LncRNA MALAT1 cessation antagonizes hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in hepatocytes by inhibiting apoptosis and inflammation via the HMGB1-TLR4 axis.

•Exposure to SI/R elicits the up-regulation of MALAT1 in human hepatocytes.•Cessation of MALAT1 protects against SI/R-induced injury and apoptosis.•MALAT1 deficiency inhibits inflammatory response in hepatocytes upon SI/R condition.•MALAT1 knockdown mutes SI/R-triggered activation of the HMGB1-TLR4 signaling.•HMGB1 elevation reverses MALAT1 suppression-restored SI/R injury and inflammation.