Complex Approach to Xenobiotics Hepatotoxicity Testing using a Microfluidic System

Abstract

We analyzed hepatotoxicity of three drugs: acetaminophen, metformin, and isoniazid. Spheroids of differentiated HepaRG cells cultured under microfluidic conditions were used as the model. Acute toxicity of substances was assessed by analyzing cell viability, while lactate concentration in the culture medium was used as the potential marker for evaluation of chronic exposure and non-lethal side effects of xenobiotics. The results were compared with mitochondrial activity and DNA fragmentation data. The efficiency and possibility of applying the integrated approach for assessment of drug hepatotoxicity are discussed.