Mitochondria & Liver: State of the Art & Perspectives - Hot Topic presented by Pr Rifaat Safadi during Targeting Mitochondria 2013
Pr Rifaat Safadi, Director of Liver Unit, Gastroenterology Institution, Division of Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel wil introduce and chair the special session dedicated to Liver & Mitochondria.
As highlighted by Pr Safadi, "The liver is one of the richest organs in terms of number and density of mitochondria with unique features compared to other organs' mitochondria. They are the hub that integrates hepatic metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Mitochondria are also essential in hepatocyte survival as mediator of apoptosis and necrosis. [...]
Therefore, most chronic liver diseases are associated with the accumulation of damaged mitochondria. Mitochondrial dysfunction acts as a common pathogenetic mechanism in several acute and chronic liver diseases. [...]
Thus, prevention of mitochondrial alterations promises to be an effective strategy for treatment of liver diseases. However, no therapy has proven to be absolutely effective, whereas those that are beneficial present several side effects. New selective molecules and nanocarriers technology are suggested as potentially effective in the targeting of mitochondrial dysfunction in liver pathology.
If you would like to know more about Pr Safadi's presentation: www.targeting-mitochondria.com
