Role of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in liver regeneration and the development of liver fibrosis

As a main population of liver nonparenchymal cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells ( LSECs) are thin-layer flattened cells lining the hepatic sinusoid, and the fenestrae on the surface are channels for the exchange of plasma and nutrients between the hepatic sinusoid and hepatocytes. The secretion function of LSECs, especially the Wnt signaling pathway, plays an important protective effect on self-renewal of Axin2+-derived hepatocytes and liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy or liver injury. The structure of LSECs changes during liver injury, including the disappearance of fenestra and the formation of basement membrane, which is also known as hepatic sinusoidal capillarization. Hepatic sinusoidal capillarization is the starting point for liver fibrosis and also promotes the progression of liver fibrosis. The switch of the regulatory effect of LSECs in liver regeneration and liver fibrosis can be realized via signaling pathways under different physiological or pathological conditions. A deep understanding of the mechanism of action of LSECs in liver regeneration and liver fibrosis is expected to provide new therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of chronic liver diseases.