Stellate Cells Activation and Extra-Cellular Matrix: New Targets for Therapeutic Intervention in Fibrosis

Hepatic stellate cells are perisinusoidal cells characterized by vitamin A containing lipid droplets and 10 nm desmin filament in their cytoplasm. In an injured liver, stellate cells were activated through two major phase i.e, initiation and perpetuation which response to cytokines. It was postulated that hepatic stellate cell is a central component in the synthesis of large amounts of extra cellular matrix (ECM) that resulting in deposition of scar or fibrous tissue. In repeated injury, extra-cellular matrix altered composition accumulates, which is termed fibrosis. The ECM acts via specific domains that interact with cell receptors for cytokines such as Endothelin-1 and TGFb  that are responsible for stimulating stellate cell activation and ECM production. The regulatory role of stellate cell activation and formation of excess ECM in liver injury offers new targets for therapeutic intervention in fibrosis