The Effects of PXR Activation on Hepatic Fat Content

Summary

This study investigates the effects of pregnane X receptor (PXR) activation on hepatic fat content in healthy volunteers. Rifampicin (an antibiotic and also an efficient PXR activator) and placebo will be given for a week to volunteers. Hepatic fat content is measured with magnetic resonance imaging and blood samples are collected at the end of each study arm. The investigators' hypothesis is that rifampicin causes accumulation of fat to the liver.

Timeline

Start

2014-12

Primary completion

2017-01

Completion

2017-01

Publications

• Rahunen R, Merikallio H, Rinne V, Savolainen MJ, Hukkanen J. Hypertension in Overweight and Obesity: Sex-Specific Role of 4beta-Hydroxycholesterol. J Am Heart Assoc. 2026 Mar 3;15(5):e043913. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.125.043913. Epub 2026 Feb 26.
• Rahunen R, Kummu O, Koivukangas V, Hautajarvi H, Hakkola J, Rysa J, Hukkanen J. Pregnane X Receptor-4beta-Hydroxycholesterol Axis in the Regulation of Overweight- and Obesity-Induced Hypertension. J Am Heart Assoc. 2022 Mar 15;11(6):e023492. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.121.023492. Epub 2022 Mar 1.

Drugs

Indications