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Sinusoidal Pressure Hypothesis – Cellular Level

At the cellular level, the hypothesis focuses on how increased sinusoidal pressure is converted into mechanical stretch and mechano-signalling.

Hepatic stellate cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes are positioned within a mechanically sensitive perisinusoidal environment. Congestion, inflammation, cell swelling and altered flow can increase local pressure and stretch. Persistent mechanical stimulation may then promote stellate-cell activation, extracellular matrix production and vascular remodeling.

This perspective connects hemodynamics with cellular fibrogenesis and complements molecular models that explain fibrosis primarily through inflammatory or toxic signalling.

Cellular interpretation of the sinusoidal pressure hypothesis: pressure is translated into stretch forces within the perisinusoidal compartment.

Selected publication

• Does pressure cause liver cirrhosis? The sinusoidal pressure hypothesis. Mueller S. World J Gastroenterol. 2016;22(48):10482–10501.