Role of hepatic stellate cells in formation and regulation of hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis

Hepatic stellate cell(HSC),with a variety of physiological functions,is a kind of liver stromal cell.It plays an important role in the formation and regulation of hepatic fibrosis.HSC also plays a key role in hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis.This review focused on biological characteristics,activation of hepatic stellate cells and its role in hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis. Key words: Hepatic stellate cell; Schistosomiasis; Hepatic fibrosis; Regulation