Therapy that Targets Growth Factor Receptors: Novel Approach for Liver Cirrhosis Treatment

Abstract

The background of liver fibrous degeneration is excessive cell proliferation including hepatic stellate cells, inflammatory cells, fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Often it is the consequence of increased growth factors and/or their receptors expression. Key contributors to the liver cell proliferation are EGFR, FGFR, PDGFR, VEGFR, TGFβR, the increased expression of which is indicated on in vitro and in vivo models of liver fibrosis and in patients who experienced fibrosis-accompanied liver diseases. Elimination of growth factors/suppression of their receptors is associated with the weakening/elimination of certain processes responsible for fibrogenesis. This chapter represents the evidences of the efficacy of growth factor receptors signaling downregulation for the suppression of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and their individual manifestations. The data on established and experimental therapeutics – specific and multikinase growth factor receptor inhibitors which demonstrated antifibrotic and anticirrhotic activity under in vitro and in vivo models, are also presented.