ABSTRACT
The evaluation of biological host response to implanted materials permits the determination of the safety and biocompatibility of biomedical devices, prostheses and biomaterials. Once a biomaterial is introduced into the body to a corresponding implant site, a sequence of events occurs promoting the activation of inflammatory mediators such as leukocytes and the release of signaling molecules such as cytokines and growth factors, evoking an inflammatory and wound healing process. This review examines the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the foreign body reaction, especially how cytokines impact the overall inflammatory response to devices. It also reviews how these events can be modulated by the physical and chemical properties of the biomaterials such as wettability, chemistry and geometry of surface. Particular attention is dedicated to the cardiovascular field, where the use of synthetic polymers has several limitations such as thrombogenicity and risk of infection. New materials and strategies to improve biomaterial characteristics are discussed.
Subject(s)
Biocompatible Materials , Cardiovascular System , Inflammation/physiopathology , Humans , Tissue EngineeringABSTRACT
Hedgehog pathway is an osteogenesis-related signaling pathway . During embryonic development , it regulates the growth and proliferation of progenitor cells and tissue formation. This pathway can be activated during liver injury. Activated Hedge-hog signaling pathway is involved in many aspects of liver wound-healing responses, including hepatic progenitor cell pro-liferation, myofibroblast transdifferentiation, apoptosis of various types of liver cells, inflammatory reactions, and vascular remod-eling. This article reviews the research progress in the role of Hedgehog signaling pathway in liver injury and the underlying mechanisms. The potential drug targets are also discussed. This review is to provide novel insights into antifibrotic research and therapeutic targets.