Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response characterized by the accumulation of extracellular
matrix following various liver injuries, which results in the deformation of the normal
liver architecture and the development of liver cirrhosis and even hepatocellular
carcinoma. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that oxidative stress mediates the initiation and progression of
liver fibrosis. Overaccumulation of reactive oxygen species disrupts macromolecules,
induces necrosis and apoptosis of hepatocytes, stimulates the production of pro-fibrogenic
mediators, and directly activates hepatic stellate cells, thereby resulting in liver
damage and initiating liver fibrosis. Ameliorating oxidative stress is a potential
therapeutic strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Natural antioxidants have
attracted increasing attention in treating liver fibrosis due to their safety and
efficacy. In this review, the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and the role of oxidative
stress in liver fibrosis were discussed. Naturally occurring antioxidants that can
treat and prevent liver fibrosis were summarized. Advances in clinical trials were
also presented. The main purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive and
up-to-date knowledge from the biological importance of oxidative stress in liver fibrosis
to representative antioxidants for treating liver fibrosis. Naturally occurring antioxidants
show a potential for further investigations as lead compounds in fighting liver fibrosis.
Key words
liver fibrosis - antioxidants - oxidative stress - reactive oxygen species - hepatic
stellate cells - natural products