Fluconazole-induced liver injury in patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis: a comprehensive study integrating clinical cohort analysis, network toxicology, molecular docking, and transcriptomics

Fluconazole is key for pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC), but its hepatotoxicity (HT) risk is unclear. This study characterized fluconazole-induced liver injury in HIV-negative PC patients and explored its mechanism. We integrated clinical cohort analysis (<i>n</i> = 123), network toxicology, molecular docking, and transcriptomics. HT incidence was 23.6%, predominantly cholestatic (55.2%). Immunocompromised status independently increased HT risk (aRR = 2.67, <i>P</i> = 0.004). Baseline ALT >16.5 U/L was the best predictor (AUC = 0.69) among liver enzymes, which showed modest discriminatory value. A model combining liver enzymes, immune status, and comedications achieved superior prediction (AUC = 0.76). Mechanistically, AKT1, ERBB2, and KDR were identified as potential core targets. Transcriptomics confirmed their significant downregulation in general cholestasis models, and molecular docking demonstrated favorable affinity binding with fluconazole (strongest for KDR: -6.5 kcal/mol). In conclusion, baseline liver enzymes and immune status are critical risk factors for fluconazole-induced HT, and fluconazole-induced cholestatic injury may involve the dysregulation of signaling pathways centered on AKT1, ERBB2, and KDR, suggesting potential targets for monitoring.