MKK4 Knockdown Plays a Protective Role in Hemorrhagic Shock-Induced Liver Injury through the JNK Pathway

Figure 8

Schematic showing the effects of MKK4 knockdown on HS-induced liver injury. HS induces the upregulation of MKK4 expression and high levels of ROS production in the liver. ROS in the liver cause mitochondrial damage and dysfunction under oxidative stress, which regulates the Bax/Bcl-2 system and induces apoptosis. Moreover, MKK4 upregulation activates the JNK/c-Jun cascade, contributing to Bcl-2 inhibition, Bax activation, and the induction of mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby enhancing ROS generation and inducing apoptosis in the liver. MKK4 may contribute to the development of HS-induced liver injury by activating the JNK/c-Jun pathway.