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Updated: May 10, 2026

Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro
11:06

Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro

Published on: January 31, 2022

Drug-induced liver injury: mechanisms, types and biomarkers

M Vinken1, M Maes, T Vanhaecke

  • 1Department of Toxicology, Center for Pharmaceutical Research, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium. mvinken@vub.ac.be

Current Medicinal Chemistry
|June 11, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a common problem. A new model explains DILI mechanisms, involving cellular insult, mitochondrial changes, and cell death, with novel biomarkers emerging.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Toxicology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a significant clinical and pharmaceutical challenge.
  • DILI can be intrinsic or idiosyncratic, stemming from diverse molecular pathways.
  • A unifying mechanistic model proposes DILI involves cellular insult, mitochondrial permeability transition, and cell death.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding DILI mechanisms.
  • To discuss novel biomarkers for DILI diagnosis and monitoring.
  • To present a unifying mechanistic model of DILI.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of DILI mechanisms and biomarkers.
  • Analysis of a unifying mechanistic model of DILI.
  • Discussion of novel diagnostic and monitoring parameters.

Main Results:

  • DILI pathogenesis is explained by a 3-step model: cellular insult, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death.
  • Clinical manifestations of DILI include hepatitis, cholestasis, steatosis, and fibrosis.
  • Emerging biomarkers include genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic parameters.

Conclusions:

  • The unifying mechanistic model provides a framework for understanding DILI.
  • Novel biomarkers offer potential for improved DILI detection and management.
  • Continued research into DILI mechanisms and biomarkers is crucial for patient safety.

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