ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:Although the unfolded protein response is a cellular protective response to the endoplasmic reticulum stress,hight-intensity or persistent endoplasmic reticulum stress can still induce cell apoptosis.Therefore,the endoplasmic reticulum stress is closely related to the occurrence and development of various diseases.OBJECTIVE:To overview the relationship between the endoplasmic reticulum stress and diseases,and the possible mechanisms.METHODS:The first author retrieved PubMed and CNKI databases by computer for the literature published from January 1999 to October 2016 using the keywords of "endoplasmic reticulum stress,apoptosis" in English and Chinese,respectively.Initially 4 883 relevant articles were searched.After exclusion of the repetitive studies finally 59 eligible articles were enrolled in accordance with the inclusion criteria.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The endoplasmic reticulum has been shown to play a crucial role in protein synthesis and folding process,as well as in maintenance of Ca2+ homeostasis,and synthesis of lipids and sterols places.Endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction caused by genetic or environmental damage leads to endoplasmic reticulum stress,followed by the unfolded protein response.Unfolded or misfolded proteins accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum and trigger the endoplasmic reticulum stress,resulting in cellular homeostasis imbalance.The main consequence is apoptosis,thereby causing damage to tissues and organs.