Hypoxia, Hypoxia-Inducible Factors and Liver Fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is a potentially reversible pathophysiological event, leading to excess deposition
of extracellular matrix (ECM) components and taking place as the net result of liver fibrogenesis,
a dynamic and highly integrated process occurring during chronic liver injury of any etiology. Liver
fibrogenesis and fibrosis, together with chronic inflammatory response, are primarily involved in
the progression of chronic liver diseases (CLD). As is well known, a major role in fibrogenesis and
fibrosis is played by activated myofibroblasts (MFs), as well as by macrophages and other hepatic
cell populations involved in CLD progression. In the present review, we will focus the attention on
the emerging pathogenic role of hypoxia, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and related mediators in
the fibrogenic progression of CLD.