Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in the pathogenesis and therapies of liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is a dynamic wound-healing process associated with the deposition of extracellular matrix pro-duced by myofibroblasts. HSCs activation, inflammation, oxidative stress, steatosis and aging play critical roles in the progression of liver fibrosis, which is correlated with the regulation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) pathway. As nuclear receptors, PPARs reduce inflammatory response, regulate lipid metabolism, and inhibit fibrogenesis in the liver associated with aging. Thus, PPAR ligands have been investigated as possible therapeutic agents. Mounting evidence indicated that some PPAR agonists could reverse steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis. Consequently, targeting PPARs might be a promising and novel therapeutic op-tion against liver fibrosis. This review summarizes recent studies on the role of PPARs on the pathogenesis and treatment of liver fibrosis. (c) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Liver fibrosis is a dynamic wound-healing process associated with the deposition of extracellular matrix produced by myofibroblasts. Activation of HSCs, inflammation, oxidative stress, steatosis, and aging play critical roles in liver fibrosis progression, which is correlated with the regulation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) pathway. PPAR ligands have been explored as potential therapeutic agents for reversing steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis.