Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are phenotypically activated and have a phenotype mimicking myofibroblasts, are found in the perisinusoidal region of the liver, This phenotypic transformation also results in the accumulation and production of various extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the perisinusoidal space, as well as altered hepatic function, portal hypertension, increased vascular resistance, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Activated HSCs and myofibroblasts are the primary collagen-producing cells in the wounded liver. HSCs are hence frequently the subject of fibrosis therapies. Antifibrotic nanomedicines often target HSCs with vitamin A decoration since they house the majority of the body's retinol. By preventing fibrogenesis and the production of genes related to the extracellular matrix (ECM), vitamin A-decorated nanomedicines containing siRNAs aim to decrease transforming growth factor-beta, collagen, and connective tissue growth factors. Many miRNAs also have anti- and pro-fibrotic characteristics.
Using their matching antagomirs and agomirs, as well as HSC-specific nanodecoration, profibrotic and antifibrotic miRNAs are respectively targeted in the fibrotic liver. These miRNA therapies reduce fibrogenesis by repressing the expression of genes related to the ECM. However, liver fibrosis is brought on by the activation of a particular class of profibrotic signalling pathways connected to ECM accumulation in the fibrotic liver. As a result, it's possible that targeting certain miRNA or repressing particular genes using siRNAs won't be able to significantly lessen fibrosis. However, nanodecoration of a medicine is useful to deliver pharmaceuticals to activated HSCs in the injured liver. The delivery of tailored medications to liver tissue that has undergone long-term injury and activated HSCs will be the main focus of this review.
KeywordsNano drug delivery system; Liver fibrosis; Cirrhosis targeted delivery system; Hepatic stellate Cells introduction
Published Date: 2023-04-27; Received Date: 2023-04-01
