AN OVERVIEW OF HEPATOTOXICITY CAUSED BY DRUGS AND THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF ANTIOXIDANTS: NARRATIVE REVIEW

Drug-induced hepatotoxicity (DIH) is a major contributor to hepatotoxicity and a frequent cause of drug discontinuation or withdrawal by regulators. It comes about due to the direct toxicity of medications on hepatocytes, which is usually affected by genetic, environmental, and immunological conditions. The liver which is the focal point of drug metabolism is especially prone to be damaged by the use of prescription as well as over the counter simple medicines the herbal supplements. Clinical features of DIH range between mild increased levels of liver enzymes to life-threatening liver failure and have required liver transplant in some cases. Hepatotoxicity mechanisms are complex, and they include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and cell death. Antioxidants have demonstrated potential in preventing liver injury by suppressing ROS, or reactive oxygen species and mitigating oxidative injury. Different researchers indicate that antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, polyphenols, and compounds found in plants have the potential to reduce the effect of hepatotoxicity. The review addresses the pathophysiology of DIH, Oxidative stress’s part in liver damage and the possible protective effect of antioxidants to prevent or decrease hepatotoxicity. It also emphasizes the necessity of further studies in order to create the new antioxidant-based therapies to provide the liver protection to the patients who were subjected to hepatotoxic drugs.