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Retinoids and their target genes in liver functions and diseases

Goshi Shiota1, Keita Kanki

  • 1Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Department of Genetic Medicine and Regenerative Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan. gshiota@med.tottori-u.ac.jp

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
|July 17, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Retinoids, crucial for liver health, are vital in preventing liver cancer (HCC). Their altered metabolism in liver diseases like NAFLD highlights their importance in liver pathophysiology and potential therapeutic roles.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology and Cancer Research
  • Molecular Biology and Metabolism

Background:

  • Retinoids, including retinoic acid (RA), are known to prevent various cancers, notably hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
  • RA exerts its functions through the retinoic acid receptor/retinoid X receptor (RAR/RXR) heterodimer, regulating target genes.
  • Previous studies showed that suppressed RA signaling in mice leads to high rates of liver cancer, increased oxidative stress, and aberrant lipid/iron metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the metabolism of retinoids within the liver.
  • To highlight the functional roles of retinoids in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and alcoholic liver disease (ALD).
  • To discuss the target genes regulated by retinoic acid (RA).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review summarizing existing research on retinoid metabolism and function in liver diseases.
  • Analysis of data linking retinoid signaling disruption to liver cancer development and metabolic dysfunction.
  • Discussion of identified RA target genes and their implications.

Main Results:

  • Retinoid signaling plays a critical role in maintaining liver pathophysiology.
  • Disruption of retinoid function contributes to liver cancer development through mechanisms involving oxidative stress and metabolic dysregulation.
  • Altered retinoid metabolism is a characteristic feature of liver diseases, including NAFLD.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding retinoid metabolism and function in liver diseases is crucial for comprehending liver pathophysiology.
  • Retinoids hold significant potential for developing novel therapeutic strategies and diagnostic tools for HCC.
  • Further investigation into retinoids in liver health and disease is warranted.
Keywords:
hepatic stellate cellliverretinoidtarget gene

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