Human PXR modulates hepatotoxicity associated with rifampicin and isoniazid co-therapy

Nat Med. 2013 Apr;19(4):418-20. doi: 10.1038/nm.3104. Epub 2013 Mar 10.

Abstract

Co-therapy with rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) used to treat tuberculosis in humans frequently causes liver injury. Here, using a pregnane X receptor (PXR)-humanized mouse model, we found that co-treatment with RIF and INH causes accumulation of the endogenous hepatotoxin protoporphyrin IX in the liver through PXR-mediated alteration of the heme biosynthesis pathway. These results provide insight into the mechanism of liver injury induced by co-treatment with these compounds and may lead to their safer use in the clinic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Alanine Transaminase / blood
  • Alkaline Phosphatase / blood
  • Animals
  • Antitubercular Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antitubercular Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / metabolism
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / pathology
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / adverse effects
  • Heme / analysis
  • Heme / biosynthesis
  • Humans
  • Isoniazid / administration & dosage
  • Isoniazid / adverse effects*
  • Isoniazid / therapeutic use
  • Liver / chemistry
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / pathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Pregnane X Receptor
  • Protoporphyrins / analysis
  • Protoporphyrins / biosynthesis
  • Receptors, Steroid / drug effects*
  • Receptors, Steroid / metabolism
  • Receptors, Steroid / physiology
  • Rifampin / administration & dosage
  • Rifampin / adverse effects*
  • Rifampin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Pregnane X Receptor
  • Protoporphyrins
  • Receptors, Steroid
  • Heme
  • protoporphyrin IX
  • Alanine Transaminase
  • Alkaline Phosphatase
  • Isoniazid
  • Rifampin