Progress on Hepatic Oxidative Damage Mediated by Iron Homeostasis Disregulation and Other Detrimental Factors and Antioxidative Protection Strategy

Abstract

Iron is an essential metal in human nutrition.The unique activities of iron make it an important component of hemoglobin and various enzymes.However,excess iron can damage tissues by catalyzing the conversion of hydrogen peroxide to hydroxyl radicals,via the so-called Fenton reaction.The resulting free radicals would attack cell membranes,proteins,and DNA.As the major iron storage organ,liver plays a central role in maintenance of human iron homeostasis.Genetic disorder of iron metabolism in liver or external factors(i.e.infections of hepatitis C virus,hepatitis B virus and over-consumption of alcohol) will result in over-production of reactive oxygen species(ROS).The excess ROS would lead to oxidative stress and consequently result liver damage.Clinical studies have showed that patients with liver diseases administered with iron chelators or antioxidants may be effective treatment modalities.Therefore,study of iron metabolism and liver oxidative stress caused by iron overload or association with other risk factors will be of great clinical significance.