Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells in Hepatic Fibrosis #MMPMID25131509
DeLeve LD
Hepatology 2015[May]; 61 (5): 1740-6 PMID25131509show ga
Capillarization, lack of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) fenestration and formation of an organized basement membrane, not only precedes fibrosis, but is also permissive for hepatic stellate cell activation and fibrosis. Thus dysregulation of the LSEC phenotype is a critical step in the fibrotic process. Both a VEGF-stimulated, NO-independent pathway and a VEGF-stimulated NO-dependent pathway are necessary to maintain the differentiated LSEC phenotype. The NO-dependent pathway is impaired in capillarization and activation of this pathway downstream from NO restores LSEC differentiation in vivo. Restoration of LSEC differentiation in vivo promotes HSC quiescence, enhances regression of fibrosis, and prevents progression of cirrhosis.