Extrahepatic Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-β, Delivered by Platelets, Promotes Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells and Biliary Fibrosis in Mice

Platelets produce PDGFB to activate HSC and promote fibrosis in MDR2-null mice and mice on DDC-supplemented diets. Antiplatelet therapy or selective inhibition of PDGFB might reduce biliary fibrosis in patients with liver disease.