Hepatic regeneration - The role of regeneration in pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases

Understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in liver regeneration in response to various injuries has increased dramatically in recent years. The application of molecular biologic techniques has revealed an amazingly complex and sophisticated network of interacting cells, cytokines, and extracellular matrix molecules, which all communicate with each other with the goal of minimizing and repairing tissue damage. This article summarizes recent information on the role of cytokines and extracellular matrix in hepatic regeneration associated with virus and alcohol-induced chronic liver diseases.