Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

Experimental Protocol for Detecting Mitochondrial Function in Hepatocytes Exposed to Organochlorine Pesticides
08:39

Experimental Protocol for Detecting Mitochondrial Function in Hepatocytes Exposed to Organochlorine Pesticides

Published on: September 16, 2020

Assessment of mitochondrial dysfunction arising from treatment with hepatotoxicants

Adrienne L King1, Shannon M Bailey

  • 1University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.

Current Protocols in Toxicology
|October 10, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Toxicants damage mitochondria, impairing liver function and causing diseases like steatohepatitis. This study details methods to investigate mitochondrial dysfunction in toxicant-induced liver injury.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Mitochondrial Biology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key factor in liver diseases such as steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and cancer.
  • Toxicant exposure disrupts mitochondrial ATP production, calcium homeostasis, and increases reactive oxygen species (ROS).
  • These mitochondrial disruptions lead to liver cell death and pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present methodologies for studying mitochondrial dysfunction in toxicant-induced liver injury.
  • To provide protocols for assessing mitochondrial function and damage in research settings.
  • To facilitate a mechanistic understanding of how mitochondrial impairment contributes to liver disease.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of liver mitochondria.
  • Assessment of mitochondrial respiratory function and calcium uptake.
  • Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and proteomic analysis of mitochondrial thiols via 2D gel electrophoresis.

Main Results:

  • Detailed protocols for key mitochondrial function assays are provided.
  • Methodologies allow for comprehensive analysis of toxicant-induced mitochondrial damage.
  • Data integration into a mechanistic framework is facilitated.

Conclusions:

  • The described methodologies enable robust investigation of mitochondrial dysfunction in toxicant-induced hepatotoxicity.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing strategies against liver diseases.
  • This research advances the study of liver pathology driven by mitochondrial impairment.

More Related Videos

Assessing Mitochondrial Function in Sciatic Nerve by High-Resolution Respirometry08:19

Assessing Mitochondrial Function in Sciatic Nerve by High-Resolution Respirometry

Published on: May 5, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess the...
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II01:46

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow01:26

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow

Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug binding...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Active Drug, Metabolite and Fraction of Metabolized Drug01:14

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Active Drug, Metabolite and Fraction of Metabolized Drug

In pharmacotherapy, monitoring drug concentrations is paramount, especially for drugs whose therapeutic effects hinge on both the active compound and its metabolite. Hepatic impairment profoundly influences drug potency by altering liver function. If the drug is more potent than its metabolite, impaired liver function amplifies drug activity due to elevated drug concentration levels. Conversely, if the metabolite holds greater potency, diminished liver function diminishes drug activity by...