Identification of mode of action of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in human primary hepatocytes by whole genome μ-array analysis

摘要

1,2-unsaturated pyrrohzidine alkaloids (PA) belong to the most toxic compounds. These substances are found in several plants such as Asteraceae and Boraginaceae families. Acute PA poisoning by food contamination causes severe damage to liver; long-term, sub-lethal dpses may cause cumulative damage or cancer. In this study, primary human hepatocytes were exposed to senecionine, heliotrine, echimidine or senkirkine covering all oc- curring PA structures to identify induction of common molecu-lar effects causing severe human liver toxicity.