Experimental liver fibrosis research: update on animal models, legal issues and translational aspects

摘要: Liver fibrosis is defined as excessive extracellular matrix deposition and based on complex interactions between matrix-producing hepatic stellate cells an abundance of liver-resident infiltrating cells. Investigation these processes requires in vitro vivo experimental work animals. However, the use animals translational research will be increasingly challenged, at least countries European Union, because adoption new animal welfare rules 2013. These create urgent need for optimized standard operating procedures regarding experimentation improved international communication liver community. This review gives update current models, techniques underlying pathomechanisms with aim fostering a critical discussion limitations potential up-to-date experimentation. We discuss complications provide examples how findings studies which models are used can translated to human disease therapy. In this review, we want motivate community design more standardized might help address legally requested replacement, refinement reduction research.