Research progress of HO-1 and autophagy in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury

Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and its enzymolysis products can mitigate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) by alleviating the damage of reactive oxygen free radicals, mitigating cell apoptosis, inhibiting inflammatory reaction and maintaining microcirculation stability. Autophagy is a process in which the cells utilize lysosomes to degrade their damaged organelles and macromolecular substances. It is considered as an adaptive response to alleviate cell damage under stress, which can effectively reduce cell death. In recent years, more and more studies have demonstrated that autophagy is also significantly correlated with HIRI. This article reviewed recent research progresses at home and abroad on HO-1 and HIRI, autophagy and HIRI, the interaction and mechanism between HO-1 and autophagy in HIRI.