Liver Fibrosis

Hello there, 

This week’s issue focuses on the intriguing relationship between angiogenesis—the formation of new blood vessels—and fibrosis, the excessive scarring of tissue due to chronic injury.   

Understanding Angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is a natural process that helps form new blood vessels, which is essential for healing and tissue repair. However, in chronic liver diseases, this process can become pathological, contributing to the worsening of conditions like liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Studies have shown that persistent inflammation and hypoxia (low oxygen levels) in the liver stimulate abnormal angiogenesis, leading to further complications.

Fighting Liver Fibrosis

A study published in Nature has shown that a novel compound called HS-173 may offer a promising approach to treating liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis occurs when excessive scar tissue forms in the liver due to chronic damage, often leading to severe complications. The study found that HS-173 effectively reduces the activation of liver cells responsible for fibrosis, known as hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). By blocking this pathway, HS-173 helps decrease cell proliferation and collagen production—key contributors to fibrosis. This discovery opens up exciting possibilities for developing therapies aimed at reversing liver damage.

The Connection Between Angiogenesis and Liver Disease

A recent review highlights that angiogenesis plays a critical role in the progression from liver fibrosis to more severe conditions like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). When the liver is damaged, it not only leads to fibrosis but also triggers neovascularization (the formation of new blood vessels) as a compensatory mechanism. However, this process can become dysregulated, contributing to increased portal pressure and further fibrotic changes.

For instance, studies have shown that markers associated with angiogenesis, such as VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), are significantly elevated in patients with advanced fibrosis. This suggests that targeting angiogenesis could be an effective strategy for preventing the progression of chronic liver diseases. Anti-angiogenic therapies may help reduce portal hypertension and improve overall survival rates for patients with HCC.

Looking Ahead

These findings underscore the importance of angiogenesis in maintaining liver health. By targeting these processes with new therapies, researchers hope to develop effective treatments for liver fibrosis and improve outcomes for patients experiencing liver injuries.

At the Angiogenesis Foundation, we’re excited to see how this evolving field of research will influence the development of therapies for fibrotic diseases and related conditions. Learn more about our other research initiatives by visiting our website.

Thank you for your continued interest in advancing knowledge and innovation. Stay tuned for holiday foods promoting a healthy angiogenesis balance in next week’s issue!