Autophagy in ethanol-exposed liver disease. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Li-Ren; Zhu, Gui-Qi; Shi, Ke-Qing; Braddock, Martin; Zheng, Ming-Hua
• Is Part Of: Expert review of gastroenterology & hepatology. Volume 9:Number 8(2015)
• Page Start: 1031
• Page End: 1037
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: ethanol-induced autophagy -- hepatocyte -- liver disease -- selective autophagy; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Liver -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.3
• DOI: 10.1586/17474124.2015.1052065
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-4124

Abstract

Abstract : Ethanol metabolism in hepatocytes causes the generation of reactive oxygen species, endoplasmic reticulum stress and alterations in mitochondrial energy and REDOX metabolism. In ethanol-exposed liver disease, autophagy not only acts as a cleanser to remove damaged organelles and cytosolic components, but also selectively clears specific targets such as lipid droplets and damaged mitochondria. Moreover, ethanol appears to play a role in protecting hepatocytes from apoptosis at certain concentrations. This article describes the evidence, function and potential mechanism of autophagy in ethanol-exposed liver disease and the controversy surrounding the effects of ethanol on autophagy.