Liver fibrosis: Clinical assessment, pathogenesis, and anti-fibrotic therapy

Liver fibrosis represents a prevalent pathological change that occurs during the progression of chronic liver disease, which is characterized by excessive reparative responses following hepatic tissue injury. Advances in diagnostic and imaging technologies have facilitated a deeper understanding of liver function and metabolic changes, which are crucial for early and accurate diagnosis of liver fibrosis. Furthermore, elucidating the signaling pathways involved in liver fibrogenesis provides valuable insights into its pathogenesis and progression, guiding clinical management and treatment strategies for patients with liver fibrosis. This review critically evaluates various clinical and experimental therapies aimed at mitigating or reversing liver fibrosis. Specific targeted nanocarrier drug delivery systems and traditional herbal medicines hold promise in enhancing anti-fibrotic efficacy and inhibiting disease progression.