Disease burden and pathological characteristics of hepatic fibrosis induced by parasite infection / 中国热带医学

ABSTRACT

@#Abstract Parasites such as schistosome, liver fluke, and echinococcus mainly parasitize or cause diseases in the liver, and liver fibrosis is the main pathological feature and primary cause of morbidity and mortality of hosts after infection. The liver fibrosis caused by these parasites still has a heavy disease burden in the world, and due to its unique disease characteristics, the animal model of liver fibrosis caused by parasites has a unique position in the study of liver fibrosis. The essential distinguishing feature of parasitic infection-induced hepatic fibrosis from other types of hepatic fibrosis is the variety of parasitic-secreted molecules initiating fibrosis, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, metabolic small molecules and other types. These molecules induce the formation of type 2 immunity or inflammatory microenvironment in the host liver. Although in-depth research has been conducted on the initiation, maintenance, and regression of type 2 immunity in the liver after parasitic infection, many core mechanisms remain unclear. Chronic inflammation ultimately activates stellate cells and other types of cells to differentiate into myofibroblasts (MF), thus promoting the formation of liver fibrosis. After clearing parasites, MF may undergo reverse differentiation, apoptosis or senescence, and liver fibers may undergo reversal. Deep research on the activation and regression of MF is the foundation for effective prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis. This article reviews the disease burden and pathological characteristics of liver fibrosis caused by parasite infection.