Objective To summarize the role of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in the occurrence and progression of various sorts of liver injury. Methods Literatures on the structures, property of molecular biology and function of NF-κB, as well as its relationships with liver injury were collected and reviewed. Results NF-κB was an important nuclear factor existed in cells widely distributed in most cell types. The activation of NF-κB was induced by various sorts of liver injury. The activated NF-κB could affect the liver injury by regulating cytokines, adhesion molecules, and activating factor involving in immunologic reaction， inflammatory reaction and the apoptosis. Conclusion NF-κB plays an important role during the occurrence and progression of liver injury， and may become a new target in the treatment of liver injury.