Narrative review of in vitro experimental models of hepatic fibrogenesis

Abstract

Background and Objective: Hepatic fibrosis is a pathological condition affecting millions of people worldwide that results from an improper tissue repair process, following liver injury or inflammation. Since progressive liver fibrosis can evolve into end-stage liver diseases, it is becoming increasingly important to develop efficient experimental models for evaluating new anti-fibrotic therapies. An important role in the onset and progression of hepatic fibrosis is played by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), perisinusoidal vitamin A-storing cells that, in the presence of pro-fibrogenic stimuli, acquire a myofibroblast-like phenotype with an increased ability to produce extracellular matrix (ECM) components. In this review, we provide an overview of the traditional two-dimensional (2D) systems and of the innovative bioengineered three-dimensional (3D) models that allow for the screening of novel anti-fibrotic therapies.