Adenovirus‐mediated expression of BMP‐7 suppresses the development of liver fibrosis in rats

摘要

BackgroundLiver cirrhosis, which is caused by the accumulation of extracellular matrix materials, is a serious clinical problem that can progress to hepatic failure. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ) plays a pivotal role in extracellular matrix production, but bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐7, a member of the TGFβ superfamily, can antagonise the fibrogenic activity of TGFβ.