Liver Biochemical Parameters Research Articles

Comparative Evaluation of Fibrosis Markers in Obese and Non-Obese Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B: A Focus on FIB-4 and APRI

Aim: Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) is a global health issue with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aims to evaluate the impact of obesity on fibrosis progression in CHB patients by comparing non-invasive fibrosis markers between obese and non-obese patients. Material and methods: A total of 172 CHB (50.6±9.4 mean aged) patients were included in this retrospective study. Height, body weight, and waist circumferences of the patients were measured, and liver function tests and biochemical parameters were studied. Fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4) and Aspartate Aminotransferase-Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) were calculated. Results: No significant differences were found between the groups regarding age (p=0.500) or gender distribution (p=0.277). While Alanin Aminotransferase levels did not differ significantly between the groups (p=0.498), Aspartate Aminotransferase levels were significantly higher in obese patients (p

Liver metastases in high-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms: A comparative study of hepatic tumor volume and biochemical findings in NET G3 versus NEC.

Abnormal liver blood tests and liver tumor burden are known prognostic factors in neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). However, the relationship between biochemical liver parameters and hepatic tumor load is largely unknown in NEN and in high-grade NEN (G3) specifically. The primary objective of this study was to correlate the biochemical parameters and liver tumor volume of patients with neuroendocrine tumors grade 3 (NET G3) or neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC). We wanted to investigate whether patients with NET G3 with extensive liver involvement had less severely elevated laboratory liver parameters than NEC patients. In total, 46 patients with NEN were included, 31 had NEC and 15 NET G3. All patients had distant metastatic disease, with liver metastases being the most common (n = 39). Both laboratory results and semiautomatic volumetric measurements of liver tumor burden were obtainable for 34 patients at baseline and 26 patients at follow-up. Alkaline phosphatase (AP), gamma-GT (gGT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased significantly between the two time periods (p < .01). In a regression model, liver tumor burden significantly affected several blood parameters, for example, increasing AP, gGT, LDH, and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) by a factor of 1.02-1.04 per unit increase (1% tumor burden; all p < .001). AP, gGT, and LDH were significantly lower in NET G3 (factor of 0.43-0.68) than in NEC. Here, we found that liver chemistries changed over the NEN disease course, correlated with hepatic tumor burden, and differed by histologic subtype. The current data can potentially guide treatment decisions, for example, with regard to integration of liver-directed therapies.

Ameliorative Effect of Curcuma longa Ethanolic Extract on the Histology, Hepatic Glycogen Content and Some Biochemical Parameters of the Liver in Streptozotocin-Induced Hyperglycemic Wistar Rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a life threatening disease that requires immediate medical treatment. Numerous medicinal plants have been known for their anti-diabetic effects and Curcuma longa (turmeric) is one of them. This attribute is possible due to the pharmacological properties of its bio-constituents. In this study, the ameliorative potential of ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa was investigated on the liver of hyperglycemic adult Wistar rats. The objectives were to determine its effects on liver histology, hepatic glycogen content and some liver biochemical parameters. Methods: Forty (40) rats weighing between 120-180g were used for the research. Sixteen (16) rats were used for its acute toxicity study, while twenty-four (24) rats were grouped into four. The groups were labelled A to D and contained six rats each. Group A (normal control) rats were given food pellets and distilled water only. Group B (diabetic control) rats were given 65mg/kg BW of streptozotocin IP. Group C served as the standard group and was given 65mg/kg of streptozotocin IP + 250mg/kg of metformin IP, while Group D (test group) rats were given 65mg/kg BW of streptozotocin IP + 500mg/kg of Curcuma longa extract. Curcuma longa extract was administered through the oral route with the aid of an oral gavage. The administration lasted for twenty-eight (28) days, after which the rats were made to fast overnight with access to only water. The rats were then anaesthetized and whole blood obtained through cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. Liver tissue was obtained for histological and glycogen content analyses. Results: The results showed severe destruction of hepatocytes with widely spread cytoplasmic vacuolation, loss of hepatic lobules and hepatic inflammation in the diabetic group, whereas it showed prominent nuclei, hepatocytes and distinct sinusoidal spaces in the normal control group. The metformin group showed an intact architecture of the liver tissue with indicating regeneration in the liver, while the Curcuma longa extract group showed a preserved liver cytoarchitecture. There was a significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) in the fasting blood glucose level and liver enzyme activities in the standard and test groups compared to the diabetic group (p&lt;0.05). There was also improvement in glycogen content of the standard and test groups in comparison with the diabetic group (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Curcuma longa possesses hepato-protective properties and a strong anti-diabetic potential, therefore it can be considered as an alternative drug in the management of diabetes mellitus and its complications.

Hesperitin prevents non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by modulating mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy via the AMPKα-Drp1/PINK1-Parkin signaling pathway

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a global public health burden, yet effective therapeutic strategies are notably lacking. NAFLD development may be mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction, according to new research. Producing mitochondrial regulators from plant-based substances to treat mitochondrial dysfunction is an appealing approach to treating NAFLD. Hesperetin (HES) is a flavonoid that is found naturally and is a member of the flavanone family. This study aims to clarify the mechanism of HES in preventing NAFLD which is caused by a high-fat diet (HFD). Serum and liver biochemical parameters, liver histology, lipid profiles, and mitochondrial function were evaluated in HFD-induced NAFLD Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. HES treatment significantly reduced body weight gain, liver weight, and the liver index, while also improving hepatic steatosis, lipid metabolism disorders, and mitochondrial dysfunction in rats with NAFLD. The mechanism was investigated and confirmed using western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We showed that in the liver of NAFLD rats, HES decreased the expression of dynamic-related protein 1 (Drp1), phosphorylated Drp1 at serine-616 (Drp1-pS616) and induced phosphorylated Drp1 at serine-637 (Drp1-pS637), PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), and E3 Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase Parkin (Parkin) via an AMP-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα)-dependent mechanism. Moreover, HES increased the expression of the mitochondrial fusion proteins mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) and optic atrophy 1 (Opa1) while suppressing the expression of fission protein 1 (Fis1). In this work, we identify a unique mechanism by which HES prevents NAFLD from developing. HES may be an attractive potential therapeutic agent to cure NAFLD.

The Impact of The Preventive Role of Star Anise on The Toxicity of Benzopyrene Compound in The Liver and Kidney Tissues and Biochemical Parameters in Male Rats

Objective: This study, conducted at the University of Anbar's College of Pure Science, evaluated the protective effects of star anise against benzopyrene (B[a]P)-induced liver and kidney damage in 30 male white Swiss rats (Sprague Dawley), aged 3-4 months and weighing between 170-210 g. Materials and methods: The rats were divided into six groups: Control (G1), B[a]P (G2), Star Anise 125 mg/kg bw (G3), Star Anise 120 mg/kg bw + B[a]P (G4), Star Anise 125 mg/kg bw + B[a]P (G5), and Star Anise 130 mg/kg bw + B[a]P (G6). Results:Biochemical analyses showed that B[a]P exposure significantly elevated liver enzymes (ALP, AST, ALT, GGT) and kidney markers (uric acid, creatinine), indicating hepatic and renal damage. Treatment with star anise, especially 130 mg/kg bw significantly reversed these elevated levels because it protected against the injury. Histopathology showed that the liver and kidney were severely damaged in the B[a]P group and in the star-anise-treated group, normal tissue architecture was well preserved only in high doses of star anise treatment. Conclusion:These outcomes suggest the use of star anise as a hepatoprotective as well as a nephroprotective agent, and this needs to be further strengthened by understanding its mechanisms and long-term effectiveness.

Health status biomarkers and hemato-biochemical indices in Nile tilápia

Considering the aquatic environment, fish are notorious bioaccumulators of persistent pollutants, and that Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) is a species of great economic interest and an excellent model for ecotoxicological experimental studies. Because of this, establishing baseline reference parameters for this healthy animal is extremely valuable for comparison. Thus, our aim is to establish reference values for Nile tilapia for comparative purposes for: (i) functional activation of the alternative pathway of the complement system (ACH50), (ii) some serum biochemical parameters of liver, kidney and muscle tissue integrity, and (iii) hematological profile of Nile tilapia under controlled conditions. Juvenile specimens of O. niloticus were obtained from the fish farming and acclimatized for 15 days. Blood samples were collected without and with anticoagulants (heparin and EDTA) and submitted to hematological assays for leukogram and erythrogram evaluation. Serum was used for the alternative complement and biochemical assays. A mean of 137.6 U/mL was found for ACH50, 52.3 U/mL for alanine aminotransferase, 81.7 U/mL for aspartate aminotransferase, 30.3 U/mL for alkaline phosphatase, 4.3 g/dL for albumin, 8.4 mg/dL for urea, 1.9 mg/dL for uric acid, 3654 U/L for total creatine kinase, 1329.9 U/L for creatine kinase MB fraction, 260.2 U/L for lactic dehydrogenase, 227.2 mg/dL for glucose, 5.6 g/dL for total protein, 252.7 mg/dL for triglycerides, 169.5 md/dL for cholesterol, 19.1 mg/dL for high-density lipoprotein, and 12.5 mg/dL for low-density lipoprotein. For all hematological parameters we found a difference between the lack and presence of the anticoagulants, being the lack and heparin the conditions that presented more stability of the cell numbers along the time. Thus, in this study we establish baseline health parameters for Nile tilapia and it will be applied as an essential and comparative tool for monitoring fish health and physiological fitness at various experimental levels, such as bioassays and environmental biomonitoring.

Ameliorative role of Honey and Bee venom of Apis mellifera against Methotrexate Induced Alterations On Biochemical Parameters of Liver and Kidney in Male Wistar Albino Rats

Ameliorative role of Honey and Bee venom of Apis mellifera against Methotrexate Induced Alterations On Biochemical Parameters of Liver and Kidney in Male Wistar Albino Rats

Liver biochemical indexes and cholesterol metabolism in cystic fibrosis patients with F508del/CFTR variant genotype after elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor treatment

Modulators of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) improved cystic fibrosis (CF) patients’ outcome. The elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) combination was safe and effective improving lung function in patients with different CFTR genotypes, including at least one F508del mutation. However, cases with liver damage were reported. We describe 105 CF patients heterozygous for F508del in trans with another CFTR mutation, treated for 1 year with ETI. We analyzed liver biochemical parameters and cholesterol metabolism, including lathosterol and phytosterols, surrogate markers of cholesterol de-novo synthesis and absorption, respectively. The treatment significantly improved sweat chloride, body mass index and forced expiratory volume in 1 s, whereas it caused a significant increase of total and conjugated bilirubin, ALT and GGT, even if no patients developed CF liver disease. Such alterations were less relevant than those previously observed in ETI-treated F508del homozygous patients. Furthermore, ETI treatment significantly increased serum cholesterol by enhancing its absorption (correlation between serum cholesterol and phytosterols). Whereas, we observed a normalization of de-novo biosynthesis (lathosterol reduction) that was not observed in homozygous patients. These data suggest that the second mutation in trans with the F508del contributes to reduce the liver cholesterol accumulation and thus, the triggering of liver inflammation. However, no differences in the alteration of biochemical indexes were observed between CF patients with and without liver steatosis, and between patients with different mutations in trans with the F508del. Such data suggest to further investigate the effects of ETI therapy on liver function indexes and new predictive biomarkers.

Beta vulgaris L. var cicla Decreases Liver Injury Induced by Antiarrhytmic Agent, Amiodarone.

Amiodarone (AMD) is an effective antiarrhythmic drug, but its long-term usage strongly forms liver toxicity due to its accumulation tendency. The chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla) is a unique plant which has a blood sugar-lowering effect and powerful antioxidant activity. The aim of the current study was to investigate the possible protective effects of chard on AMD-induced liver injury. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. Control group, aqueous chard extract given group 500 mg/kg/day for one week, AMD given group 100 mg/kg/day for one week, AMD+Chard given group (at the same doses and times). They were sacrificed on the 8th day. The blood and liver samples were taken. The serum and liver biochemical parameters were found to be changed in AMD treated group. Chard administration reversed these parameters in serum and liver. In histological experiments, necrotic areas, mononuclear cell infiltration, the endothelial rupture in central vein, sinusoidal dilatation, hyperemia, dark eosinophilic cells and picnotic nucleus were observed in liver tissues of AMD treated group. Chard treatment reduced liver tissue damage. Considering results, we can suggest that chard prevented AMD induced liver injury biochemically and histologically.

RETRACTION: The Co-Administration Effects of Florfenicol and Lasalocid on Performance, Biochemical and Pathological Parameters of Muscle, Heart, Liver, Kidney and Sciatic Nerve in Broiler Chickens.

RETRACTION: The Co-Administration Effects of Florfenicol and Lasalocid on Performance, Biochemical and Pathological Parameters of Muscle, Heart, Liver, Kidney and Sciatic Nerve in Broiler Chickens.

Integrated physiological, whole transcriptomic and functional analysis reveals the regulatory mechanism in the liver of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in response to short-term and chronic hypoxia stress

The frequency of fish encountering hypoxia has risen dramatically as global warming and water pollution intensify, posing a serious threat to survival. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), which is an economically important fish worldwide, belongs to a typical hypoxia-sensitive fish. However, little is known about the differences in response mechanisms employed by rainbow trout to short-term and chronic hypoxia stress and the roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the response of rainbow trout to hypoxia stress. In this study, we systematically analyzed the changes of liver biochemical parameters in rainbow trout exposed to moderate hypoxic conditions (DO: 4.5 ± 0.1 mg/L) for different durations (4, 8, 12, 24 h and 1 month) and 24 h reoxygenation, and histologic and transcriptome profiles (lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA) under hypoxia stress for 12 h (Tm12L) and 1 month (TmlL) compared with control (normoxia, DO: 8.5 ± 0.1 mg/L), and target and regulatory relationships between LOC110520201, miR-2188-y and superoxide dismutase 1 (sod1) were verified by dual-luciferase reporter, overexpression and silencing assays. Histological observations revealed that liver showed no pathological changes in TmlL. Integrating biochemical parameters and mRNA expression profiles, we found that exposure to short-term hypoxia stress resulted in enhanced immune response, aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis and lipid metabolism. In TmlL, increased anaerobic glycolysis and decreased aerobic glycolysis were observed, and antioxidant and immune capacity has returned to normal. Additionally, several key hypoxia-related genes (epo, vegfc, epor, sod1, ppara, foxo1a, gk, dusp1, nlrc3 and nlrp3) and ceRNA regulatory networks were identified from 2711 differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs, 575 DElncRNAs and 395 DEmiRNAs, including LOC110520201-miR-2188-y-sod1, LOC110533332-miR-144-y-vegfc, LOC110526066-miR-465-x-ppara and LOC110535032-miR-743-y-nlrp3. The analysis of expression patterns in rainbow trout liver and liver cells treated with hypoxia suggested that changes in LOC110520201, miR-2188-y and sod1 showed a ceRNA regulatory relationship. Further experiments demonstrated that sod1 was a target of miR-2188-y, and LOC110520201 silencing increased the expression of miR-2188-y and inhibited sod1 expression. These results facilitate our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of hypoxia response in rainbow trout and provide genetic resources for breeding hypoxia-tolerant varieties.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum N4 ameliorates lipid metabolism and gut microbiota structure in high fat diet-fed rats.

Lowing blood lipid levels with probiotics has good application prospects. This study aimed to isolate probiotics with hypolipidemic efficacy from homemade na dish and investigate their mechanism of action. In vitro experiments were conducted to determine the cholesterol-lowering ability of five isolates, with results showing that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum N4 exhibited a high cholesterol-lowering rate of 50.27% and significant resistance to acid (87%), bile salt (51.97%), and pepsin (88.28%) in simulated gastrointestinal fluids, indicating promising application prospects for the use of probiotics in lowering blood lipids. The findings from the in vivo experiment demonstrated that the administration of N4 effectively attenuated lipid droplet accumulation and inflammatory cell infiltration in the body weight and liver of hyperlipidemic rats, leading to restoration of liver tissue morphology and structure, as well as improvement in lipid and liver biochemical parameters. 16S analysis indicated that the oral administration of N4 led to significant alterations in the relative abundance of various genera, including Sutterella, Bacteroides, Clostridium, and Ruminococcus, in the gut microbiota of hyperlipidemia rats. Additionally, fecal metabolomic analysis identified a total of 78 metabolites following N4 intervention, with carboxylic acids and their derivatives being the predominant compounds detected. The transcriptomic analysis revealed 156 genes with differential expression following N4 intervention, leading to the identification of 171 metabolic pathways through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis. Notably, the glutathione metabolism pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, and bile secretion pathway emerged as the primary enrichment pathways. The findings from a comprehensive multi-omics analysis indicate that N4 influences lipid metabolism and diminishes lipid levels in hyperlipidemic rats through modulation of fumaric acid and γ-aminobutyric acid concentrations, as well as glutathione and other metabolic pathways in the intestinal tract, derived from both the gut microbiota and the host liver. This research offers valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of probiotics for managing lipid metabolism disorders and their utilization in the development of functional foods.

Beta-Cyfluthrin-Induced Hepatic Alterations in Zebrafish: Enzymatic Profiles and Oxidative Stress Responses

Beta-Cyfluthrin is a widely used pesticide belonging to class of synthetic pyrethroids which affects the central and peripheral nervous systems. The current study investigates the impact of beta-Cyfluthrin on the biochemical parameters of liver of zebrafish (Danio sp.). Adult zebrafish were exposed to concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 µg/L of beta-Cyfluthrin for acute (96 hours) and chronic (21 days) exposure periods respectively (n=20). It was observed that exposure to beta-Cyfluthrin led to variations in biochemical markers in both acute and chronic exposure groups. Liver function tests revealed significant elevated activity of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) at exposure concentrations of 2.0 and 4.0 µg/L of beta-Cyfluthrin in both acute and chronic groups, while acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity decreased significantly at concentrations of 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 µg/L in the chronic group. Lipid peroxidation exhibited a concentration and time-dependent increase with significant difference at 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 µg/L in both acute and chronic groups, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (PER) levels declined significantly in both acute and chronic exposure groups at exposure concentrations of 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 µg/L for SOD and 2.0 and 4.0 µg/L for PER. Catalase (CAT) initially increased significantly in acute groups of 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 µg/L but decreased in chronic ones. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels exhibited a significant increase at lower concentrations of 0.25 µg/L but a decrease at higher concentrations, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 µg/L of beta-Cyfluthrin. The level of significance were considered at p&lt;0.05 and p&lt;0.01. This research suggests that exposure to beta-Cyfluthrin leads to hepatic damage in adult zebrafish. This indicates a potential risk to non-target aquatic fauna, through runoff where beta-Cyfluthrin is used as an agricultural pesticide.

Age-specific analysis of anti-müllerian hormone and liver biochemical parameters in freemartin holstein calves and heifers: A pilot study

Freemartinism is the most common congenital anomaly among sexual disorders in dairy cows. This syndrome typically occurs in different-sex twin pregnancies and causes vascular anastomoses to form with the placenta in the early stages of fetal development. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in calves and heifers of different age groups for diagnostic factors and to investigate the potential consequences of different hormone levels in different age groups on some liver biochemical parameters. The study involved 50 cattle from diverse age categories, divided into the freemartin group (FM Group, n=25) and the control group (C Group, n=25). Both FM and control groups were further divided into early-age (3-5 months), middle-aged (5-9 months), and older-aged groups (9-12 months). Serum AMH levels, along with total protein, albumin, and total cholesterol levels, were measured. While no statistically significant difference in AMH levels was observed in the early-age group (P:0.53), significant differences were determined in the middle (P:0.015) and older-age groups (P:0.01), where the FM group exhibited significantly decreased AMH levels compared to the control group. The evaluation of liver biochemistry revealed a statistically significant difference in total protein levels between the FM and control groups in the older age group (P:0.033). Consequently, it is reasonable to suggest that AMH levels may serve as a valid parameter for diagnosing freemartin syndrome in calves aged older than five months. Conversely, particularly in young calves, no significant differences in liver functionality were observed between freemartin-affected and healthy calves.

Genetic variation in UGT1A1 is not associated with altered liver biochemical parameters in healthy volunteers participating in bioequivalence trials.

Introduction: Bioequivalence clinical trials are conducted in healthy volunteers whose blood tests should be within normal limits; individuals with Gilbert syndrome (GS) are excluded from these studies on suspicion of any liver disease, even if the change is clinically insignificant. GS is a benign genetic disorder characterized by elevated bilirubin levels, the primary cause of which is the presence of polymorphisms in UGT1A1 gene. In this work, subjects with UGT1A1 intermediate (IM) or poor (PM) metabolizer genotype-informed phenotypes were investigated to determine whether they have a higher incidence of liver disease or other biochemical parameters. Methods: The study population comprised 773 healthy volunteers who underwent biochemical analysis at baseline and at the end of the study which were genotyped for UGT1A1*80 (rs887829), as an indicator of UGT1A1*80+*28 (rs887829 and rs3064744), and UGT1A1*6 (rs4148323). Results: Bilirubin levels were higher in subjects IMs and PMs compared to normal metabolizers (NMs). Decreased uric acid levels was observed in PMs compared to NMs. No associations were observed in liver enzyme levels according to UGT1A1 phenotype. Discussion: Considering that there is no hepatic toxicity in subjects with UGT1A1 IM or PM phenotype, who are more likely to develop GS, this study suggests that they could be included in bioequivalence clinical trials as their biochemical parameters are not affected outside normal ranges.

Pathological Variables and Laboratory Values in Infants with Neonatal Cholestasis Showing Nonexcretion on Tc-99m Mebrofenin Hepatobiliary Scans: A Descriptive Study.

Cholescintigraphy using Tc-99m Mebrofenin is routinely performed as an initial diagnostic test in infants with neonatal cholestasis suspected of having biliary atresia. Demonstration of drainage of bile into the small intestine indicates patency of the biliary tract and thus rules out biliary atresia. Non-excretion of tracer into the small intestine, however, can be caused by obstructive as well as non-obstructive conditions, and it is known that false-positive findings are found with the use of Tc-99m Mebrofenin scintigraphy. In the present study, we retrospectively calculated the proportion of infants eventually diagnosed to have biliary atresia that were initially ruled to have a non-excreting cholescintigraphy pattern in our institution. We have also attempted a systematic description of the cardinal histological characteristics, haematological and hepatic biochemical variables in infants with non-excreting patterns. This retrospective, descriptive study was conducted in Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry. We reviewed data from infants who underwent cholescintigraphy with Tc-99m Mebrofenin between January 2016 through June 2022. We included infants in whom the scan was ruled "non-excreting" i.e. those infants in whom biliary atresia could not be ruled out based on the results of the scan. The difference in mean for haematological parameters and ALP were compared between the two groups i.e., biliary atresia versus other than biliary atresia by using Independent student's t-test; the remaining liver biochemical parameters were compared by using Mann-Whitney U Test and a p value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. A non-excretory pattern on cholescintigraphy was found to be due to biliary atresia in 49% of cases (as confirmed by exploratory surgery) and an additional 19.6 % of cases by trucut biopsy (total 68.6%). The difference in the mean serum GGT levels was found to be statistically significant (<0.001). A non-draining pattern on cholescintigraphy is caused by biliary atresia in the greater percentage of cases presenting with cholestasis. The difference in mean GGT levels was found to be statistically significant between biliary atresia and other causes of non-draining patterns on cholescintigraphy.

The effect of letrozole on liver function and some biochemical parameters in rats

Letrozole (LTZ), is an aromatase inhibitor, that has been widely used in a variety of diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and breast cancer. LTZ is received via the oral route and metabolized in the liver. Therefore, LTZ may have toxic effects like other drugs metabolized in the liver. Based on this, our study aimed to investigate the effect of LTZ on liver function and biochemical parameters. For this purpose, 16 Wistar albino female rats were divided into two groups (n=8): Control and LTZ respectively. The rats in the letrozole group were administered with 2 mL/kg LTZ by oral gavage once a day for 21 days. The Control group received the vehicle once a day for 21 days. Blood samples were collected on the 22nd day of the experiment. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), albumin (ALB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct bilirubin and total bilirubin were measured. Biochemical analysis indicated that ALT, AST, LDH, ALP, and total bilirubin levels were significantly higher in the LTZ administrated group compared to the Control. ALB levels decreased in the LTZ group. In conclusion, it was determined that LTZ has toxic and detrimental effects on the liver. We suggested that long-term LTZ administrated patients should be under control against liver damage and may have liver supporting adjuvant therapies for robust liver functions.

Differences in Glutamate Dehydrogenase (GLDH) and Other Liver Biochemistry Levels before and after Remdesivir Treatment in COVID-19

Background: Remdesivir (RDV) is a broad-spectrum antiviral approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Covid-19 patients, known to have the potential to cause toxic effects on the liver. Routine monitoring of liver biochemical parameters such as AST, ALT, bilirubin, ALP and GGT, can help detect liver injury. Drug-induced liver injury, according to Hy's law, is characterized by an increase in ALT &gt; 5x ULN, or ALP &gt; 2x ULN, or an increase in ALT &gt; 3x and total bilirubin &gt; 2x ULN, simultaneously. Glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) is a sensitive and specific hepatic marker, which can detect liver injury and loss of mitochondrial integrity earlier than other liver biochemical parameters. This study aimed to analyze GLDH levels and liver biochemical parameters before and after RDV therapy in patients with Covid-19. We also analyze several factors that affect liver function and suggest renal function. Methods: This study used an observational analytical with a prospective cohort design, in a population of Covid-19 patients receiving RDV therapy at the infectious emergency department and isolation ward Dr. Soetomo Surabaya for September-November. Consecutive sampling was taken. The subject had drawn blood twice; once before therapy and 5 days after receiving intravenous RDV. GLDH examination is using sandwich ELISA method, while ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, direct and total bilirubin were determined spectrophotometrically. Mann-whitney, the Wilcoxon rank test and Spearman correlation test were used to analyze the data. Results: The number of samples was 34 participants with an average age of 52.47+15.21 years. Concomitant medications were dominated by n-acetylcysteine (94.1%), antioxidants (91.2%) and immunomodulators (82.4%). None of the subjects suffered liver injury induced by RDV according to Hy’s Law. Median GLDH serum levels before RDV treatment 1,14 U/L and after 5 days RDV administration 0,85 U/L (p=0,945), AST (36,4 U/L; 34, 00U/L; p=0,140), ALT (30,43 U/L; 30,20 U/L; p=0,301), DBI (0,15mg/dL; 0,24mg/dL; p=0,090), TBI (0,49mg/dL; 0,50mg/dL; p=0,567), ALP (85,0U/L; 87, 5 U/L; p=0,313) dan GGT (64,5U/L; 71,0U/L; p=0,871). The use of concomitant medication was thought to have protective properties against hepatocytes. Conclusion: After 5 days of RDV treatment, there is no evidence of liver injury. There are no significant differences in GLDH levels and other liver biomarker parameters compared to baseline. There is no difference in delta GLDH levels between groups with and without renal impairment.

Exploratory Study on the Relationship Between Age, Reproductive Stage, Body Condition Score, and Liver Biochemical Profiles in Rembi Breed Ewes

Background: The Rembi sheep breed is renowned for its exceptional meat quality and significant economic profit. Nevertheless, there is a gap in research on the hepatic parameters of this breed in Algeria despite the considerable value of the liver in the Algerian population’s diet. Objectives: The research aimed to determine the impact of physiological factors (age, physiological stage, and body condition score) on biochemical sheep liver parameters. Methods: Sixty clinically healthy female Rembi breed sheep, aged between 3 months and 7 years, raised at the Technical Institute of Livestock (ITELV) Ksar Chellala Farm in Tiaret Province, Algeria, were selected for biochemical analysis and assessing aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), albumin (ALB), and total protein (TP). Results: The concentrations of AST, ALP, and GGT increased significantly (P≤0.001) in young sheep, while ALT and TP levels decreased (P≤0.05). However, a high level of GGT (P&lt;0.001) was also observed in lactating ewes, and during pregnancy, females have a low level of ALP (P&lt;0.001). Furthermore, the body condition score does not affect any of the measurements. Conclusion: Considering the animal’s age and physiological stage is critical before interpreting the results.

Bioactive compound schaftoside from Clinacanthus nutans attenuates acute liver injury by inhibiting ferroptosis through activation the Nrf2/GPX4 pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceClinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.) Lindau, a traditional herb renowned for its anti-tumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, has garnered considerable attention. Although its hepatoprotective effects have been described, there is still limited knowledge of its treatment of acute liver injury (ALI), and its mechanisms remain unclear. Aim of the studyTo assess the efficacy of Clinacanthus nutans in ALI and to identify the most effective fractions and their underlying mechanism of action. MethodsBioinformatics was employed to explore the underlying anti-hepatic injury mechanisms and active compounds of Clinacanthus nutans. The binding ability of schaftoside, a potential active ingredient in Clinacanthus nutans, to the core target nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was further determined by molecular docking. The role of schaftoside in improving histological abnormalities in the liver was observed by H&E and Masson’s staining in an ALI model induced by CCl4. Serum and liver biochemical parameters were measured using AST, ALT and hydroxyproline kits. An Fe2+ kit, transmission electron microscopy, western blotting, RT-qPCR, and DCFH-DA were used to measure whether schaftoside reduces ferroptosis-induced ALI. Subsequently, specific siRNA knockdown of Nrf2 in AML12 cells was performed to further elucidate the mechanism by which schaftoside attenuates ferroptosis-induced ALI. ResultsBioinformatics analysis and molecular docking showed that schaftoside is the principal compound from Clinacanthus nutans. Schaftoside was shown to diminish oxidative stress levels, attenuate liver fibrosis, and forestall ferroptosis. Deeper investigations revealed that schaftoside amplified Nrf2 expression and triggered the Nrf2/GPX4 pathway, thereby reversing mitochondrial aberrations triggered by lipid peroxidation, GPX4 depletion, and ferroptosis. ConclusionThe lead compound schaftoside counters ferroptosis through the Nrf2/GPX4 axis, providing insights into a novel molecular mechanism for treating ALI, thereby presenting an innovative therapeutic strategy for ferroptosis-induced ALI.