Role of vascular biology in portal hypertension

The development of portal hypertension is associated with remarkable changes in the intra- and extra- hepatic vasculature. Thus far,in- depth research into vascular biology has furthered our understanding about the mechanism of dynamic vascular changes associated with portal hypertension. Advances in portal hypertension- related vascular biology are reviewed. Alterations in hepatic vascular cells and their signaling pathways are associated with increases in the intra- hepatic resistance,eventually resulting in the development of portal hypertension. Due to mesenteric arterial vasodilation,increased blood flow enters the portal vein and exacerbates portal hypertension. Better understanding of relevant mechanisms and targeted molecular pathways will provide new prospects for the treatment of portal hypertension.