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World J Gastroenterol. Dec 28, 2010; 16(48): 6068-6078
Published online Dec 28, 2010. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i48.6068
Published online Dec 28, 2010. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i48.6068
Heme oxygenase system in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury
James A Richards, Stephen J Wigmore, Luke R Devey, Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Richards JA, Wigmore SJ and Devey LR all generated the ideas and contributed to the writing of this manuscript.
Supported by The Maurice Wohl Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and a Research Training Fellowship from The Wellcome Trust (to Richards JA); Tenovus Scotland and The Peel Medical Research Trust to support his current work (to Richards JA); A Clinician Scientist Fellowship from the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Health Foundation (to Devey LR)
Correspondence to: James A Richards, MBChB, MRCS, Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom. jamesrichards@doctors.net.uk
Telephone: +44-131-2429100 Fax: +44-131-2429199
Received: June 28, 2010
Revised: September 7, 2010
Accepted: September 14, 2010
Published online: December 28, 2010
Revised: September 7, 2010
Accepted: September 14, 2010
Published online: December 28, 2010
Abstract
Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) limits access to transplantation. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a powerful antioxidant enzyme which degrades free heme into biliverdin, free iron and carbon monoxide. HO-1 and its metabolites have the ability to modulate a wide variety of inflammatory disorders including hepatic IRI. Mechanisms of this protective effect include reduction of oxygen free radicals, alteration of macrophage and T cell phenotype. Further work is required to understand the physiological importance of the many actions of HO-1 identified experimentally, and to harness the protective effect of HO-1 for therapeutic potential.