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Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro
Published on: January 31, 2022
Pharmacogenomics in drug induced liver injury
Raúl J Andrade1, José A G Agúndez, M Isabel Lucena
1Hepatology Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Facultad de Medicina, Málaga, Spain.
Abstract:
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a severe adverse effect. The majority of DILI cases are idiosyncratic and several mechanisms have been postulated to explain why some subjects develop DILI with drugs that are safe for the majority of individuals. Major mechanisms proposed for DILI are based on the production of reactive metabolites, immune-mediated hepatotoxicity, a "danger signal" hypothesis and/or alterations in mitochondrial function. These mechanisms are compatible with the hypothesis for genetic variability in drug metabolism or bioactivation and are a major determinant for DILI. In this review we summarize present knowledge on underlying mechanisms, and clinical expression as well as genetic and non-genetic factors that modulate the risk of developing DILI. With regard to DILI pharmacogenomics, we summarize current evidence on the role of polymorphisms in genes coding for the drug-metabolizing enzymes CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, NAT2, GSTM1, GSTT1, UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A9 and UGT2B7. Conclusive evidence for association with DILI risk has been obtained for non-mutated CYP2E1, slow NAT2 and slow GSTM1 genotypes. For the rest of the genes additional pharmacogenomics and toxicogenomics studies are required. We identify potential sources of heterogeneity in studies carried out so far as well as new genetic targets which require further investigation.
Insights
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a severe adverse effect. Genetic variations in drug metabolism, particularly CYP2E1, NAT2, and GSTM1, significantly influence DILI risk, necessitating further pharmacogenomic research.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacogenomics
- Hepatology
- Drug Metabolism
Background:
- Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a severe adverse effect with unpredictable, idiosyncratic cases.
- Proposed mechanisms include reactive metabolites, immune responses, danger signals, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Genetic variability in drug metabolism is a key factor in DILI susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on DILI mechanisms, clinical presentation, and risk factors.
- To summarize pharmacogenomic evidence for DILI risk associated with drug-metabolizing enzyme gene polymorphisms.
- To identify knowledge gaps and future research directions in DILI pharmacogenomics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of DILI mechanisms, clinical factors, and genetic associations.
- Focused summary of pharmacogenomic studies on specific drug-metabolizing enzyme genes (CYP, NAT, GST, UGT).
- Analysis of evidence strength for gene-DILI risk associations.
Main Results:
- Conclusive associations between DILI risk and non-mutated CYP2E1, slow NAT2, and slow GSTM1 genotypes were found.
- Polymorphisms in other studied genes (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, GSTT1, UGTs) require further pharmacogenomic investigation.
- Heterogeneity in existing studies presents challenges for definitive conclusions.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors, particularly specific genotypes of CYP2E1, NAT2, and GSTM1, play a conclusive role in DILI risk.
- Further pharmacogenomic and toxicogenomic studies are essential to elucidate the genetic determinants of DILI.
- Understanding these genetic factors is crucial for predicting and preventing DILI.
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