Figure 1 | Scientific Reports

Figure 1

From: Computational simulation of liver fibrosis dynamics

Figure 1

Concept of the developed model. (1) Hepatocytes exposed to toxic compounds (CCl4) become dead cells. (2) Kupffer cells are activated by the phagocytosis of dead cells and secrete TNF-α and TGF-β. Insufficient clearance of dead cells causes accumulation of HMGB1, which also activates Kupffer cells. (3) HSCs are transformed into myofibroblasts when the concentration of TNF-α exceeds the pre-defined threshold. (4) Myofibroblasts and portal fibroblasts secrete collagens when the concentration of TGF-β exceeds the pre-defined threshold. Here, two types of collagens were implemented separately depending on their origin.

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