Title:Carbon Monoxide, A Two-Face for the Protection of the Liver
VOLUME: 13 ISSUE: 6
Author(s):Florian Bosch and Tung Yu Tsui
Affiliation:Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
Keywords:HO-1, CO, liver, IRI, cirrhosis, transplantation
Abstract:Carbon monoxide is generally believed to be a ‘toxic’ gas molecule due to its binding capability with hemoglobin.
Overexposure to carbon monoxide leads to a hypoxic state that may cause the death of a mammalian. In contrast, directly
exposure of carbon monoxide may protect cells or organs from various disease insults. The paradox effects of carbon
monoxide might vary on the ways of exposure and the amounts being exposed. Here we highlighted the characteristics
of this gas molecule and summarized its protective effects and therapeutic potentials in liver diseases and liver transplantation.
