title: Current and prospective therapies for hepatic fibrosis.
abstract: The prospects for new, effective treatments for hepatic fibrosis are real. Currently there are several drugs being evaluated in clinical trials, including polyunsaturated lecithin and prostaglandins. In addition, the authors' (J.F.T. and D.A.B.) knowledge of the pathophysiology of hepatic fibrosis has increased dramatically during the past few years. These advances are being incorporated into novel therapies for hepatic fibrogenesis such as TGF-beta antagonists. Hopefully, definitive treatments for hepatic fibrosis will become available in the near future.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Trotter
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Brenner
mesh_terms: D003094:Collagen / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D058575:Decorin; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: C546878:DCN protein, human; D058575:Decorin; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D011453:Prostaglandins; D011509:Proteoglycans; D003094:Collagen