Role of hepatic lymphangiogenesis in the progression of liver fibrosis / 临床肝胆病杂志

ABSTRACT

Liver fibrosis can progress to liver cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, which may lead to poor prognosis. In addition to pathological angiogenesis and hepatic sinusoid remodeling, hepatic lymphangiogenesis also plays an important role in the progression of liver fibrosis. This article briefly describes lymphatic vessel markers and their expression in the liver, introduces the role of lymphangiogenesis in liver fibrosis, and reviews the role of liver macrophages (Kupffer cells) and lymphatic endothelial cells in lymphangiogenesis. It is pointed out lymphangiogenesis may become a potential target for the intervention of liver fibrosis, which plays an important role in the early treatment and reversal of liver fibrosis and the prevention of liver cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease.