D-galactose-induced liver aging model: Its underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions

Aging is associated with a variety of morphological and functional changes in the liver. Oxidative stress and inflammation are now widely accepted as the main mechanisms involved in the aging process that may subsequently cause severe injury to mitochondrial DNA which leads to apoptosis. As aging may increase the risks for various liver diseases and plays as an adverse prognostic factor increasing the mortality rate, knowledge regarding the mechanisms of age-related liver susceptibility and the possible therapeutic interventions is imperative. Due to cost and time constraints, a mimetic aging model is generally preferred to naturally aged animals to study the underlying mechanisms of aging liver. The use of D-galactose in aging research is dated back to 1962 and has since been used widely. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the effects of D-galactose-induced aging on the liver and the underlying mechanisms involved. Its potential therapeutic interventions are also discussed. It is hoped that this invaluable information may facilitate researchers in choosing the appropriate aging model and provide a valuable platform for testing potential therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of age-related liver diseases.