Hepatic fibrogenesis and hepatitis C.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is currently the most common cause of fibrosing liver disease and represents a major clinical challenge. In patients with HCV infection, inflammation and injury lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis in a significant proportion of patients; cirrhosis in turn has multiple clinical sequelae. Therefore, understanding the pathological basis of fibrogenesis in hepatitis C infection is critical. This review will highlight fundamental issues underlying the fibrogenic response to injury and in addition will focus on potential points of intervention.