Redox status and accumulation of autophagosomes in the liver of mouse under the action of lithium chloride

Activation of autophagy is considered one of the promising strategies for the treatment and prevention of various non-infectious liver diseases. In this work, we assessed the changes in redox status and autophagy activation in liver tissues in vivo under the action of lithium chloride. It was shown that lithium chloride leads to the accumulation of autophagosomes in liver cells under normal conditions. This process is accompanied by a slight increase in the activity of several antioxidant enzymes. Toxic effects on the liver and the development of oxidative stress with 3-day use of LiCl were not detected. Significant rearrangements in the ultrastructure of the endoplasmic reticulum were observed, which can play a signaling role and participate in the initiation of autophagy. Thus, oral application of lithium chloride can be used as an effective modulator of the autophagy process in liver tissues.