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

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Connexin-based signaling and drug-induced hepatotoxicity

Michaël Maes1, Mathieu Vinken1

  • 1Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.

Journal of Clinical and Translational Research
|August 22, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Connexins are vital for liver health and can be harmed by toxic drugs. This study examines how common hepatotoxic drugs affect connexin channels, impacting liver function and toxicology.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Connexins and their channels are crucial for maintaining liver homeostasis.
  • These communicative structures are often implicated in drug-induced liver injury.
  • Understanding connexin roles is vital for assessing drug safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of connexin channel properties in the liver.
  • To discuss the effects of specific hepatotoxic drugs on connexin signaling.
  • To highlight the relevance of connexin research in clinical and in vitro toxicology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on connexin structure, regulation, and function in the liver.
  • Analysis of documented effects of acetaminophen, hypolipidemic drugs, phenobarbital, and methapyriline on connexin signaling.
  • Discussion of the implications for toxicological assessments.

Main Results:

  • Connexin channels exhibit specific structural, regulatory, and functional characteristics in hepatocytes.
  • Hepatotoxic drugs like acetaminophen and phenobarbital demonstrably alter connexin-mediated signaling.
  • Drug-induced changes in connexin function contribute to liver toxicity.

Conclusions:

  • Connexin channels are key targets for hepatotoxic drug actions.
  • Altered connexin signaling is a significant mechanism in drug-induced liver toxicity.
  • Connexin research is essential for advancing clinical and in vitro toxicology.
Keywords:
Gap junctionconnexindrughemichannelhepatotoxicity

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