Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Biochemical Changes in Cirrhotic Liver

The role of reactive oxygen species in liver fibrogenesis is not yet clarified [11]. Huang et al. [13] showed a progressive increase in plasma malondialdehyde, hepatic 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine, hepatic mitochondrial respiratory functions and procollagen I and III or transforming growth factor1 mRNA expression in rats rendered cirrhotic by bile duct ligation. There is also a progressive impairment of hepatic mitochondrial respiratory function, followed by reduced plasma glutathione and vitamin E levels, impaired hepatic mitochondrial electron transport enzyme activities and oxidative phosphorylation. The authors conclude that bile duct ligation in the rat induces mitochondrial dysfunction and biochemical and molecular changes related to oxidative stress in the liver.