| The heme oxygenase, as a rate limiting enzyme in the process of heme degradation, plays an important role in
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, inhibiting cell apoptosis and improving tissue microcirculation together with the hydrolysates of bilirubin,
CO. Heme oxygenase 1, an inducible heme oxygenase, can be adaptively induced and cytoprotective in septicopyemia, hypertension,
acute lung injury and other diseases. The cytoprotective effect of heme oxygenase 1 can also be seen in the hepatic ischemia reperfusion
injury, liver cirrhosis, hepatic failure, liver transplantation, acute kidney injury as well as renal allograft injury. The recent development of
the role of heme oxygenase 1 in liver and kidney disease is reviewed in order to discuss the possible new breakthrough for future
therapies. |
