Hepatocyte repair

Hepatocyte repair" refers to the process by which liver parenchymal cells (hepatocytes) regenerate in response to injury or partial tissue loss. Following hepatic damage, hepatocyte proliferation is the primary mechanism restoring liver mass and function[3][4][5]. This process is governed by a complex interplay of molecular signals, including growth factors (e.g., hepatocyte growth factor [HGF], fibroblast growth factors [FGF]), cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), hormones (insulin), and signaling pathways (STAT3, NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, Hippo/YAP)[1][2][3]. In healthy livers, resting hepatocytes proliferate slowly, but after injury, their regenerative capacity is robust; when hepatocyte proliferation is compromised, other cell types such as bile duct epithelial cells may contribute to regeneration by transdifferentiation[3][4][5]. Impairments in hepatocyte repair are linked to chronic liver diseases and fibrosis. "Hepatocyte repair" is therefore a process, not a defined druggable target; therapeutic efforts focus on modulating key pathways and cellular players required for efficient liver regeneration[1][3][5][6][7].

Other names

Hepatocyte regenerationLiver cell repairHepatocyte proliferation