Hepatic detoxification and anti-oxidative response in liver tissue with cholestasis: analysis of Nrf2 dependent gene expression

Cholestasis is a reduction in bile flow induced by a variety of factors resulting in enhanced concentrations of toxic bile acids. It may lead to hepatocellular injury, inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and finally to liver failure. Studies demonstrate that oxidative stress occurs in cholestatic liver tissue and reduction of reactive oxygen species during cholestasis diminish fibrosis. A crucial player in the defense against oxidative stress is the transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). It has been shown that Nrf2 controlls expression of many antioxidant and transporter proteins. Activation of Nrf2 d…