Mitochondrial autophagy in the development of amiodarone induced pulmonary fibrosis

Amiodarone (AD) is an anti-arrhythmic drug with very well-known vasodilatory properties. Severe pulmonary toxicity has been reported in patients receiving AD even at low doses, with the most common histological finding being chronic interstitial pneumonia. The precise mechanism underlying AD-induced pulmonary toxicity remains unknown. Dysfunctional mitochondria and enhanced oxidative stress via the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been reported in AD-induced pulmonary toxicity. Recent unpublished studies from our group revealed AECII (Alveolar epithelial cells type II) specific autophagy alongsid…