Inflammatory response to the ischaemia–reperfusion insult in the liver after major tissue trauma

Background Polytrauma is often accompanied by ischaemia–reperfusion injury to tissues and organs, and the resulting series of immune inflammatory reactions are a major cause of death in patients. The liver is one of the largest organs in the body, a characteristic that makes it the most vulnerable organ after multiple injuries. In addition, the liver is an important digestive organ that secretes a variety of inflammatory mediators involved in local as well as systemic immune inflammatory responses. Therefore, this review considers the main features of post-traumatic liver injury, focusing on the immuno-pathophysiological changes, the interactions between liver organs, and the principles of treatment deduced. Methods We focus on the local as well as systemic immune response involving the liver after multiple injuries, with emphasis on the pathophysiological mechanisms. Results An overview of the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of local as well as systemic immune responses involving the liver after multiple injuries, the latest research findings, and the current mainstream therapeutic approaches. Conclusion Cross-reactivity between various organs and cascade amplification effects are among the main causes of systemic immune inflammatory responses after multiple injuries. For the time being, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this interaction remain unclear. Future work will continue to focus on identifying potential signalling pathways as well as target genes and intervening at the right time points to prevent more severe immune inflammatory responses and promote better and faster recovery of the patient.