Biochemical Parameters Of Liver Function Research Articles

Hepatoprotective Activities and Bioactive Constituents of Stephania abyssinica

Aims: To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Stephania abyssinica (S. abyssinica) and isolate the bioactive constituents. Study Design: The in vivo hepatoprotective activity of the extracts was evaluated by measuring serum levels of biochemical parameters of liver function in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) treated rats. Place and Duration of Study: A preliminary survey was conducted in the rural areas of Wolaita (Southern part of Ethiopia) from September to December 2015. Pharmacological and phytochemical studies were conducted at the Laboratories of Department of Pharmacology, and Department of Chemistry of Dilla University. Methodology: The in vivo hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extracts of roots and rhizomes of the plant was studied by determining serum levels of the biochemical markers of liver function including glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, and bilirubin concentrations before and after treatments with CCl4 and plant extracts. Bioactive principles were isolated by fractionation followed by concentration by preparative Thin Layer Chromatography. The structures of the compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques including 1H NMR, 13CNMR, DEPT-135, 1H-1H COSY, HMQC and HMBC. Results: Administration of CCl4 alone to the rats significantly increased the total bilirubin concentration, GOT, GPT, and ALP (P = 0.05). However, simultaneous injection of oral dose of 200 mg/kg b.wt of the extracts reduced the serum levels of the enzymes by 53.42, 33.62, and 55.00% respectively. When 100 mg/Kg b.wt standard drug Silymarin was used, the decrease in the enzyme levels was by 44.00, 66.84, and 58.36%. Our fractionation experiments led to the identification of new hasubanan type alkaloid named as 6-(3’-hydroxy-4’-methoxycinnamoyl) stephine and the containing fraction displayed moderate hepatoprotective activity. Conclusions: The observed hepatoprotective activities of methanolic extracts of roots and rhizomes of S. abyssinica lend credence to its claimed traditional use against liver diseases.

Redox Nanoparticle Therapeutics for Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of an antioxidative nanoparticle (RNPN) recently developed against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. The effects of oral administration of RNPN to APAP-treated mice were assessed for various biochemical liver function parameters: alanine transaminase (ALT) activity, aspartate transaminase (AST) activity, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, prothrombin time, and serum albumin (ALB) level. The treatment effects were assessed in terms of free radical parameters: malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, % inhibition of superoxide anion (O2 −∙), and histopathological examination. The N-acetylcysteine (NAC)-treated group exhibited an enhanced prothrombin time relative to the control group, while RNPN did not prolong prothrombin time. The RNPN-treated animals exhibited lower levels of ALT, AST, and ALP, while increased ALB levels were measured in these animals compared to those in the other groups. The RNPN-treated animals furthermore exhibited improved MDA levels, GPx activity, and % inhibition of O2 −∙, which relate to oxidative damage. Histological staining of liver tissues from RNPN-treated animals did not reveal any microscopic changes relative to the other groups. The findings of this study suggest that RNPN possesses effective hepatoprotective properties and does not exhibit the notable adverse effects associated with NAC treatment.

Experience of a Single Center in NTBC Use in Management of Hereditary Tyrosinemia Type I in Libya.

Background:Hereditary Tyrosinemia type I (HTI) is a metabolic disease caused by deficiency of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase enzyme.Objectives:This study reports beside its clinical and biochemical presentation, the outcome of NTBC [2- (2-nitro-4-trifloro-methylbenzoyl)-1, 3-cyclohexanedion] treatment of the disease and evaluates its biochemical markers in 16 pediatric Libyan patients.Patients and Methods:The diagnosis was based on presence of high tyrosine levels in blood and succinylacetone in urine.Results:The consanguinity rate was 81.2%, the median age at onset, at diagnosis and at starting treatment were 4.5, 8, and 9.5 months respectively. At presentation hepatomegaly, jaundice, rickets and high gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were observed in 87.5% of patients. All patients had extremely high alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and high alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. Fifteen patients were treated with NTBC, normalization of PT (Prothrombine time) was achieved in average in 14 days. The other biochemical parameters of liver function (transaminases, GGT, ALP, bilirubin and albumin) took longer to improve and several months to be normalized. Survival rate with NTBC was 86.6%. Patients who started treatment in a median of 3 months post onset observed a fast drop of AFP in 90.6% of patients (P = 0.003). Abnormal liver function and rickets were the common presentations, GGT was an early cholestatic sensitive test. ALP was constantly high even in asymptomatic patients.Conclusions:In HT1 a faster dropping of AFP is a marker of good prognosis.

Hepato- and nephrotoxicity in male albino rats exposed to malathion and spinosad in stored wheat grains.

Adult male albino rats were fed on stored wheat grains (Triticum aestivum L.) treated with malathion and spinosad at both 8 and 16 ppm for 90 consecutive days to evaluate their hepatic and renal toxicity. The activity of serum acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was decreased in rats treated with the higher concentration of both tested pesticides. Biochemical parameters of liver functions [i.e., aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP) activity, as well as total protein, albumin, bilirubin and cholesterol levels] were severely affected especially at higher concentration. Malathion and spinosad elevated the activity of ALT, AST, ALP and ACP in rats treated with the higher concentration. Also, total and direct bilirubin levels increased in rats treated with the higher concentration of both pesticides. On the contrary, both pesticides decreased total protein and albumin levels in treated rats in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, malathion was found to be hyperglycemic. Kidney function parameters (i.e., urea and creatinine levels) were increased in treated rats in a concentration-dependent manner. The above mentioned effects were supported by histopathological examination of liver and kidney tissues. The obtained results indicated also that malathion was able to cause a more pronounced hepato- and renal toxicity in rats than spinosad.

Hepatic dysfunction in asphyxiated neonates: prospective case-controlled study.

OBJECTIVEThis study was performed to determine the occurrence of hypoxic hepatitis in full-term neonates after perinatal asphyxia and to correlate between the rise in enzymes and severity of asphyxia with Apgar score and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) grading of the neonates.METHOD AND MATERIALThis prospective case-controlled study was conducted in a tertiary-level hospital in India for a period of 12 months. The study group A comprised 70 newborns suffering from birth asphyxia, while 30 healthy neonates were included in group B (control). All biochemical parameters of liver function, ie, serum alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein, serum albumin, bilirubin (total and direct), and international normalized ratio (INR), were measured on postnatal days 1, 3, and 10 in both study and control groups.RESULTSIn group A, 22.8% newborns had severe (Apgar score 0–3), 47.1% had moderate (Apgar score 4–5), and 30% had mild (Apgar score 6–7) birth asphyxia at five minutes. In all, 14.28% babies were in HIE stage I, 25.73% babies were in HIE stage II, and 11.42% babies were in HIE stage III. The rest of the newborns, 48.57%, were normal. The prevalence of liver function impairment was seen in 42.85% of asphyxiated neonates. On day 1, ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, PT, and INR were significantly higher, and total protein and serum albumin were significantly lower in group A than in group B. However, ALT and AST correlated well with increasing severity of HIE score. On day 3, there was a rising trend observed in the concentration of mean LDH as HIE staging of neonates progressed from stage 0 to stage III, and among various HIE stages, the difference in LDH was statistically significant.CONCLUSIONWe concluded that AST, ALT at 24 hours, and LDH at 72 hours of animation can be a utilitarian diagnostic tool to differentiate asphyxiated neonates from non-asphyxiated neonates and to discover the severity of perinatal asphyxia because of easy accessibility and feasibility of tests. The outcomes of this survey would be useful for physicians who receive neonates for whom birth details are not easily documented as most of the time the referred newborn infants lack asphyxia history either because the attendants do not know clearly the whole birth history or it was an unattended delivery, or the referring health-care professional has not been observant because of legal threats. The neurological assessment also becomes difficult and inconclusive as ventilator treatment, sedative drugs, and anticonvulsant therapy would produce an evaluation of severity of hypoxic ischemic brain disease and neurological insult difficult.

Hepatoprotective activity ofchenopodium albumLinn. in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity rats

Chenopodium album Linn. is a commonly used herbal drug against many diseases. The hepatoprotective activity of hydroalcoholic extract of dried powder of leaves plant of Chenopodium album Linn. was investigated in hepatotoxicity rat model. Hepatotoxicity was induced in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride. Different doses were tested to decide the dose related hepatoprotective efficacy of Chenopodium album Linn. (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg body weight/day po for two weeks). The Hepatoprotective effect of these extracts was evaluated by liver function biochemical parameters (i. e. total bilirubin, total cholesterol, total protein, serum glutamateoxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and alkaline phosphatase and In Vivo antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidases (LPO) and catalase activities) and histopathological examination of liver. In extract-treated animals, the toxicity effect of carbon tetrachloride was controlled significantly by restoration of the levels of serum biochemical parameters as compared to the normal and standard drug silymarin treated groups. Histology of liver sections of the animals treated with the extracts showed the hepatic cell regeneration. Therefore, the results of present study support the hepatoprotective effect of Chenopodium album Linn.

Relationship of hepatotoxicity and the target tissue dose of decabrominated diphenyl ether in subacutely exposed Wistar rats

Based on numerous studies in animals, the most prominent toxic effects of decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209) are observed in the liver, thyroid hormone homeostasis, reproductive and nervous systems. BDE-209 exhibits its toxic effects partly through the aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor and consequent induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes. The aim of this study was to assess the hepatotoxic effect vs target tissue dose of BDE-209 in the subacutely orally exposed Wistar rats. Effects were examined on male Wistar rats, weighing 200-240 g, exposed to doses of 1;000, 2,000 or 4,000 mg BDE-209/kg body weight (bw)/day by gavage during 28 days. Animals were treated according to the decision of the Ethics Committee of the Military Medical Academy, No 9667-1/2011. Evaluation of the hepatotoxic effect was based on: relative liver weight water and food intake, biochemical parameters of liver function [aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gama glutamyl transferase (γ-GT)], and oxidative stress parameters in liver homogenates [malondialdehiyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), -SH] and morphological and pathohistological changes in the liver. For the assessment of internal dose-response relationship, lower confidence limit of Benchmark dose (BMDL) of 5% or 10% i.e. BMDL5 or BMDL10, were calculated using PROAST software. After the application of 1,000,2,000 or 4,000 mg BDE-209/kg bw/day, the concentrations of BDE-209 measured in liver were 0.269, 0.569 and 0.859 mg/kg of liver wet weight, (ww) respectively. Internal doses correlated with external (r = 0.972; p < 0.05) according to equation: internal dose (mg BDE-209/kg of liver ww) = 0.0002 x external dose (mg/kg bw/day) + 0.0622. Hepatotoxicity was demonstrated based on significant increase in AST and γ-GT activities and the degree of histopathological changes. The lowest BMDLs of 0.07228 mg BDE-209 /kg of liver ww, correlating to external dose of 39 mg/kg/day, indicated the increase of AST activity as the most sensitive biomarker of BDE-209 hepatotoxicity in subacutely exposed rats. The results of the present work add up to the issue ofBDE-209 toxicity profile with a focus on relationship between internal dose and hepatotoxicity. Critical internal dose for the effect on AST of 0.07 mg/kg of liver ww, corresponding to external dose of 39 mg/kg/ day, is the lowest dose ever observed among the studies on BDE-209 hepatotoxicity. For the persistent substances with low absorption rate such as BDE-209, critical effect based on internal dose in majority of cases is considered as more precisely deined than the effect established based on external dose, particularly.

Integrating multiple fish biomarkers and risk assessment as indicators of metal pollution along the Red Sea coast of Hodeida, Yemen Republic

The marine environment of the Red Sea coast of Yemen Republic is subjected to increasing anthropogenic activities. The present field study assesses the impacts of metal pollutants on two common marine fish species; Pomadasys hasta and Lutjanus russellii collected from a reference site in comparison to two polluted sites along the Red Sea coast of Hodeida, Yemen Republic. Concentrations of heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) in fish vital organs, metal pollution index (MPI), indicative biochemical parameters of liver functions (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]) and kidney functions (urea and creatinine) as well as histopathological changes in gills, liver and kidney of both fish species are integrated as biomarkers of metal pollution. These biomarkers showed species-specific and/or site-specific response. The hazard index (HI) was used as an indicator of human health risks associated with fish consumption. The detected low HI values in most cases doesn’t neglect the fact that the cumulative risk effects for metals together give an alarming sign and that the health of fish consumers is endangered around polluted sites. The levels of ALT, AST and urea in plasma of both fish species collected from the polluted sites showed significant increase in comparison to those of reference site. Histopathological alterations and evident damage were observed in tissues of fish collected from the polluted sites. The investigated set of biomarkers proved to be efficient and reliable in biomonitoring the pollution status along different pollution gradients.

Hepato and Nephrotoxicity in Male Albino Rats Exposed to Malathion and Spinosad in Stored Wheat Grains

Adult male albino rats were fed on stored wheat grains (Triticum aestivum L.) treated with malathion and spinosad at both 8 and 16 ppm for 90 consecutive days to evaluate their hepatic and renal toxicity. The activity of serum acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was decreased in rats treated with the higher concentration of both tested pesticides. Biochemical parameters of liver functions [i.e., aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP) activity, as well as total protein, albumin, bilirubin and cholesterol levels] were severely affected especially at higher concentration. Malathion and spinosad elevated the activity of ALT, AST, ALP and ACP in rats treated with the higher concentration. Also, total and direct bilirubin levels increased in rats treated with the higher concentration of both pesticides. On the contrary, both pesticides decreased total protein and albumin levels in treated rats in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, malathion was found to be hyperglycemic. Kidney function parameters (i.e., urea and creatinine levels) were increased in treated rats in a concentration-dependent manner. The above mentioned effects were supported by histopathological examination of liver and kidney tissues. The obtained results indicated also that malathion was able to cause a more pronounced hepato- and renal toxicity in rats than spinosad.

Effects of dietary selenium on the pathological changes and oxidative stress in loach (Paramisgurnus dabryanus)

In this study, loach (Paramisgurnus dabryanus) were fed artificial diets containing 0.31 (control), 0.39, 0.48, 0.50 and 0.62 mg kg(-1) of selenium (Se) for 60 days, respectively. Liver histopathology, hepatocyte ultrastructure, blood indices, biochemical parameters of liver functions and oxidative stress in the Se-treated loach were then assayed. The results showed the following: histopathological and ultrastructural lesions in liver were only observed in loach fed the 0.62 mg Se kg(-1) diet; Haemoglobin and total protein were significantly increased in the 0.50 mg Se kg(-1) group; albumin and high-density lipoprotein were increased significantly in the 0.48-0.50 mg Se kg(-1) groups. However, white blood cell count was significantly decreased in the 0.48 mg Se kg(-1) group; alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase were decreased in the 0.39-0.50 mg Se kg(-1) groups. In liver tissue, the content of hydrogen peroxide was lower than that of controls in the 0.48-0.50 mg Se kg(-1) groups, and the malondialdehyde level was lowest in the 0.48 mg Se kg(-1) group. The activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly increased in the 0.50 mg Se kg(-1) group; catalase and total antioxidant capacity were markedly increased in the 0.48-0.50 mg Se kg(-1) group. These present results indicated that the dietary Se requirement for loach is 0.48-0.50 mg Se kg(-1) diet.

Efecto de la obstrucción de la vía biliar en la concentración de lipoproteína(a)

ObjectivesThis study was appointed to determine the correlation between the concentration of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], apolipoproteins and lipids with biochemical parameters of liver function in a group of patients with reversible cholestasis. We have also determined the concentration of these parameters once solved the biliary obstruction process. Material and methodsEighteen adults over 17years with extrahepatic cholestasis were included in the study on a prospective basis, and we determined in them biochemical liver function parameters and lipoprotein metabolism parameters, particularly Lp(a) before and after unblocking. ResultsThe concentration of Lp(a) prior to desobstruction was inverse and statistically significantly correlated with the concentration of gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (correlation coefficient [r]=–0.757, P=.018).The concentration of Lp(a) (median=2.66mg/dL, interquartile range=5,62) showed a statistically significant increase (median=9.72mg/dL, interquartile range=28.76, P<.001), once the unblocking was performed. Concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides had a statistically significant decrease, and HDL cholesterol and apolipoproteinA-1 showed a statistically significant increase once the unblocking was carried out. ConclusionsThe concentration of Lp(a) is decreased during cholestasis, although there is a significant simultaneous hypercholesterolemia. Cholestasis has a causal role in lowering Lp(a), because the unblocking of bile duct recovers Lp(a) concentration.Our study supports the concept that bile acids exert a controlling effect on the synthesis of Lp(a) and open a mechanism for the treatment of hyper Lp(a).

Usefulness of Liver and Spleen Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) for the Evaluation of Cirrhotic Patients

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between ARFI and Child-Pugh classification. Secondary Aims: 1) To compare ARFI values (hepatic, splenic and splenohepatic index) from cirrhotic to normal population; 2) To correlate biochemical parameters of liver function and ARFI. Materials and Methods: 58 cirrhotic patients (referenced to US for surveillance or to clarify any hepatic decompensation) were included in this prospective study, as well as 38 healthy subjects who underwent ultrasonography for other reasons than hepatic evaluation. All had ARFI liver and spleen evaluation on ACUSON S2000 ARFI equipment. The best cut-off liver and spleen values for the diagnosis of cirrhosis in comparison to the normal subjects were determined using SPSSr and with spleen ARFI and ALKP and AST/ALT ratio. Conclusion: We showed that there is a tendency of higher levels of liver ARFI values for higher Child-Pugh classification suggesting a definite trend for higher values with more severe disease.

Establishment of a Simple Living Donor Liver Transplantation Dog Model Using a Two-Step Nonvenous Bypass Hepatectomy

AimDogs are an ideal model for studying living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). However, due to their poor tolerance to congestion and acidosis during portal vein blockage, current LDLT dog models with long operation times have high mortality. To address the issue, we designed a novel simplified operation with two-step nonvenous bypass (NVB) hepatectomy. MethodsEighty dogs were evenly randomized to the living liver donor (LLD) or the recipient (LLR) groups. A standard lobectomy of I, II, and III lobes was performed in the LLD group. In the LLR group, first only I, II, and III lobes were resected using NVB; the residual lobes were resected off just after donor lobes were implanted. ResultsFor the LLD group, the operation time was 172.67 ± 20.98 minutes, amount of blood loss was 71.39 ± 13.59 mL, and 2-week survival rate was 85.00%. For the LLR group, the operation time was 251.61 ± 22.87 minutes, amount of blood loss was 220.00 ± 96.40 mL, amount of blood transfusion was 163.89 ± 44.74 mL, and 48-hour survival rate was 77.14%. In the LLR group, the mean arterial and central venous pressures decreased after organ implantion, but gradually recovered to normal levels after surgery. The liver function biochemical parameters recovered to preoperational levels after 14 days in the LLD group; in the LLR group, they gradually increased during 48 hours after operation. ConclusionThe present method with two-step NVB hepatectomy can be used efficiently and safely for establishing LDLT dog model.

Trends in Post-Operative Liver Function Recovery: A Comparison of Right Hepatectomy in Living Donor Liver Resections (LDLR) and Hepatobiliary Diseases (HPB)

Aim: To examine the trends in the biochemical parameters of liver function occurring postoperatively in Right Hepatectomy for Living donor liver resections (LDLR) and for Hepatobiliary (HPB) diseases. Introduction: Right hepatectomy is the preferred method for living donor liver resections. There isn't much data comparing the trend of the biochemical parameters post operatively between right hepatectomy operations done for HPB and for LDLR though the surgical technique remains the same. It is presumed that living donor operations show more acute worsening post operatively than the HPB patients as the remnant liver in the donor does not get sufficient time to compensate as compared to the non- diseased liver in Hepatobiliary diseases which tend to hypertrophy and compensate for the diseased segments during the course of the illness. Methods: 52 consecutive patients with Hepatobiliary diseases (HPB) who underwent Right Hepatectomy and did not have prior hepatitis or fibrosis and 38 consecutive living donor liver resections (LDLR) patients were included in this comparative study. The patients were from similar age group and comparative previous medical history. Patients with Hepatobiliary resections who had normalized liver function prior to the surgery were selected in the study. Liver function tests (LFT) were analyzed starting from day 0 until their liver enzymes had stabilized post operatively. The data was analyzed using standard statistical methods and t-test. Results: There was a significant statistical difference in the liver enzymes - Alkaline phosphatase, SGOT and SGPT values in the early phase. Though the time required for enzyme and other liver functions to stabilize was about the same, the gradient of the trend lines for the HPB group was significantly steeper especially for Alkaline phosphatase (p= 0.0004), SGOT (p=0.008) and SGPT (0.007) in the early post- operative period. Conclusion: In this retrospective analysis we found that though curve for the derangements and recovery for liver function followed a similar pattern, the degree of severity was worse in HPB patients.

The effect of cytoflavin on functional and metabolic parameters rat liver in pancreatonecrosis

Problem of diagnosis and treatment of patients with necrotizing pancreatitis is an urgent. So it is interesting to study the effectiveness of a multicomponent antihypoxant and antioxidant cytoflavin to reduce violations of the detoxifying properties of the liver in experimental pancreatitis and reduce the severity of pancreatic endotoxemia. Pancreatic modeled by introducing into the pancreas of autobile in a dose of 0,15 ml/kg. Cytoflavin was injected into animals of a comparison group in a dose 0,21 ml/kg in 5 minutes after the model of pancreatic necrosis. We determined the activity of enzymes: alanine transaminase, amylase, and gamma glutamyltransferase, the content of direct bilirubin, glucose, and urea. After modeling of pancreatic necrosis in two days, there are signs of acute liver failure, as evidenced by the differences in the studied parameters of blood and hepatic portal vein: increased alanine transaminase and gamma glutamyltransferase, the change in concentration of metabolic products, such as direct bilirubin and urea. In addition, decreased glucose levels. Introduction of cytoflavin approached the control values the basic biochemical parameters of liver function: decreased hyperenzymemia, exchange function of the liver was restored, which is probably due to antihypoxic, membrane and antioxidant effects of the drug.

Dietary supplementation of some antioxidants against hypoxia

The present study aims to clarify the protective effect of supplementation with some antioxidants, such as idebenone (200 mg/kg, ip), melatonin (10 mg/kg, ip) and arginine (200 mg/kg, ip) and their combination, on liver function (T. protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase), energetic parameters (adenosine triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, adenosine monophosphate, inorganic phosphate, total adenylate, adenylate energy charge and potential phosphate). The effect on glycolytic and glycogenolytic enzymes (glucose, glycogen, glycogen phosphorylase, pyruvate kinase and phosphofructokinase against hypoxia) was also studied. The drugs were administered 24 and 1 h prior sodium nitrite intoxication. All biochemical parameters were estimated 1 h after sodium nitrite injection. Injection of sodium nitrite (75 mg/kg, sc) produced a significant disturbance in all biochemical parameters of liver function, energetic parameters and glycolytic and glycogenolytic enzymes. Hepatic damage was confirmed by histopathological examination of the liver as compared to controls. The marked changes in hepatic cells induced by sodium nitrite were completely abolished by pretreatment with the drug combination, suggesting potential protection against sodium nitrite-induced hypoxia. It could be concluded that a combination of both idebenone and melatonin or idebenone and arginine provides potential protection against sodium nitrite-induced hypoxia by improving biochemical parameters and preserving liver histology.

The Effect of Malaria on Biochemical Liver Function Parameters in Sudanese Pregnant Women

The Effect of Malaria on Biochemical Liver Function Parameters in Sudanese Pregnant Women The study was conducted to investigate the effect of malaria, on different biochemical liver parameters in Sudanese pregnant women.This was a case control, hospital-based study, which was carried out at Medani Maternity Teaching Hospital, Gezira State, and in an area of seasonal mesoendemic malaria transmission. A total of 150 pregnant women, with peripheral blood film evidence of falciparum malaria, were taken as cases and 50 healthy malaria free pregnant women, were selected as controls. Albumin and globulin levels and liver enzymes were estimated colorimetrically, for both patients and controls.

Hepatoprotective Activity of Ethanolic Extract of the Stems of Anisochilus Carnosus against Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Purpose: To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of the stems of Anisochilus Carnosus (EEAC) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced in albino Wistar rats of either sex by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 in olive oil (1:1). Two doses of ethanolic extract of Anisochilus Carnosus (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) were administered to the experimental rats. The hepatoprotective effect of the extract was evaluated by the assay of liver function biochemical parameters like serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin and total protein. Results: In ethanolic extract treated animals, the toxic effect of CCl4 was significantly controlled by the plant extract as compared to the normal and the standard drug silymarin treated group. Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of stems of Anisochilus Carnosus possesses significant hepatoprotective activity.Keywords: Anisochilus carnosus, Hepatoprotective activity, Hepatotoxicity, Carbon tetrachloride, Silymarin.

Immune dysfunction and liver damage of mice following exposure to lanthanoids

In an effort to investigate the effects of exposure to lanthanoids (Ln) on the immune response and liver function, mice were orally exposed to LaCl3 , CeCl3 , and NdCl3 at 2, 10, and 20 mg/kg doses for 30 days, respectively; lymphocyte counts, serum IgM level, hematological indices, biochemical parameters of liver functions, and histopathological changes in Ln(3+) -treated mice were assessed. Indeed, 20 mg/kg Ln(3+) significantly inhibited mice growth and reduced the counts of white blood cells, platelets, and reticulocyte in mice blood. Specifically, in these Ln(3+) -treated mice, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+ and NK cells, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio as well as serum IgM level were decreased. Furthermore, liver function was disrupted, as evidenced by the increased alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, total bile acid and triglycerides, and the decreased glucose and ratio of albumin to globulin. The cytoarchitecture damage and fatty degeneration in liver caused by Ln(3+) at 20 mg/kg dose were also observed. Our findings showed that exposure to Ln affected the cell and humoral immunity and disturbed liver function in mice. In addition, Ce(3+) was found to exhibit higher toxicity than La(3+) and Nd(3+).

Molecular mechanism of inflammatory response in mouse liver caused by exposure to CeCl3

To investigate the molecular mechanism of inflammatory response in the mouse liver caused by exposure to CeCl₃, we measured the liver indices, and cerium content, evaluated the liver histopathological section, detected serum biochemical parameters of liver function, and the immunoglobulin M (IgM) content, analyzed the liver mRNA and protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 2, 4 (TLR2, TLR4), and inflammatory cytokines in liver using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that exposure to CeCl₃ decreased body weight and caused cerium accumulation in the mouse liver and histopathological changes of liver (such as inflammatory cell infiltration). Furthermore, biochemical assays suggested that CeCl3 could promote the activities of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, pseudocholinesterase, and leucine aminopeptidase, decrease serum IgM, upregulate the levels of TLR2, TLR4, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), NF-κBp52, NF-κBp65, NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK), IκB kinase α (IKK-α), IκB kinase β (IKK-β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression, and suppress NF-κB-inhibiting factor (IκB) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) expression in liver. Taken together, the inflammation of mice liver caused by exposure to CeCl₃ might be closely associated with the alteration of inflammatory cytokine expressions in the mouse liver, the signal-transducing events happening in CeCl₃-induced macrophages of liver sequentially might occur via activation of TLRs→TNF-α→NIK→IκB kinase (including IKK1, IKK2)→NF-κB (including NF-κBP52, NF-κBP65)→ inflammation.