Apoptosis contributes to the cytotoxicity induced by amodiaquine and its major metabolite N-desethylamodiaquine in hepatic cells

Amodiaquine (ADQ), an antimalarial drug used in endemic areas, has been reported to be associated with liver toxicity; however, the mechanism underlying its hepatoxicity remains unclear. In this study, we examined the cytotoxicity of ADQ and its major metabolite N-desethylamodiaquine (NADQ) and the effect of cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated metabolism on ADQ-induced cytotoxicity. After a 48-h treatment, ADQ and NADQ caused cytotoxicity and induced...