Sirtuin 3, a pivotal actor in liver diseases: research progress and implications

The liver is very important in preserving physiological homeostasis via its immune response, detoxification, and metabolism functions. A multitude of factors, such as alcohol, can detrimentally impact liver function, resulting in acute or chronic liver injury, which may subsequently progress to liver cancer. Liver diseases comprise a broad range of disorders primarily characterized by damage to hepatocytes, inflammatory cell infiltration, and hepatic stellate cells activation. These conditions collectively compromise liver function and destroy its structural integrity. At present, liver diseases roughly 2 million deaths globally each year, which causes an enormous burden of diseases and costs worldwide. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) serves as a mitochondrial deacetylase linked to metabolism and redox balance via the regulation of protein acetylation, which consequently protects the mitochondria from potential harm. Proper mitochondrial functionality is indispensable for sustaining liver metabolism and overall liver function. SIRT3 is widely expressed in the liver. Research has been shown that SIRT3 participates in the liver diseases advancement via the modulation of mitochondrial autophage, apoptosis and other biological processes. Therefore, this review takes an important role played by SIRT3 in liver disease to propose a strategic approach for its treatment.