Cell death by apoptosis is a fundamental biologic process involved in physiologic processes such as morphogenesis, tissue turnover, and as a mechanism to limit the immune response. Apoptosis is also being increasingly recognized as an important pathophysiologic mechanism of tissue injury.<sup>71 Thompson C.B. Apoptosis in the pathogenesis and treatment of disease Science 1995 ;  267 : 1456-1462

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Dysregulation of apoptosis occurs in a wide spectrum of diseases and pathophysiologic processes in the liver, for example, in viral infections, neoplasia, immune-mediated injury, toxic injury, metabolic disorders, and inflammation. An understanding of the cellular mechanisms of apoptosis and their dysregulation during pathophysiologic disturbances will help in understanding human liver diseases. This article reviews the process of apoptosis, its cellular mechanisms, its regulation by external factors, and its role in hepatic pathophysiology.