Role of NOX4⁃related signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis / 医学研究生学报

ABSTRACT

Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NDAPH oxidase, NOX) is a complex composed of multiple protein subunits and the main enzyme produced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has been confirmed that NOXs-mediated oxidative stress is closely related to the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis, and its subunit NOX4 plays a key role. Nox4-derived ROS can not only directly affect the main cell of liver fibrosis ells (HSCs) with significant activation effects but also participate in the continuous activation of HSCs, abnormal proliferation of extracellular matrices(ECMs), apoptosis of hepatocytes, and migration of myofibroblasts(MFBs) by mediating a variety of intracellular signaling pathways including HSCs, which ultimately lead to the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis. This article reviews the role of NOX4-related signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis.