Therapeutic strategies for liver diseases based on redox control systems

Abstract

In the liver, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are constantly released during cellular metabolic processes, and excess ROS production can cause redox stress. The redox stress is both beneficial for and harmful to the survival of cells since it modulates the cellular redox control system. The redox control system is a series of cellular responses that are responsible for maintaining a balanced oxidation-reduction status. Many cellular processes including growth, proliferation, and senescence are sensitively regulated by the redox control system. Imbalance of redox induces redox stress and damages DNA, proteins, and lipids in cells, and further contributes to the pathogenesis of severe diseases and disorders like cancer. However, the cellular redox control system also utilizes redox stress-responsive pathways and increases antioxidant enzymes to aid cell survival. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the connection between the redox control system and liver disease is likely to pave the way for the future development of new therapeutic strategies. This review will examine the redox control systems in liver with responsive regulating molecules, current knowledge of the redox control system and liver disease, and suggest potential therapeutic targets for liver diseases.

Keywords: Liver disease; Reactive oxygen species; Redox control system; Therapeutic target.