Perturbation of bile acid homeostasis is an early pathogenesis event of drug induced liver injury in rats

► We used metabolomics to gain insights on drug induced liver injury (DILI) in rats. ► We profiled rats treated with thirteen hepatotoxins at two doses and two time points. ► The toxins decreased the liver's ability to uptake bile acid from the circulation. ► Oxidative stress induced by the toxins altered bile acid biosynthesis in the liver. ► Selected bile acids in the plasma and urine could be sensitive DILI biomarkers.