Peroxynitrite imaging in ferroptosis-mediated drug-induced liver injury with a near-infrared fluorescence probe

Over-consumption of drugs can result in drug-induced liver damage (DILI), which can worsen liver failure. Numerous studies have shown the significant role ferroptosis plays in the pathophysiology of DILI, which is typified by a marked imbalance between the generation and breakdown of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS). The content of peroxynitrite (ONOO−) rapidly increased during this process and was thought to be a significant marker of early liver injury. Therefore, the construction of fluorescence probe for the detection and imaging of ONOO− holds immense importance in the early diagnosis and treatment of ferroptosis-mediated DILI. We designed a probe DILI-ONOO based on the ICT mechanism for the purpose of measuring and visualizing ONOO− in ferroptosis-mediated DILI processes and associated studies. This probe exhibited significant fluorescence changes with good sensitivity, selectivity, and can image exogenous and endogenous ONOO− in cells with low cytotoxicity. Using this probe, we were able to show changes in ONOO− content in ferroptosis-mediated DILI cells and mice models induced by the intervention of acetaminophen (APAP) and isoniazid (INH). By measuring the concentration of ferroptosis-related indicators in mice liver tissue, we were able to validate the role of ferroptosis in DILI. It is worth mentioning that compared to existing alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) detection methods, this probe can achieve early identification of DILI prior to serious liver injury. This work has significant reference value in researching the relationship between ferroptosis and DILI and visualizing research. The results indicate a strong correlation between the progression of DILI and ferroptosis. Additionally, the use of DILI-ONOO shows promise in investigating the DILI process and assessing the effectiveness of medications in treating DILI.