Chapters authored
Redox Reactions in the Physiopathology of the Liver
Electron fluxes are constant within cellular metabolism. Donating or accepting electrons, either naked or as hydrogen atoms, is one of the most important properties of bioenergetic networks. These redox reactions fulfill key physiological phenomena such as cellular growing, phenotypic differentiation, nutritional adaptations and redox‐dependent cellular signaling, but when they became unregulated, serious pathologies such as degenerative diseases and metabolic disorders arise. The liver being an important metabolic organ, redox reactions play a strategic role in its main functions: processing of nutrients, fasting response, xenobiotic managing and circadian activity. However, liver is also very sensitive to compounds that disturb redox state such as ethanol, CCl4, aflatoxins, among others, as well as to stressors such as hypercaloric diets, endocrine disruptors and stressful life situations. This chapter reviews concepts related to redox reactions in the liver, including metabolic aspects of reactive oxygen species (ROS), prooxidant and antioxidant subcellular systems, alterations produced by hepatotoxins, adaptations to experimental surgical protocols such as portacaval anastomosis, and participation in cancer. It is out of question that for a better comprehension of the physiopathological events in the liver and other metabolic organs, the more complete understanding of the roles played by redox reactions will be a necessity.
Part of the book: Redox