wnt信号转导通路与肝纤维化

肝纤维化(hepatic fibrosis)是肝脏对各种慢性肝损伤的代偿反应所形成的一种肝脏疤痕组织,并导致细胞外基质(extracellular matrix,ECM)、细胞群和细胞因子的复杂改变。肝星状细胞(HSC)的激活并转化为肌成纤维细胞(MFB)是肝纤维化发生的中心环节,而HSC的激活需要通过细胞内的信号转导才能实现,研究发现HSC激活过程中存在wnt信号转导通路。近年来,针对wnt信号转导通路在肝纤维化进程中的作用正成为新的研究热点。

Wnt signalling pathway and hepatic fibrosis

Hepatic fibrosis,the formation of hepatic scars in chronic liver injury,results from complex interrelated changes in the extracellular matrix,cell populations and cytokines of the liver.Quiescent hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) transdifferentiate into activated-type HSCs,also termed myofibroblasts(MFBs) are regarded as the central event involved in the progression of hepatic fibrosis.But the activation of HSCs needs the internal cell signallings transduction.The current investigation shows that wnt signalling pathway is related to the activation of HSCs.In recent years,the involvement of wnt signalling pathways in hepatic fibrosis has drawn the attention of international medical circles and has been studied intensively.In this review,the interaction between wnt signalling pathways and hepatic fibrosis is summarized.It deserves further study on the components of the wnt pathway to provide valuable targets for potential anti-fibrotic therapeutic agents.