Ebselen: A Multifaceted Organoselenium Compound With Therapeutic Potential in Liver Diseases

Both oxidative stress and inflammation are considered the driving mechanisms in most liver pathologies. Therefore, identifying pharmacological compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties is central to curbing hepatic diseases. Ebselen is a synthetic organoselenium compound with glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like activity, demonstrating potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects experimentally. Ebselen targets several molecular mechanisms involved in hepatic cellular injury. It maintains redox-sensitive signaling, neutralizes reactive free radicals, and regulates thiol-dependent enzymes in experimental models of drug-induced, ischemia-reperfusion, and metabolic liver diseases. Studies provided experimental evidence for Ebselen's role in suppressing lipid peroxidation, preserving mitochondrial dynamics, inhibiting inflammatory response, and protecting hepatocytes in cell lines as well as murine models of different liver injuries. Findings also reported an indirect effect on cellular demise and fibrogenesis through inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and decreasing collagen deposition. The hepatoprotective effects of Ebselen also extend to include reducing hepatic lipid accumulation and preventing steatosis induction in rodent models of liver fibrosis. This review summarizes the current available evidence on the hepatoprotective effects of Ebselen.