Hepatocyte apoptosis

Hepatocyte apoptosis is the tightly regulated process of programmed cell death that occurs in liver cells. It plays a critical role in maintaining liver homeostasis, removing damaged or infected cells, and modulating immune responses. Apoptosis in hepatocytes can be initiated via the extrinsic (death receptor–mediated) pathway, involving molecules like Fas receptor, TNF-receptor, and TRAIL receptor, or the intrinsic (mitochondrial) pathway, involving mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and release of factors like cytochrome c. Dysregulation of hepatocyte apoptosis is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of various liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. While apoptosis is not a druggable target itself, the molecular components of its signaling pathways (e.g., caspases, death receptors, Bcl-2 family proteins) are under investigation as potential therapeutic targets to modulate liver disease outcomes.

Other names

Hepatocyte cell deathliver cell apoptosisprogrammed death of hepatocytes

Inhibition of caspases to prevent apoptosis; Activation or blockade of death receptor signaling (Fas, TRAIL, TNF-α pathways); Mitochondrial/intrinsic pathway modulation (Bcl-2 family, cytochrome c release)