Investigating the Role of Stress Enzymes in the Pathogenesis and Progression of Hepatitis B and C

Abstract

Hepatitis is the most common disease all over the world This review examines the epidemiology, transmission, and the critical role of oxidative stress and related enzymes in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Hepatitis B, which infects an estimated 350 million people worldwide, is primarily transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and vertical transmission from mother to child. The virus's resilience in external environments exacerbates its transmission risk. Oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defenses, plays a pivotal role in liver damage associated with these infections. Enzymes such as cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are integral to the detoxification of harmful substances. However, variations in these enzymes' activity can influence individual susceptibility to drug toxicity and disease progression. This review highlights the significance of understanding these enzymatic processes for better management and treatment of Hepatitis B and C, emphasizing the need for continued research into oxidative stress and its role in liver pathology.