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Updated: Jan 13, 2026

Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro
Published on: January 31, 2022
Does Genetic Variation in Detoxification Capacity Influence Hepatic Biomarker Responses to a Liver Support
Markus Schauer1,2, Susanne Mair2, Michael Keiner1
1Department of Sport Science, German University of Health & Sport (DHGS), 85737 Ismaning, Germany.
Liver support supplements improved detoxification biomarkers and reduced weight and BMI in adults. These positive effects on detoxification pathways were observed regardless of genetic variations in detoxification capacity.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Pharmacogenomics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Genetic polymorphisms significantly influence individual liver detoxification capacity.
- Urinary biomarkers can reflect Phase II detoxification activity, but genotype-specific responses to supplementation are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a multi-ingredient liver support supplement on urinary detoxification biomarkers.
- To determine if genetic polymorphisms in detoxification genes affect the response to supplementation.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 30 Austrian adults who received an 8-week liver support supplementation regimen.
- Urinary D-glucaric acid and mercapturic acids were measured at baseline and follow-up.
- Participants were genotyped for polymorphisms in key detoxification genes (CYP1A1, GSTM1, GSTP1, GSTT1, NQO1) and stratified into normal (NDC) or limited (LDC) detoxification capacity groups.
Main Results:
- Supplementation led to modest reductions in body weight and BMI (p < 0.05).
- Significant increases in urinary D-glucaric acid (p < 0.05) and mercapturic acids (p < 0.01) were observed.
- Responses in urinary biomarkers and weight/BMI changes were consistent across different detoxification genotype groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Multi-ingredient liver support supplementation may modulate detoxification pathways.
- The observed benefits appear independent of genetic polymorphisms influencing detoxification capacity.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in larger cohorts.
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