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From lipofuscin accumulation to cellular dysfunction: a focus on liver pathophysiology.

Filip Braet1,2, Eddie Wisse3, Ger H Koek3,4

  • 1School of Medical Sciences (Molecular Biomedicine), The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. filip.braet@sydney.edu.au.

Histochemistry and Cell Biology
|June 25, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Lipofuscin, a cellular pigment, accumulates in liver cells with aging and stress. This review explores its origins, roles, and impact on liver health, aiding disease diagnosis.

Keywords:
Aging pigmentCellular stressChronic diseaseHistochemical stainsHistopathological markerLipofuscin structure–functionLiver disorderPrimary and secondary lysosomesVolume electron microscopy

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Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Cell Biology
  • Aging Research

Background:

  • Lipofuscin, a cellular pigment, accumulates in liver tissue over time due to aging and cellular stress.
  • Its origins, roles, and effects on liver cell and tissue health are not well understood.
  • Pathologists utilize lipofuscin presence for differential diagnosis in various diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current knowledge on the origin and function of lipofuscin in the liver.
  • To discuss the implications of lipofuscin accumulation in liver aging and cellular stress.
  • To highlight the diagnostic significance of lipofuscin in liver pathology.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature on lipofuscin.
  • Analysis of histological and ultrastructural characteristics of lipofuscin.
  • Discussion of biochemical composition and tissue distribution of lipofuscin.

Main Results:

  • Lipofuscin is an autofluorescent pigment found in liver cells, appearing as irregular cytoplasmic inclusions.
  • Its biochemical composition is heterogeneous and varies with tissue type and organism age.
  • Accumulation in the liver may stem from oxidative damage and impaired detoxification, indicating cellular stress.

Conclusions:

  • Lipofuscin accumulation is a marker of aging and cellular stress in the liver.
  • Understanding lipofuscin's role is crucial for liver health assessment and disease diagnosis.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the origins and functions of hepatic lipofuscin.