Abstract

LOERA-TORRES, Marco Antonio et al. Role of Nrf2 and oxidative stress in progression from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis to hepatocarcinoma. Cir. gen [online]. 2022, vol.44, n.1, pp.11-17.  Epub Aug 25, 2023. ISSN 1405-0099.  https://doi.org/10.35366/109314.

Oxidative stress and oxide-reduction reactions are present in all biological processes. In patients with metabolic syndrome, they contribute to the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, through processes of lipotoxicity, cytokine recruitment, activation of stellar cells, progressive synthesis of collagen, DAMPs (Damage-associated molecular pattern), PAMPs (Pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecules) and irreversible damage to mitochondrial DNA. Nrf2 is the most important transcription factor in regulating the expression of enzymatic antioaxidant response genes and plays a major role in the cytoprotective response to acute inflammation and liver regeneration. However, it has also been associated with the development of chemoresistance and tumor recurrence. This article reviews the most recent evidence in this regard.

Keywords : Nrf2; free radicals; oxidative stress; non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; liver cirrhosis; hepatocellular carcinoma.