hepatotoxin
Chemical harming liver
A hepatotoxin is a substance that damages the liver.
Many medications, industrial chemicals, and natural compounds can act as hepatotoxins when consumed in sufficient quantities.
Alcohol is among the most common hepatotoxins; others include certain mushroom species, solvents, and drug overdoses: Acetaminophen becomes a hepatotoxin at high doses.
Common over-the-counter analgesic
- carbon tetrachlorideCCl₄ compound, once industrial
- ethanolDrinkable volatile spirit
- halothaneInhaled surgical anesthetic
- methotrexateAntifolate chemotherapy agent
diclofenac · tetracycline · phenytoin · nitrosamine · vinyl chloride · trichloroethylene · chloroform
Irreversible hepatic scarring
- fibrosisPathological connective tissue buildup
- jaundiceYellowing from bile pigment
- necrosisLocalized cell death
- cholestasisImpaired hepatic bile drainage
liver failure · ascites · cholangitis · encephalopathy · fatty liver
Conversion to active form
- metaboliteSubstance from cellular processes
- cytotoxicityHarmfulness to living cells
- apoptosisProgrammed cell death
- immune-mediatedCaused by immune response
Liver function indicator
- bilirubinHemoglobin degradation byproduct
- albuminBlood and egg protein
- biomarkerMeasurable biological health signal
- histopathologyDisease study through tissue
acetaminophen
Common over-the-counter analgesic
- carbon tetrachlorideCCl₄ compound, once industrial
- ethanolDrinkable volatile spirit
- halothaneInhaled surgical anesthetic
methotrexate · diclofenac · tetracycline · phenytoin · nitrosamine · vinyl chloride · trichloroethylene · chloroform
cirrhosis
Irreversible hepatic scarring
- fibrosisPathological connective tissue buildup
- jaundiceYellowing from bile pigment
- necrosisLocalized cell death
cholestasis · liver failure · ascites · cholangitis · encephalopathy · fatty liver
bioactivation
Conversion to active form
- metaboliteSubstance from cellular processes
- cytotoxicityHarmfulness to living cells
- apoptosisProgrammed cell death
ALT
Liver function indicator