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Updated: May 7, 2026
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Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro
Published on: January 31, 2022
Liver abnormalities in drug and substance abusers
Puraskar Pateria1, Bastiaan de Boer, Gerry MacQuillan
1Western Australian Liver Transplant Service, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology
|October 5, 2013
Summary
Drug and substance abuse frequently causes liver damage. This review covers alcohol-related liver disease, paracetamol (acetaminophen) toxicity, and the liver effects of illicit drugs like cannabis and cocaine.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Toxicology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Drug and substance abuse represent a significant global health burden.
- Alcohol use disorders and paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose are common causes of liver injury.
- Hepatotoxicity associated with illicit drug use is under-recognized compared to other organ system effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of alcohol-related liver disease.
- To examine paracetamol hepatotoxicity.
- To consolidate current knowledge on the liver toxicity of commonly abused illicit substances.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of alcohol-related liver disease, paracetamol hepatotoxicity, and illicit drug hepatotoxicity.
- Synthesis of data on epidemiology, clinical presentation, and management strategies.
- Inclusion of information on cannabis, amphetamine-type stimulants, cocaine, khat, and complementary/alternative medicines.
Main Results:
- Alcohol-related liver disease encompasses a spectrum from steatosis to cirrhosis.
- Paracetamol overdose is a frequent cause of acute liver injury.
- Illicit drugs can induce a wide range of liver damage, from mild abnormalities to acute liver failure.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the diverse hepatotoxic effects of substance abuse is crucial for clinical practice.
- Early recognition and management of drug-induced liver injury can improve patient outcomes.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and long-term consequences of illicit drug hepatotoxicity.
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