Question: What is the so-called hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome and which plant alkaloids cause this potentially lethal problem?
Answer: The “hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome” is also known as hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD). This syndrome is caused by the ingestion of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These compounds may be found in a variety of plants including those in genus Senecio and Heliotropium among others. (Edgar JA et al. Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids: Potential Role in the Etiology of Cancers, Pulmonary Hypertension, Congenital Anomalies, and Liver Disease. 2015 Chem Res Toxicol 28:4-20)
Posted in Question Of The Day