Engineered SPIONs functionalized with endothelin a receptor antagonist ameliorate liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation.

Endothelin-1/endothelin A receptor (ET-1/ETAR) pathway plays an important role in the progression of liver fibrosis by activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) - a key cell type involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Inactivating HSCs by blocking the ET-1/ETAR pathway using a selective ETAR antagonist (ERA) represents a promising therapeutic approach for liver fibrosis. Unfortunately, small-molecule ERAs possess limited clinical potential due to poor bioavailability, short half-life, and rapid renal clearance.

The hepatic lipidome: From basic science to clinical translation.

The liver is the key organ involved in lipid metabolism and transport. Excessive lipid accumulation due to dysregulated lipid metabolism predisposes the liver to steatosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Lipids are generally compartmentalized in specialized organelles called lipid droplets that enable cells to store and release lipids in a regulated manner.