Angiogenesis in liver disease.
Angiogenesis and disruption of liver vascular architecture have been linked to progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer (HCC) in chronic liver diseases, which contributes both to increased hepatic vascular resistance and portal hypertension and to decreased hepatocyte perfusion. On the other hand, recent evidence shows that angiogenesis modulates the formation of portal-systemic collaterals and the increased splanchnic blood flow which are involved in the life threatening complications of cirrhosis. Finally, angiogenesis plays a key role in the growth of tumours, suggesting that interference with angiogenesis may prevent or delay the development of HCC. This review summarizes current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of liver angiogenesis and on the consequences of angiogenesis in chronic liver disease. On the other hand, it presents the different strategies that have been used in experimental models to counteract excessive angiogenesis and its potential role in preventing transition to cirrhosis, development of portal hypertension and its consequences, and its application in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Fernández
Mercedes
M
Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic-IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Semela
David
D
Bruix
Jordi
J
Colle
Isabelle
I
Pinzani
Massimo
M
Bosch
Jaume
J
D018450:Disease Progression; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000150:complications; D008102:Liver Circulation; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000473:pathology; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*; D008115:Liver Regeneration; D009336:Necrosis; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000473:pathology*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000502:physiology; D014655:Vascular Resistance
D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A