Chapter 42 – Liver Toxicity of Chemical Warfare Agents

In addition to chemical-induced hepatic injury, there are several natural toxins in the environment that can pose significant threat to liver function. Few examples of natural toxins include peptides of Amanita phalloides, the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and the toxin of the cycad nut. Mycotoxins in contaminated feed are other potential health hazards affecting the liver. While the precise mechanisms by which these toxins inflict liver injury are unclear, research in the last decade has attempted to elucidate different mechanisms for liver injury caused by high doses of chemical exposure and toxic plants. In this chapter, an attempt has been made to provide details of liver pathophysiology and explain well-accepted terminologies and concepts of liver injury. In addition, a few examples of chemical warfare agents are discussed, although such examples are limited in the literature.