REDOX CONTROL OF LIVER FUNCTION IN HEALTH AND DISEASE. Antioxidants & redox signaling [Antioxid Redox Signal] Journal article

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), a heterogeneous population of biologically active intermediates, are generated as byproducts of the aerobic metabolism and exhibit a dual role in biology. When produced in controlled conditions and in limited quantities, ROS may function as signaling intermediates, contributing to critical cellular functions such as proliferation, differentiation and cell survival. However, ROS overgeneration and, particularly the formation of specific reactive species, inflicts cell death and tissue damage by targeting vital cellular components such as DNA, lipids and proteins, thus arising as key players in disease pathogenesis. Given the predominant role of hepatocytes in biotransformation and metabolism of xenobiotics, ROS production constitutes an important burden in liver physiology and pathophysiology and hence in the progression of liver diseases. Despite the recognized role of ROS in disease pathogenesis, the efficacy of antioxidants as therapeutics has been limited so far. A better understanding of the mechanisms, nature and location of ROS generation as well as the optimization of cellular defense strategies may pave the way for a brighter future of antioxidants and ROS scavengers in the therapy of liver diseases.

Antioxidants & redox signaling [Antioxid Redox Signal]