An appraisal on molecular and biochemical signalling cascades during arsenic-induced hepatotoxicity

Abstract

Arsenic is a ubiquitous metalloid compound commonly found in the environment, and it is usually found in combination with sulphur and metals. Arsenic is considered as a therapeutic as well as poisoning agent since ancient times. It causes toxic effects on different organs, mainly the liver. In this review, we focused on the molecular mechanism of arsenic-induced hepatotoxicity. Here we envisaged the bridge between arsenic and hepatotoxicity with particular focus on the level of hepatic enzymes such as ALT, AST, and ALP. Here, we attempted to elucidate the role of arsenic in redox imbalance on increased oxidative stress (elevated level of ROS, MDA and NO) and decreased antioxidant levels such as reduced GSH, catalase, and SOD. Oxidative stress induces mitochondrial dysfunction via apoptosis (AKT-PKB, MAPK, PI3/AKT, PKCδ-JNK, AKT/ERK, p53 pathways), fibrosis (TGF-β/Smad pathway), and necrosis and inflammation (TNF-α, NF-ĸB, IL-1, and IL-6). Along with that, arsenic activates caspases and Bax, decreases Bcl2 through mitochondrial dysfunction, and induces apoptosis regulatory mechanism. We believe the alteration of all these pathways leads to arsenic-induced hepatotoxicity.

Keywords: Arsenic; Cell death; Hepatotoxicity; Mitochondrial dysfunction; Redox level.