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The role of hepatocyte mitochondrial DNA in liver injury

Yunkai Xu1, Chenshuang Chu2, Ziyang Shi2

  • 1School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie
|October 16, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) released during liver injury activates immune responses, potentially causing autoimmune disorders. This review examines mtDNA

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Hepatocytes have the highest mitochondrial density.
  • Extracellular mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can trigger autoimmune disorders.
  • Liver injury leads to significant mtDNA release.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent literature on mtDNA release and liver injury.
  • To elucidate the role and mechanisms of mtDNA in hepatic cell populations.
  • To understand mtDNA's impact on innate immune response in the liver.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of existing literature.
  • Examination of studies on hepatic cell populations.
  • Review of immunological pathways involving mtDNA.

Main Results:

  • mtDNA release activates the innate immune response in liver injury.
  • mtDNA contributes to sustained pathogenic consequences.
  • mtDNA modulates the immune system, inducing a cytokine storm.

Conclusions:

  • mtDNA plays a central role in exacerbating liver injury.
  • Immune activation by released mtDNA is a key pathogenic mechanism.
  • Understanding mtDNA's role is crucial for managing liver diseases.
Keywords:
Hepatic stellate cellsHepatocyteKupffer cellLiver injuryMitochondrial DNA

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