Programmed Cell Death in Liver Fibrosis

Abstract

Programmed cell death (PCD) is a comprehensive term that encompasses various forms of cell death, such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy, which play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. PCD facilitates the elimination of aberrant cells, particularly activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are the primary producers of extracellular matrix (ECM). The removal of HSCs may impede ECM synthesis, thereby mitigating liver fibrosis. As such, PCD has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for the development of novel drugs to treat liver fibrosis. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the underlying mechanisms of PCD in the elimination of activated HSCs and other aberrant liver cells in fibrotic liver tissue, including hepatocytes, hepatic sinusoid endothelial cells (LSECs), and Kupffer cells (KCs). The induction of PCD, the interplay between different forms of PCD, and the potential harm or benefit of PCD in liver fibrosis are topics of ongoing research. Evidences suggest that PCD is a complex process with dual effects on liver fibrosis. The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent advances in PCD and liver fibrosis research.

Pharmacological inhibition of p300 ameliorates steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in mice with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

“…Hepatocyte apoptosis has garnered attention for its role in the pathophysiology of NASH [ 33 , 34 ], prompting our investigation into the effects of p300 inhibition on apoptosis. In this study, C646 treatment significantly curtailed apoptosis in mice exposed to the MCD diet, as confirmed by TUNEL staining.…”