Platelet therapy: A novel strategy for liver regeneration, anti-fibrosis, and anti-apoptosis

Figure 1 Platelet-mediated liver regeneration. Platelets accumulate in the liver immediately after a hepatectomy. A: Platelets translocate into the space of Disse and release insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by directly contacting hepatocytes; B: Direct contact of platelets with liver sinusoidal endothelial cells induces the release of S1P from platelets and the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) from liver sinusoidal endothelial cells; C: Kupffer cells activated in response to a hepatectomy induce the accumulation and activation of platelets. Growth factors released from platelets and the enhanced release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-6 from Kupffer cells promote liver regeneration.