Wnt信号转导通路与肝纤维化关系的研究现况

Regulation of activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells through the Wnt signaling pathway: Implications for treatment of liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis, a reversible pathological condition occurring after chronic liver injury, is closely associated with the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Several studies have demonstrated that the Wnt signaling pathway is involved in the activation of HSCs, and then contributes to the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis. Thus, the Wnt signaling pathway and HSCs are considered to be the valid targets for the treatment of liver fibrosis. In recent years, domestic and international scholars have carried on many studies on the regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway and HSCs, trying to find out effective antifibrotic therapies. A large number of studies have shown that regulating HSCs can play a positive role in the treatment of liver fibrosis through the Wnt signaling pathway. On the basis of the relationship among the Wnt signaling pathway, HSCs and liver fibrosis, this review mainly summarizes the latest progress in the study of strategies for regulating HSCs through the Wnt signaling pathway and discusses the implications for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Progress in understanding the relationship between Notch signaling pathway and hepatic stellate cell activation

Multiple signaling pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis, and the Notch signaling pathway plays an important role in promoting the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). This pathway participates in the activation of HSCs mainly by cooperating with transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/BMP, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and Wnt signaling pathways directly or indirectly. This review aims to explore the relationship between the Notch signaling pathway and the activation of HSCs as well as the cooperative actions between TGF-β/BMP, NF-κB, and Wnt and the Notch signaling pathway in the process of the activation of HSCs.