Elsevier

Journal of Hepatology

Volume 50, Issue 3, March 2009, Pages 604-620
Journal of Hepatology

Review
Angiogenesis in liver disease

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2008.12.011Get rights and content
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open access

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.

Abbreviations

CLDs
chronic liver diseases
PDGF
platelet-derived growth factor
FGF
fibroblast growth factor
ECM
extra-cellular matrix
VEGF
vascular endothelial growth factor
HSC
hepatic stellate cells
MFs
myofibroblasts
PVL
portal vein ligation
LSECs
liver sinusoidal endothelial cells
HGF
hepatocyte growth factor
HCC
hepatocellular carcinoma

Keywords

Angiogenesis
Liver fibrosis
Portal hypertension
Liver cancer
Liver regeneration

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The authors declare that they do not have anything to disclose regarding funding from industries or conflict of interest with respect to this manuscript.