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Updated: May 23, 2026
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Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro
Published on: January 31, 2022
Drug-induced liver injury
Lafaine M Grant1, Don C Rockey
1Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-8887, USA. Lafaine.grant@utsouthwestern.edu
Current Opinion in Gastroenterology
|March 28, 2012
Summary
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is hard to predict and diagnose. Recent research highlights genetic factors, like human leukocyte antigen (HLA) associations, and potential biomarkers for improved DILI prediction and management.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a significant clinical challenge due to difficulties in prediction, diagnosis, and management.
- Antibiotics are the most frequent cause of DILI in the US and Europe.
- Distinguishing DILI from other liver conditions, such as Hepatitis E, is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the diagnosis, prediction, and management of DILI.
- To explore the role of genetics in DILI susceptibility and pathophysiology.
- To identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for DILI.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of peer-reviewed literature from the past two years.
- Analysis of genetic association studies, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
- Evaluation of diagnostic tools and potential therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Expert opinion remains a key diagnostic method for DILI, potentially superior to tools like the Roussel-Uclaf Causality Assessment Method.
- Genome-wide association studies identified associations between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles and susceptibility to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid-induced DILI.
- MicroRNAs and keratin variants show potential as biomarkers for DILI and acute liver failure outcomes, respectively.
- N-acetylcysteine may offer protection against DILI in patients taking antituberculosis medications.
Conclusions:
- Advances in understanding the genetic basis of DILI pathophysiology and susceptibility offer new avenues for prediction and prevention.
- Genetic insights, such as HLA associations, provide a foundation for future research and personalized DILI management strategies.
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