Figure 6.

Suggested mechanism of action of etanercept-secretome. Activated HSCs cause liver fibrosis by accumulating collagen and other extracellular matrix components. Hepatocyte apoptosis is one of the representative events leading to the activation of HSCs. Pro-fibrogenic response occurs when the HSCs engulf the apoptotic bodies that are ejected from the hepatocytes as a result of hepatocyte apoptosis. TNF-α is predominantly released from the Kupffer cells in the liver, and plays a crucial role in inducing apoptosis of hepatocytes. Etanercept-secretome appears to ameliorate liver fibrosis, principally by blocking the action of TNF-α. Abbreivations: HSC, hepatic stellate cell: TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α.