Ahepatotoxin (Gr., hepato = liver) is atoxic chemical substance that damages theliver.
It can be aside-effect, but hepatotoxins are also found naturally, such asmicrocystins andpyrrolizidine alkaloids, or in laboratory environments, such ascarbon tetrachloride, far more pervasively in the form of ethanol (drinking alcohol), or common over-the-counter medications likeparacetamol.
The effects of hepatotoxins depend on the amount, point of entry and distribution speed of thetoxin, and on the health of the person.
Intrinsic hepatotoxins (type A) have a predictable, dose-dependent effect. Idiosyncratic (type B) hepatotoxic reactions are unpredictable, independent of dose, and appear to be determined by the individual exposed. Compounds that preferentially affect bile ducts are referred to as "cholestatic", one example beingchlorpromazine. Those that target mostly the hepatocytes themselves are termed "hepatocellular", one example beingparacetamol. "Mixed" toxicity, affecting both the bile ducts and hepatocytes, is not uncommon. Hepatocellular injury is clinically marked by a high ratio ofALT toALP, and cholestatic injury by a lower ratio.
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