Significance of metallothionein expression in liver disease

Nagamine, T; Nakajima, K

HERO ID

2969858

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Year

2013

Language

English

PMID

23590140

HERO ID 2969858
Material Type Review
In Press No
Year 2013
Title Significance of metallothionein expression in liver disease
Authors Nagamine, T; Nakajima, K
Journal Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Volume 14
Issue 4
Page Numbers 420-426
Abstract Hepatic metallothionein (MT) expression, with various isoforms, and varying cellular localizations is a useful marker for clinico-pathogenesis of liver diseases. In acute liver toxicity caused by cadmium, carbon tetrachloride, or acetaminophen, MT plays a protective role, via the scavenging of radical species. In chronic hepatitis C patients, hepatic MT levels appear to be a biological factor associated with the severity of HCV infection, and are associated with a better response to IFN therapy. Transgenic mice that express HBsAg in the liver show hepatocellular damage, inflammation, regeneration, hyperplasia, and, eventually, neoplasia. The MT isoform, MT-1 help mitigate HBV-induced hepatitis. Analysis of MT gene expression in the livers of chronic hepatitis B patients is useful for understanding the features of distinct liver diseases and for judging disease progression. A profound down-regulation of isoform MT-1G in hepatocellular carcinoma was observed in 63% of tumors relative to the adjacent nonmalignant liver. MT has been implicated in the control of p53 folding with zinc exchange. Therefore, it appears MT may play a role in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Overall MT is linked to a variety of liver diseases.
Doi 10.2174/1389201011314040006
Pmid 23590140
Wosid WOS:000326986000006
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Metallothionein; liver toxicity; hepatitis B; hepatitis C; hepatocellular carcinoma; liver fibrosis