Does inflammation play a role in kava hepatotoxicity?
The pathophysiology of kava hepatotoxicity remains inconclusive. There is circumstantial evidence for the roles of toxic metabolites, inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and depletion of liver glutathione. Pharmacogenomic effects are likely, particularly for Cytochrome P450 genes. Experimental and clinical cases of hepatotoxicity show evidence of hepatitis. The question remains whether this inflammation is caused by components of kava directly, or indirectly due to the downstream effects.
Zhang
Lillian Yuan
LY
Rowe
Anthony
A
Ramzan
Iqbal
I
D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020901:Kava / Q000633:toxicity*