Extracellular Matrix and The Liver

Extracellular Matrix of the Liver addresses the basic science of the extracellular matrix and discusses new strategies for the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver, with a primary focus on possible gene therapy approaches. The chapters are divided into six sections as follows: * Basic Science of Extracellular Matrix * Cells Responsible for Extracellular Matrix Production * Activation Mechanism of Hepatic Cells and Signal Transduction * Basic Science for Extracellular Matrix Metabolism including Enzymes and their Inhibitors * Matrix Mettaloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors for Matrix Mettaloproteinases * New Strategies for the treatment of Liver Cirrhosis Key Features * Discusses the possibility of gene therapy for liver cirrhosis * Includes information on new aspects of hepatic stellate cells * Written by top experts in basic science and clinical hepatology