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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Drug-Induced Senescence in Liver Cells Promotes M2 Macrophage Polarization: Implications for Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Associated Hepatotoxicity
Published on: October 17, 2025
Donepezil-related toxic hepatitis
R I R Dierckx1, M F J Vandewoude
1Department of Cardiology, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
Abstract:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia. It is characterized by the presence of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, and impairment of the central cholinergic system, which contribute to memory loss and cognitive dysfunction. Cholinesterase inhibitors prevent the hydrolysis of acetylcholine and are currently approved for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Donepezil, a piperidine-based, reversible and specific inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, has been demonstrated to be clinically effective in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate AD. To date, clinical trials have not reported an association between treatment with donepezil and hepatotoxicity. We describe a case of toxic hepatitis, documented by liver biopsy, in a patient treated with donepezil.
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