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Pyroptosis is a novel programmed cell death form which is distinct from other types of cell death. As an inherently inflammatory process, it plays a vital role in cellular lysis and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines when hosts defend against infections. Recent studies have reported that pyroptosis was involved in liver diseases and had important functions in the progress and development of liver diseases. Here, we addressed the potential role of pyroptosis in liver diseases on the basis of brief introduction of the morphological characteristics, molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms of pyroptosis., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is infecting about 364 million people around the world. It can cause various diseases, such as chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the present anti-viral treatment in clinics is limited; studies for new therapies are highly desired. Autophagy is a crucial and major catabolic process in the maintenance of normal intracellular homeostasis in host cells. Host cells use this unique process to degrade and recycle long-lived proteins, damaged organelles, and various pathogens for keeping the normal physiological functions. Recently, published studies indicated that HBV can induce autophagy in host cells; this autophagic response is involved in viral replication and pathogenesis. Several viral proteins, such as surface and X proteins, are assumed to be responsible for inducing autophagy in HBV infection. This review briefly summarizes some important mechanisms involved in HBV-induced autophagy and provides a novel perspective on therapies of HBV infection and HBV-related HCC., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)