| Theme |
Oxidative Stress and the Liver |
| Title |
Role of Oxidative Stress in Hepatic Fibrosis and Carcinogenesis |
| Author |
Kotaro Kawaguchi |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University |
| Author |
Isao Sakaida |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University |
| Author |
Yuichiro Yokoyama |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University |
| Author |
Kiwamu Okita |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University |
| [ Summary ] |
Increased production of reactive oxygen species has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease. Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the key-players in hepatic fibrosis. These cells may be activated by oxidative stress. As a result of activation of HSCs, there is increased deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins in the liver. We reported that hepatic fibrosis accelerates the development of preneoplastic lesions in rat livers with choline deficient L-amino acid defined diets. In this animal model, hepatic fibrosis increased hepatic malondialdehyde levels and decreased hepatic glutathione levels, therefore we suspect that increased oxidative stress infibrotic livers contributes to the development of preneoplastic lesions. To prevent hepatic fibrosis and carcinogenesis, the redox state of the liver in chronic liver disease should be considered. |