Drug-induced hepatotoxicity is a serious problem and has repeatedly led to the withdrawal of a drug after successful launching. Although reactive metabolites (which are predictable) are often involved, genetic or acquired host factors (which are unpredictable) can increase the penetrance and expressivity of the potential hepatotoxicity in a small subset of patients. The molecular mechanisms underlying liver injury are largely unknown. Evidence suggests, however, that there are four major modes of action: covalent modification of target proteins and oxidoreductive stress; immune-mediated reactions; interference with hepatobiliary export; and mitochondrial injury. A better prediction will include new animal models, new biomarkers, and genomics/transcriptomics analysis.
Despite progress, numerous unresolved issues support the testing of novel hypotheses, the search for additional risk factors, and the need for a global approach, including links between laboratory and clinical paradigms. These issues must be addressed if we are to gain an understanding of the mechanistic bases for these cutaneous drug reactions.
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