic targets and test novel drugs. In the current review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the most widely used experimental models of chronic liver disease, starting from early stages of fatty liver disease (non-alcoholic and alcoholic) to steatohepatitis, advanced cirrhosis and end-stage primary liver cancer. We focus on aspects such as reproducibility and practicality, discussing the advantages and weaknesses of available models for researchers who are planning to perform animal studies in the near future. Additionally, we summarise current and prospective models based on human tissue bioengineering.

Keywords: ALD; Cirrhosis; Fibrosis; NAFLD; NASH; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; Primary liver cancer.