[Mechanisms of hepatotoxicity]

Arq Bras Cardiol. 2005 Oct:85 Suppl 5:25-7. Epub 2006 Jan 2.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

Liver disease following the use of hypolipidemic drugs has been reported as a cellular damage (increases in AST or ALT enzymes) without cholestatic alterations (bilirubin and or alkaline phosphatase increases). Six mechanisms were proposed for hepatotoxicity: 1. High energy reactions on P450 cytochrome impairing calcium homeostasis with rupture of intracellular fibrils and hepatocyte lysis. 2. Impairment of transporter proteins related to the bile acids flux (mechanism proposed for fibrate liver toxicity). 3. Immune reactions due to the formation of metabolites linked to enzymes following liver metabolism of hypolipidemic drugs. 4. Hepatotoxicity by T cells with additional inflammation mediated by neutrophils. 5. Apoptosis mediated by TNF and Fas (immune mediated). 6. Oxidative stress due to damage of intracellular organelles. In addition, advanced age, alcohol in excess, high doses of hypolipidemic drugs, interaction with other drugs, and previous active liver disease might increase liver toxicity.

MeSH terms

  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury*
  • Clofibrate / adverse effects
  • Clofibrate / metabolism
  • Drug Interactions
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / metabolism
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / metabolism
  • Liver Diseases / metabolism
  • Niacin / adverse effects
  • Niacin / metabolism

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Hypolipidemic Agents
  • Niacin
  • Clofibrate