Acute liver failure: A clinically severe syndrome characterized by intricate mechanisms

Abstract

Acute liver failure presents as a clinical syndrome characterized by swift deterioration and significant mortality rates. Its underlying mechanisms are intricate, involving intricate interplays between various cells. Given the current scarcity of treatment options, there's a pressing need to diligently uncover the disease's core mechanisms and administer targeted therapies accordingly.

Keywords: Acute liver failure; Hepatocyte; Macrophage; Necroptosis; Pyroptosis; Ferroptosis

Core Tip: Acute Liver Failure (ALF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by a complex pathogenesis and a high mortality rate. The core mechanism that triggers ALF has been shown to be the imbalance of the immune microenvironment. The functions of the immune system during liver injury are diverse, encompassing both the early clearance of damaging substances and later tissue repair. However, achieving a smooth transition between these functions and avoiding the aggravation of liver injury caused by excessive activation or suppression of the immune system is a current research hotspot.