HEPATIC REGENERATION - THE ROLE OF REGENERATION IN PATHOGENESIS OF CHRONIC LIVER-DISEASES

Understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in liv er regeneration in response to various injuries has increased dramatic ally in recent years. The application of molecular biologic techniques has revealed an amazingly complex and sophisticated network of intera cting cells, cytokines, and extracellular matrix molecules, which all communicate with each other with the goal of minimizing and repairing tissue damage. This article summarizes recent information on the role of cytokines and extracellular matrix in hepatic regeneration associat ed with virus and alcohol-induced chronic liver diseases.