Hepatic Fibrosis: Mechanisms and Therapies

Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by the scarring, overgrowth and hardening of different tissues of the liver and is caused by an excess buildup of extracellular matrix components such as collagen. It is the result of repeated wound-healing response of the liver to repeated injuries. It can be caused due to chronic liver diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF), hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Cystic fibrosis refers to a type of inherited disease characterized by the accumulation of thick and sticky mucus that can harm many organs of the body. CF may lead to hepatic fibrosis, by causing mucus build up and blockage of the bile ducts in the liver. Scar tissues from fibrosis cannot repair themselves and also block the flow of blood within the liver, which leads to gradual death of even the healthy liver cells. This process leads to the creation of even more scar tissues. This book will help new researchers by foregrounding their knowledge on the mechanisms and therapies of hepatic fibrosis. It will serve as a valuable source of reference for graduate and postgraduate students.