Pathogenesis of Liver Fibrosis and Progress of Research on Its Related Therapeutic Drugs

Liver fibrosis, a global threat with high morbidity and mortality, is one of the three intractable diseases of the 20^th century, together with cancer and AIDS. Pathological mechanism of liver fibrosis still remains unclear, with its main manifestations of liver tissue damage and abnormal repair, proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), as well as accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). There is no effective therapy for liver fibrosis, with no approved drugs. However, in recent years, more and more drugs for the treatment of liver fibrosis have been gradually put under clinical trials. This paper reviews the pathological mechanisms of hepatic fibrosis and the research progress of related therapeutic drugs, so as to provide reference for further research on liver fibrosis and R&D of its related new drugs.