[Heme oxygenase as a potential therapeutic target for hepatoprotection]

Abstract

Heme oxygenase (HO) is the rate limiting enzyme in the breakdown of heme into carbon monoxide (CO), iron and biliverdin. To date three mammalian HO isozymes have been identified, and only one of them (HO-1) is inducible. The products of HO-catalyzed reaction, particularly CO and biliverdin/bilirubin have been shown to exert protective effects in the liver against different noxious stimuli. The results of experimental data show that induction of HO-1 expression contributes to protection against liver damage induced by several chemical compounds such as acetaminophen.