What are the Implications of Hepatitis C on Drug Metabolism?
The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing drugs, and Hepatitis C can significantly impact this process. Infection with HCV can lead to liver inflammation and fibrosis, altering the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes. This alteration can result in reduced clearance or increased accumulation of drugs, leading to enhanced drug toxicity. Therefore, understanding these changes is vital for toxicologists and healthcare providers to avoid adverse drug reactions in HCV patients.