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Semin Liver Dis 1998; 18(2): 105-114
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1007147
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1998 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Dysregulation of Apoptosis as a Mechanism of Liver Disease: An Overview

Tushar Patel, Lewis R. Roberts, Blake A. Jones, Gregory J. Gores
  • Mayo Medical School, Clinic, and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota
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Publication History

Publication Date:
17 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Apoptosis is a morphologically distinct form of cell death which occurs in a wide variety of liver diseases. In this overview chapter, we review: (1) the current definitions of apoptosis; (2) the biochemical pathways effecting apoptosis; and (3) the intracellular pathways regulating apoptosis. We also describe how apoptosis is identified in the liver and review the ligand/receptor interactions which trigger hepatobiliary apoptosis. Finally, we speculate on potential therapeutic applications for modulating apoptosis in human liver diseases. This information is meant to provide a foundation for the following chapters each focused on a specific role of apoptosis in liver diseases.

KEY WORDS

Bcl-2 - death receptors - Fas - mitochondria - tumor necrosis factor-α