Abstract
Chronic active liver diseases are characterized by the extensive substitution of liver parenchyma by connective tissue. An increased propagation of extracellular matrix components (collagens, structural glycoproteins, proteoglycans) finally leads to the dreaded complications of decompensated liver cirrhosis as well as to liver cell failure or oesophageal variceal bleeding. In Germany, about 14,000 individuals die annually from liver cirrhosis and its complications 1. The number of patients suffering from fibrotic liver diseases is estimated to exceed one million in this country. Needless to say that the disentanglement of basic pathogenetic mechanisms which lead to an increased deposition of connective tissue constituents is gaining high priority in basic science and practical gastroenterology. Essential pathogenetic concepts include pathobiochemical and cellular reactions as follows2: 1. Parenchymal cell injury 2. Inflammation 3. Cell proliferation (regeneration) 4. Extracellular matrix (ECM) production and remodelling.
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