Role of the pregnane X receptor in binge ethanol-induced steatosis and hepatotoxicity.

The pregnane X receptor (PXR, NR1I2) is a xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptor that defends against toxic agents. We have shown that PXR promotes chronic ethanol (EtOH)-induced steatosis. Therefore, we examined the role of PXR in binge EtOH-induced hepatotoxicity.

Pregnane X Receptor-Humanized Mice Recapitulate Gender Differences in Ethanol Metabolism but Not Hepatotoxicity.

Both human and rodent females are more susceptible to developing alcoholic liver disease following chronic ethanol (EtOH) ingestion. However, little is known about the relative effects of acute EtOH exposure on hepatotoxicity in female versus male mice. The nuclear receptor pregnane X receptor (PXR; NR1I2) is a broad-specificity sensor with species-specific responses to toxic agents.