Retrorsine-induced hepatotoxicity is mediated by inhibition of the EGFR/AKT/c-Jun axis and disruption of calcium homeostasis in primary hepatocytes

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs) occur in approximately 3 %-5 % of flowering Plants and are common natural toxins; retrorsine is among the most hepatotoxic. Ingestion of PA-containing products is a major cause of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS). To elucidate the mechanism of retrorsine-induced hepatotoxicity, we combined network toxicology, molecular docking, and functional assays in primary hepatocytes. We identified 136 HSOS-related targets enriched in calcium signaling and PI3K-AKT pathways, including Akt1, JUN, and EGFR. In primary rat hepatocytes, retrorsine significantly decreased p-AKT, p-EGFR, and p-c-Jun levels (p < 0.05). Together, these data suggest that retrorsine inhibits EGFR/Akt/c-Jun axis and triggers intracellular calcium overload, leading to ER stress-associated Autophagy and hepatocyte death. These findings reveal a mechanism of retrorsine-induced hepatocyte injury and highlight the EGFR/Akt/c-Jun survival pathway as a potential therapeutic target in PA-induced HSOS.

Liver injury; Molecular docking; Network toxicology; Retrorsine.