The liver is an important metabolic and detoxification organ and hence demands a large amount of energy

which is mainly produced by the mitochondria. Liver tissues of patients with alcohol-related or non-alcohol-related liver diseases contain ultrastructural mitochondrial lesions

mitochondrial DNA damage

disturbed mitochondrial dynamics

and compromised ATP production. Overproduction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species induces oxidative damage to mitochondrial proteins and mitochondrial DNA

decreases mitochondrial membrane potential

triggers hepatocyte inflammation

and promotes programmed cell death

all of which impair liver function. Mitochondrial DNA may be a potential novel non-invasive biomarker of the risk of progression to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients infected with the hepatitis B virus. We herein present a review of the mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of acute liver injury and chronic liver diseases

such as hepatocellular carcinoma

viral hepatitis

drug-induced liver injury

alcoholic liver disease

and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This review also discusses mitochondrion-centric therapies for treating liver diseases.