Liver fibrosis is defined as excessive extracellular matrix deposition and is based on complex interactions between\nmatrix-producing hepatic stellate cells and an abundance of liver-resident and infiltrating cells. Investigation of\nthese processes requires in vitro and in vivo experimental work in animals. However, the use of animals in\ntranslational research will be increasingly challenged, at least in countries of the European Union, because of the\nadoption of new animal welfare rules in 2013. These rules will create an urgent need for optimized standard\noperating procedures regarding animal experimentation and improved international communication in the liver\nfibrosis community. This review gives an update on current animal models, techniques and underlying\npathomechanisms with the aim of fostering a critical discussion of the limitations and potential of up-to-date\nanimal experimentation. We discuss potential complications in experimental liver fibrosis and provide examples of\nhow the findings of studies in which these models are used can be translated to human disease and therapy. In\nthis review, we want to motivate the international community to design more standardized animal models which\nmight help to address the legally requested replacement, refinement and reduction of animals in fibrosis research.
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