Cytokine secretion profile of culture-activated mouse hepatic stellate cells upon stimulation with LPS

Background: Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are considered the primary fibrogenic cell population. They are activated by various damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and transdifferentiate to myofibroblasts. Upon activation, they proliferate and produce extracellular matrix, cytokines, growth factors and chemokines. These secreted factors contribute to intermediary metabolism changes, xenobiotic responses, wound healing processes, immunoregulation, fibrogenesis and regeneration. HSC are the main source of extracellular matrix and therefore are considered a main target when aiming at fibrosis reduction and r…