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Updated: Jan 11, 2026

Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro
Published on: January 31, 2022
Network Toxicology and Molecular Docking Analysis of Antituberculosis Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity
Rui Liu1, Xinlei Liu2,3, Yancheng Wang4
1Institute for Immunology and Pathogenesis, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Abstract:
Drug-induced hepatotoxicity (DIH) is a serious adverse effect of Antituberculosis (anti-TB) therapy, frequently causing treatment interruption and poor outcomes. This study combines network toxicology, molecular docking technology, and in vivo experiments to clarify the molecular mechanisms of anti-TB drug-induced hepatotoxicity. We identified key molecular targets and signaling pathways associated with hepatotoxicity by integrating drug-disease intersection-target interactions and pathway enrichment analyses. Molecular docking assessed the binding affinity between Antituberculosis drugs (e.g., isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide) and hub targets, with in vivo experiments further validating changes in mRNA expression of these core targets. Our findings suggest that NFE2L2, NFKB1, MAP2K1, MAPK14, IGF1R, and GSK3B may represent important targets for antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity, with oxidative stress, apoptosis, and lipid accumulation potentially serving as underlying mechanisms. These insights deepen our understanding of the molecular basis of anti-TB drug-induced hepatotoxicity and suggest potential targets for developing hepatoprotective strategies during tuberculosis treatment.
Insights
Antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity (DIH) can harm patients. This study identified key molecular targets and pathways, revealing oxidative stress and apoptosis as mechanisms, offering insights for hepatoprotective strategies.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Drug-induced hepatotoxicity (DIH) is a significant adverse effect of antituberculosis (anti-TB) therapy.
- DIH often leads to treatment interruption and adverse patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying anti-TB drug-induced hepatotoxicity.
- To identify key molecular targets and signaling pathways involved in DIH.
Main Methods:
- Integrated network toxicology, molecular docking, and in vivo experiments.
- Analyzed drug-disease intersection-target interactions and pathway enrichment.
- Assessed binding affinity of anti-TB drugs to hub targets and validated mRNA expression in vivo.
Main Results:
- Identified NFE2L2, NFKB1, MAP2K1, MAPK14, IGF1R, and GSK3B as potential key targets for DIH.
- Highlighted oxidative stress, apoptosis, and lipid accumulation as underlying mechanisms.
- Validated changes in mRNA expression of core targets through in vivo experiments.
Conclusions:
- Provided a deeper understanding of the molecular basis of anti-TB drug-induced hepatotoxicity.
- Suggested potential molecular targets for developing hepatoprotective strategies during tuberculosis treatment.
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