Reversal of fibrosis: no longer a pipe dream?
The reversal of liver fibrosis is not a new phenomenon. Treatment of the primary disease remains the most effective strategy, but new approaches to promote resolution of fibrosis are being built on the foundations that were provided by research into the basic mechanisms of fibrogenesis. A return to normal hepatic architecture from advanced fibrosis is achievable in some cases, and cirrhosis itself may be partly remediable.
Fallowfield
Jonathan A
JA
Liver Research Group, Division of Infection, Inflammation and Repair, Mailpoint 811, D Level, South Block, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK. jonfalluk@yahoo.co.uk
Kendall
Timothy J
TJ
Iredale
John P
JP
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000473:pathology; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000975:Antioxidants