Use of apoptosis inducing agents in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of liver diseases

摘要

The present invention is based on the finding that the artificial induction of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) apoptosis in vivo can promote the resolution of liver fibrosis. Thus, the present invention provides methods for treating liver disease in a subject involving administration of an inducer of apoptosis which is capable of selectively inducing hepatic stellate cell apoptosis in the liver of the subject or of an agent which is capable of giving rise to such an inducer in the subject. In addition, the invention provides methods for treating liver fibrosis in a subject comprising the selective delivery of an inducer of apoptosis specifically to the hepatic stellate cells of the subject or of an agent which is capable of giving rise to an inducer of hepatic stellate cell apoptosis.