Liver fibrosis: Pathogenesis and innovative nanoparticle-based therapeutic strategies.

Liver fibrosis is a dynamic pathological process characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, primarily driven by the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Recent advances in liver fibrosis research have identified critical pathways, such as oxidative stress, inflammation and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling, which drive disease progression. Concurrently, innovative drug delivery systems (e.g., liposomes, micelles and nanocrystals) have emerged to enhance therapeutic efficacy and targeting. These systems enable precise delivery of antifibrotic agents to HSCs or fibrotic tissues, minimizing off-target effects and improving pharmacokinetic profiles. This review summarizes current understanding of liver fibrosis pathogenesis and recent advances in drug delivery strategies, highlighting clinical transformation opportunities and future research directions. Combining molecular insights with advanced delivery technologies represents a promising avenue for developing effective antifibrotic therapies.