ObjectiveTo introduce the relationship between the apoptosis hepatocyte and its genic mediation and the ischemia of portal vein. MethodsThe combination of related literatures and our research findings were made.ResultsPortal vein ischemia may induced hepatocyte apoptosis, p53 and bcl2 gene alternatively adjust hepatocyte apoptosis. Expression of p53 gene is enhanced in hepatic tissue when hepatocyte apoptosis is not obvious, but after 24-72 h of portal vein ischemia, when hepatocyte apoptosis is obvious, enhanced expression of p53 gene or reduced expression of bcl2 gene occur. There exists close relationship between portal vein ischemia and hepatocyte apoptosis. Conclusion Apoptosis hepatocyte is involved in organic atrophy after ischemia of portal vein, and p53 and bcl2 gene alternatively adjust hepatocyte apoptosis. At present, the mechanism of apoptosis of hepatocyte induced by ischemia of portal vein is not clear, which needs further study.