Changes of Specific Biomarkers: Overview of Phospholipidosis

Phospholipidosis is a reversible storage disorder characterized by accumulation of phospholipids within cells. Drug induced phospholipidosis can be caused by cationic amphiphilic drugs (e.g. Amidiarone) or cationic hydrophilic drugs. The storage disorder is usually reversible, whereas the critical issue of phospholipidosis is an associated organ toxicity often observed.

The "gold standard" for the detection of phospholipidosis is the inspection of tissue by TEM (trans electrom microscopy). As this approach is time-consuming and invasive, a general biomarker independent from the affected organ is desired.

Detection of phospholipidosis by the use of trans electron microscopy. Clean tissue (left side) versus affected tissue (right side). Images by B. Lenz.