Topic Highlight
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World J Gastroenterol. Jun 7, 2014; 20(21): 6457-6469
Published online Jun 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i21.6457
Virus-related liver cirrhosis: Molecular basis and therapeutic options
Ji Lin, Jian-Feng Wu, Qi Zhang, Hong-Wei Zhang, Guang-Wen Cao
Ji Lin, Jian-Feng Wu, Qi Zhang, Hong-Wei Zhang, Guang-Wen Cao, Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
Author contributions: Lin J and Wu JF collected the data, drafted the manuscript and contributed equally to this work; Zhang Q and Zhang HW critically read the paper; Cao GW presented the concept and revised subsequent versions of this manuscript.
Correspondence to: Guang-Wen Cao, MD, PhD, Professor, Chairman, Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Rd., Shanghai 200433, China. gcao@smmu.edu.cn
Telephone: +86-21-81871060 Fax: +86-21-81871060
Received: October 28, 2013
Revised: January 10, 2014
Accepted: March 8, 2014
Published online: June 7, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: Hepatic inflammation caused by viral infections contributes to the inflammation-necrosis-regeneration process, ultimately cirrhosis. Immune selection of some hepatitis B virus mutations in the evolution towards cirrhosis seems different from that towards hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatic stellate cells and macrophages are important for the fibrogenesis. Antiviral treatment is generally effective in reducing the morbidity of decompensated cirrhosis. The standard of care for the treatment of hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis with pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin should consider the genotypes of IL-28B. Stem cell-based therapy can be an option for the treatment of decompensated cirrhosis patients who fail to respond to antiviral treatment.