UDCA-LPE modulates different signaling pathways involved in hepatic fibrogenesis

Background: Liver fibrosis with deposition and remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) is regulated.by different signaling pathways. Ursodeoxycholyl Lysophosphatidylethanolamide (UDCA-LPE) is a synthetic bile acid-phospholipid conjugate with hepatoprotective and anti-fibrotic functions in vitro and in vivo. In this study we aim to elucidate signaling pathways, which mediate anti-fibrogenic action of UDCA-LPE. Results: At membrane level ECM interacts with integrin receptors, which promotes pro-fibrogenic signaling. Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) and SRC play a central role in integrin signaling. After phosphorylati…