Role of Autophagy in Chronic Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis

Abstract

Autophagy entails the removal of dysfunctional components to maintain cellular homeostasis. Over the years, studies of autophagy demonstrated its complex physiological and pathological roles in the liver. Apart from regulation of normal metabolic functions such as glycogenolysis, glycogenesis, and β-oxidation, autophagy also contributes to the modulation of various liver diseases. In this review, we provide a concise overview of the role of autophagy in regulating hepatic metabolism in healthy conditions and various chronic liver diseases. A well-rounded understanding of the role of autophagy may provide insight for future medical advancements in the field of hepatology.

Keywords: Autophagy; chronic liver inflammation; fibrosis; lipophagy; macroautophagy; microautophagy..