The role of vasoactive hormones in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis

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One of the most important consequences of chronic liver disease is the development of progressive liver fibrosis or scarring. This process is responsible for many of the life-threatening complications of liver disease, however, the mechanisms responsible are not completely understood and there are no established treatments. The aetiologies of cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, are many and vary from viral hepatitis to inherited and autoimmune disorders. Regardless of the cause, it appears that fibrosis develops down a common pathway leading to eventual cirrhosis. We will study the pathways that are thought to be involved in the stimulation of liver scarring, in particular, focusing on those that lead to its activation and perpetuation. It is hypothesised that these pathways will prove to be potential targets for the treatment and prevention of liver fibrosis.