Decreased Alanine Aminotransferase Research Articles

Sodium-glucose cotransporter protein-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists versus thiazolidinediones for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A network meta-analysis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disorders worldwide. Some hypoglycemic drugs can improve NAFLD. However, it is unclear which of these types of hypoglycemic drugs are more effective for NAFLD. Therefore, we conducted a network meta-analysis to determine the effect of thiazolidinediones (TZDs), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists on NAFLD patients. A literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Medline was conducted, and the literature from database inception up to April 30, 2021 was obtained. Liver function tests, lipid profiles, body mass index (BMI) and glycemic parameters were obtained from randomized controlled trials. Weighted mean differences (WMDs), relative risks and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for continuous outcomes, and the I2 statistic was used to evaluate the heterogeneity of the studies. In total, 22 trials, including 1361 patients, were selected. In direct meta-analysis, GLP-1 receptor agonists were superior to TZDs in decreasing alanine aminotransferase (WMD, -0.40, 95% CI: -0.60 to -0.20), γ-glutamyl transferase (WMD, -5.00, 95% CI: -6.47 to -3.53), BMI (WMD, -4.10, 95%CI: -6.55 to -1.65) and triglycerides (WMD, - 0.50, 95% CI: -0.68 to -0.32). Based on Bayesian network meta-analysis, the effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors on weight loss was superior to that of TZDs (WMD, -1.80, 95%CI: -3.30 to -0.41). GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors improved liver enzymes, BMI, blood lipid, blood glucose and insulin resistance in NAFLD patients.

Nicotinamide supplementation in diabetic nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients: randomized controlled trial.

Background:Nicotinamide has been reported to protect against liver steatosis and metabolic imbalances in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in animal models.Objectives:The objective was to investigate the efficacy and safety of nicotinamide supplementation in diabetic NAFLD patients.Design:This is a prospective randomized controlled open label study.Methods:Seventy diabetic NAFLD patients were randomly assigned either to the nicotinamide group (n = 35) who received nicotinamide 1000 mg once daily for 12 weeks in addition to their antidiabetic therapy or the control group (n = 35) who received their antidiabetic therapy only. The primary outcome was improvement in steatosis score, while secondary outcomes included assessment of liver stiffness, liver enzymes, lipid profile, insulin resistance, serum malondialdehyde, serum adiponectin, and patients’ quality of life (QOL).Results:Only 61 patients completed the study; 31 in the nicotinamide group and 30 in the control group. Comparisons between groups and within groups revealed nonsignificant changes in steatosis and fibrosis scores. However, significant reduction was observed in liver enzymes with a median decrease in alanine transaminase of 26.6% versus 0.74% in nicotinamide and control groups, respectively. After 12 weeks of treatment, the nicotinamide group showed significantly lower levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p value = 0.004), total cholesterol (p value = 0.006), and insulin resistance marker (p value = 0.005) compared with control. Serum triglycerides, malondialdehyde, and adiponectin levels were all comparable between the two groups. Regarding QOL, a significant improvement was detected in the total scores and the activity and fatigue domains scores.Conclusion:Nicotinamide at a dose of 1000 mg daily was tolerable, improved metabolic abnormalities and QOL of diabetic NAFLD patients with no effect on liver fibrosis or steatosis.Trial Registration:The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov and given the ID number: ‘NCT03850886’. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03850886.

Effectiveness of High-Volume Therapeutic Plasma Exchange for Acute and Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure in Korean Pediatric Patients

Liver transplantation (LT) is the only curative treatment for acute liver failure (ALF) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). In high-volume therapeutic plasma exchange (HV-TPE), extracorporeal liver support filters accumulate toxins and improve the coagulation factor by replacing them. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of HV-TPE in pediatric patients with ALF and ACLF. We reviewed the records of children waiting for LT at Severance Hospital who underwent HV-TPE between 2017 and 2021. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total and direct bilirubin (TB and DB), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), ammonia, and coagulation parameter-international normalized ratio (INR) were all measured before and after HV-TPE to analyze the liver function. The statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 26.0 (IBM Co., Armonk, NY, USA). Nine patients underwent HV-TPE with standard medical therapy while waiting for LT. One had neonatal hemochromatosis, four had biliary atresia, and the other four had ALF of unknown etiology. Significant decreases in AST, ALT, TB, DB, GGT, and INR were noted after performing HV-TPE (930.38-331.75 IU/L, 282.62-63.00 IU/L, 11.75-5.59 mg/dL, 8.10-3.66 mg/dL, 205.62-51.75 IU/L, and 3.57-1.50, respectively, p<0.05). All patients underwent LT, and two expired due to acute complications. HV-TPE could remove accumulated toxins and improve coagulation. Therefore, we conclude that HV-TPE can be regarded as a representative bridging therapy before LT.

Anti-inflammatory, viral replication suppression and hepatoprotective activities of bitter kola - Lime juice, - Honey mixture in HBeAg seropositive patients

Study Background: Bitter kola (Garcinia kola), lime juice, and honey mixture have some traditional but nonscientific applications in the treatment of some infectious diseases due to the phytochemical and phytonutrient components that may have antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, immunomodulatory, antiatherogenic, antimicrobial, purgative and antiparasitic activities while expression of hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) is an indication of active hepatitis B virus replication and a high degree of infectiousness. Aim and Objective: This work was therefore designed to determine anti-inflammatory response, possible suppression of active viral replication and liver damage in HBeAg seropositive patients who used bitter kola, lime juice and honey mixture. Materials and Methods: Out of 39 hepatitis B surface antigen and HBeAg seropositive patients who volunteered themselves for the study only 23 volunteers (23; Male: 13; Female: 10; age 34–56 years) were successfully monitored. The mixture is prepared by mixing grounded bitter kola (30 seeds) with 500 ml of Lime Juice and 500 ml of honey. The mixture was kept for 5 days before administration. The mixture was taken by subjects at 4 divided dose for 2 months using 4 teaspoonfuls per dose. Plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) was measured using COBAS C111 autoanalyzer, plasma interleukin-10 (IL-10), Antibodies against hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), HBeAg, anti-HBeAg, p24 ag-ab by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay while acid-fast bacilli and Plasmodium were determined in the subjects by microscopic examination of stained smears. Results: The frequency of HBeAg (26.1% [6]) in the patients after the use of bitter kola, lime juice, and honey mixture was lower than the frequency of the viral protein (HBeAg 100% [23]) before the use of the mixture. None of the HBeAg seropositive patients studied expressed anti-HBeAg before the use of bitter kola, lime juice, and honey mixture but 56.5% (13) of the patients expressed anti-HBeAg while 17.4% (4) co-expressed HBeAg + anti-HBeAg after the use of the mixture. There was a significant increase in the plasma value of IL-10 and a significant decrease in the plasma value of ALT in the HBeAg seropositive patients after the use of bitter kola, lime juice, and honey mixture (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Bitter kola, lime juice, and honey mixture could have anti-inflammatory, active viral replication, and liver damage suppression bioactivities in HBeAg seropositive patients as indicated by decrease in HBeAg, expression of anti-HBeAg, decrease in plasma ALT and increase in IL-10 after the use of the mixture.

Dynamic Changes of Liver Function Indexes in Patients with Different Clinical Types of COVID-19.

BackgroundTo investigate the liver function indexes and dynamic changes in patients with different clinical types of new coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19).MethodsA retrospective analysis of 170 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the Wuxi Fifth People’s Hospital was divided into asymptomatic group (13 cases), mild-common group (142 cases) and seriously-critically ill group (15 cases), the clinical data and liver function indexes of the three groups were compared.ResultsA total of 170 patients included 94 males and 76 females, with an average age of 44.7 ± 17.8 years. Seriously-critically ill group was older, and the proportion of patients with diabetes and liver injury at admission was also higher. As the hospitalization time increased, the changes of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in asymptomatic group and mild-common group were not significant (all P > 0.05), while the ALT levels of seriously-critically ill group showed a curve that first flattened and then decreased (degree of freedom: 1.809, P = 0.002). Compared with the mild-common group, the daily decrease of ALT was 1.220U/L more in the seriously-critically ill group (P<0.001). The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in asymptomatic group and seriously-critically ill group did not decrease significantly (all P > 0.05), while the AST in mild-common group decreased significantly (regression coefficient: −10.507, P = 0.008). There was no significant difference in AST changes between the three groups (P = 0.250–0.904).ConclusionLiver injury is common in COVID-19 patients, especially for severe patients; the dynamic change pattern of liver function indicators may be helpful to judge liver injury and evaluate treatment effects in patients with different clinical types.

Effect of diet supplemented with graded levels of garlic (Allium sativum L.) powder on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood hematology, and biochemistry of broilers.

Recently, attention has been paid to using plants with medicinal efficacy as alternates to antibiotics and growth promoters. Garlic is a traditional plant used as a spice and herb in broilers. To investigate the effect of garlic powder on broiler performance, carcass characteristics, blood hematology, and biochemistry. A total of 240 1-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb500) were purchased from a local hatchery and randomly distributed into four dietary treatments. Each treatment comprised 5 replicates with 12 chicks each. Garlic powder (Allium sativum) was supplemented as follows: 0.0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%. The diets were formulated to be approximately isocaloric and cover all nutrient requirements for broilers throughout two stages of growth periods: starter diets (1-21 days) and finisher diets (22-42 days). At the end of the experiment, one bird was chosen from each replicate to measure the carcass characteristics and blood was collected. The findings showed that birds fed a diet supplemented by 0.3% garlic powder was significantly (p < 0.05) better in terms of body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio compared to those birds fed 0%, 0.1%, or 0.2% garlic powder. In addition, feeding 0.1% or 0.2% garlic powder significantly increased (p < 0.05) packed cell volume, total white blood cells, neutrophil, eosinophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte compared to the control group. Furthermore, garlic supplementation led to a decrease in alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein compared to the control. At the same time, high density lipoprotein was significantly increased (p < 0.05) by garlic supplementation. It can be concluded that the supplementation of 0.3% garlic powder as a growth promoter leads to reducing the cost of production through improving growth performance and enhancing birds' health.

Vitamin A intake forms resistance to hypervitaminosis A and affects the functional activity of the liver

Vitamin A intake forms resistance to hypervitaminosis A and affects the functional activity of the liver

Comparing the effect of statins on hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in Wistar rats

Background: The clinical studies have shown contrary results regarding hepatoprotective effect of statins. However, antifibrotic properties of statins in in vitro and in vivo experimental models have been demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the effect of statins on serum liver enzymes and their antifibrotic effects.Methods: Forty two rats were divided into 7 groups (I to VII) (n=6). Liver toxicity was induced by injecting carbon tetrachloride (1 ml/kg). Control groups received corn oil (0.1 ml/100 gm) and carboxy methyl cellulose (0.50%) respectively. Group III to VII received carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 6 weeks and then groups IV, V, VI and VII received simvastatin (10 mg/kg), atorvastatin (15 mg/kg), rosuvastatin (2 mg/kg) and silymarin (50 mg/kg) for another 8 weeks respectively. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were estimated in all the groups at baseline, 6 weeks and 14 weeks. At 14 weeks, histopathology of liver was done in all groups.Results: At 14 weeks, all the test groups (IV, V and VI) showed a significant decrease in serum ALT, AST and ALP levels as compared to control (p&lt;0.05) and group III (p&lt;0.05). On intergroup comparison, liver enzymes in rats in group VI (rosuvastatin) and group V (atorvastatin) were decreased more in comparison to group IV (simvastatin) but the difference was not statistically significant except for AST levels where the difference was significant between the statins. There was decrease in hepatic fibrosis by statins with rosuvastatin being superior followed by atorvastatin and simvastatin.Conclusions: In the present study statins decreased the serum AST, ALT and ALP levels and histopathological changes were reversed by statins in CCl4 induced hepatotoxic models.

Evaluation of Antidiabetic Properties of the Leaves Extract of Ficus vallis-choudae Delile in a Model of Type 2 Diabetes Induced by High-Fat Diet and Streptozotocin.

This work aimed to determine the phytochemical composition of the aqueous extract of leaves of Ficus vallis-choudae (AEFV) and to evaluate its antidiabetic properties on a model of type 2 diabetes induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ). The phytochemical analysis was carried out according to several methods using the standard of each bioactive compound. Type 2 diabetes was induced by feeding rats for 4 weeks with HFD lard followed by injection of a low dose of STZ (35 mg/kg). After induction, the rats were divided into groups and treated for 28 days with metformin (40 mg/kg) and the AEFV at doses of 110, 220, and 440 mg/kg. The results showed that the AEFV contains saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and total polyphenols. In addition, it dramatically reduced body mass, body mass index (BMI), atherogenic index (AI), coronary heart risk index (CRI), and abdominal fat and increased homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels, and cardioprotective index (CI). The AEFV also lowered blood glucose levels, insulinemia, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, and total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL-c), and very-low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (VLDL-c) levels. There was a decrease in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity and in urea and serum creatinine levels following the administration of AEFV. The AEFV caused increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver, kidneys, and heart of rats. The AEFV has hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and cardioprotective properties, thus validating its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and its complications.

Changes in serum albumin and liver enzymes following three different types of bariatric surgery: six-month follow-up. A retrospective cohort study.

Few reports have examined the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on changes to serum albumin (Alb) and liver enzyme levels. To compare short-term post-surgery changes in serum Alb, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) levels. Body composition changes were also measured and compared among three groups. Retrospective cohort study conducted in Tehran, Iran. 151 OAGB, RYGB and SG patients referred to the obesity clinic of Hazrat-e Rasool General Hospital, Tehran, Iran, were evaluated. Physical characteristics and biochemical parameters were measured pre-surgery and then after three and six months. Through repeated measurements to determine intragroup changes, significant changes in serum AST (P = 0.003) and ALT (P < 0.001) were observed in follow-ups. However, Alb levels did not change (P = 0.413). Body fat, fat-free mass and muscle mass decreased significantly in each group (P < 0.05). In a univariate general linear model for determining intergroup changes, SG showed greater decreases in ALT and AST at three and six months (P < 0.05) and in ALKP at six months (P = 0.037), compared with OAGB. There were no significant differences in Alb levels. Also, RYGB had a greater effect on reducing fat percentage (three months, P = 0.011; six months, P = 0.059) and fat mass (three months, P = 0.042) than OAGB. SG and RYGB may be superior to OAGB in reducing liver enzymes and body fat, respectively. However, Alb levels showed no significant differences.

Біохімічні маркери функціонального стану гепатобіліарної системи щурів за дії лазерного опромінення та ω-3 поліненасичених жирних кислот

Markers of the functional state of the hepatobiliary system — enzymatic activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), levels of total and direct bilirubin, the value of thymol probe in the plasma of the diaphragm waves and the introduction of ω-3 PUFA were investigated. It has been found that the action of laser irradiation in blood plasma increases the enzymatic activities of aminotransferases and GGT, along with an increase in the level of total and direct bilirubin and thymol index. The corrective effect on the liver functional state is shown by ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). It has been established that the protective properties of ω-3 PUFAs depend on the scheme of their introduction. The highest hepatoprotective effect of ω-3 PUFAs is manifested under the conditions of their previous introduction to the action of laser irradiation, as evidenced by a decrease in hyperenzymemia ALT, AST, GGT, a decrease in total and direct bilirubin and thymol in plasma. The introduction of ω-3 PUFA after the end of the laser diode does not change the markers of the functional state of the liver in blood plasma compared with irradiated animals that were not injected with the studied lipophilic nutrients.

Stimulation of the Liver Regeneration with Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The main objective of our experiment was to prove the effect of mesenchymal stem cells of bone marrow (MSCs) on the stimulation of liver regeneration. The attention has been paid to adaptation of stem cells to the new environment and their transfer to anatomical structures. The experiment included 40 male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats aged 10 to 12 weeks. Biomodels were divided into five groups in the same number (n=8). Group 1 consisted of a control sample of eight healthy rats. Group 2 consisted of eight rats after liver resection without application of MSCs. Group 3 was after liver resection and application of MSCs. Group 4 after liver injury induce with Thioacetamide (TAA), without transplantation of MSCs. Group 5 was after chemical damage to the liver by TAA administration and MSCs transplantation. The process of stimulation of the liver was observed based on the laboratory values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin and bilirubin. The weight of the rats in each group was also compared. Animals were sacrificed after 1 day, 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days. In our experiment we found a statistically significant decrease in ALT (P≤0.001) and bilirubin (P≤0.001) was observed in the groups 3 and 5 (treated with MSCs) compared to the groups without MSCs (Groups 2 and 4). The increase in the albumin levels in the groups 3 and 5 was statistically significant. The results of our experiment led us to the conclusion, the transplantation of MSCs has important effect for the treatment and stimulation of liver regeneration following injury. MSCs administration may be extremely useful in a number of clinical applications in the treatment of liver tumors. It will allow us to perform extensive resection of the liver without risk of liver failure

Hepatoprotective Effects of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br Root Bark Extracts against Diethylnitrosamine Induced Liver Injury in Rats

Background: Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) is a hepatotoxin whose metabolic activation by liver cytochromes P450 is responsible for the necrosis, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of liver cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of Calotropis procera roots bark against DEN induced hepatocellular damage in rats.&#x0D; Material and Methods: Hepatoprotective activity of the ethanolic extract of Calotropis procera root bark were evaluated by induction of liver injury with DEN in Wistar male rats distributed in six groups of six. Serum hepatic markers, alanine amino transferase (ALAT), aspartate amino transferase (ASAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein and albumin were evaluated and the enzymes antioxidant activities, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, as well as the level of malonedialdehyde (MDA) were determined in the liver homogenate. Histological analysis was carried out on sections of rat livers. Phytoconstituents have also been studied. Results: Pretreatment of rats with the extract showed a significant decrease in ALAT, ASAT and ALP while there was an increase in total protein and albumin compared to rats treated only with DEN. It also showed a significant increase in SOD and catalase and a decrease in MDA levels suggesting the hepatoprotective effect of the extract. Observation of liver sections confirmed the results of the biochemical parameters which would attest that the extract is hepatoprotective. Phytoconstituents such as sterols, triterpenes and phenolic compounds have been demonstrated.&#x0D; Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of Calotropis procera roots bark has shown hepatoprotective effects that could be due to its content in sterols and triterpenic and phenolic compounds.

Veratric acid alleviates liver ischemia/reperfusion injury by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway

Oxidative stress following liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is an important pathological mechanism responsible for liver injury. Veratric acid (VA) is a phenolic benzoic acid that has been reported to have antioxidant properties. However, whether VA has protective effects against liver I/R injury remains unclear. In the present study, a mouse liver I/R injury model was established. VA was administered intragastrically for one week before liver I/R. Biochemical indicators, histological analysis, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and pathway proteins were tested to evaluate the protective effects of VA on liver I/R injury. Furthermore, a mouse AML12 hepatocyte hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model was used to explore the underlying mechanism. VA alleviated liver I/R injury, as manifested by decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, liver necrotic area, oxidative stress, and hepatocyte apoptosis. VA pretreatment increased the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant proteins heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1). In addition, VA pretreatment increased AML12 cell activity and decreased oxidative stress; it also decreased the apoptosis induced by H/R. Moreover, the protective effect of VA on hepatocytes was related to the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, and to increases in the Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1 protein expression. The inhibition of Nrf2 with ML385 offseted VA-mediated protection in AML12 cells. In conclusion, these results suggest that VA protects the liver from oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by liver I/R injury by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

IMMUNNOMORPHOLOGICAL INDICATORS OF BLOOD SERUM IN THE CANIDAE FAMILY AFTER MELACRYL IMPLANTATION

Purpose. Investigate the effect of melacryl on biochemical and immunological parameters of red fox (Vulpes vulpes L.) and polar fox (V. Lagopus L.).&#x0D; Materials and methods. For the research the medication Melacryl was used that was developed by the employees of AO “Inpolimed” in cooperation with the Research Institute of fur farming and rabbit breeding them. V.A. Afanasyev (USSR author’s certificate No. 1579489).&#x0D; For the experiment animals were taken from the breeding farm OOO “Vyatka”, Slobodskoy district, Kirov region. The animals are bred in captivity to obtain valuable winter fur. 4 groups were formed for carring out of the experiment: experimental and control group of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes L.) and experimental and control of arctic fox (V. Lagopus L.), in each group there were (n=10 animals). Melacryl (produced by the Kazan Biofactory) was implanted in June according to the instructions for use of the preparation – 10 mg per head into the skin fold of the neck by using a special syringe – implantagor. Laboratory studies were carried out in the laboratory of the FBGNU VNIIOZ them. prof. B.M. Zhitkov.&#x0D; Research methods. Protein fractions in the blood serum were identified according to the nephelometric method of V.Ya. Antonov et al., lysozyme activity of blood serum were identified according to the method of VG Dorofeychuk. The activity of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), glucose, total blood serum protein were defined with a semiautomatic biochemical analyzer “Biochim SA” (USA, 2019) by using reagent kits from High Technology (USA, 2019). Bactericidal activity of blood serum were defined according to the method of T.A. Kuzmina. the opsonization was carried out according to the method to A.S. Labinskaya. The Streeter’s numerical index was used to assessment the opsonization reaction. The obtained digital data were processed on an IBM personal computer by using the statistical software package “Statgraphics” and “HG”. The assessment of the reliability of the statistical indicators of the samples was carried out by to the Student’s t-test. The reliability criterion (P &lt;0,001, P &lt;0,01, P &lt;0,05).&#x0D; Results. The alkaline phosphatase index of the experimental group of the red fox was significantly higher by 57% compared to the index of control group. There is an increase in serum alkaline phosphatase with a decrease in ALT of the experimental group, which indicates an increased formation of osteoblasts, that is characteristic of young animals during the skeletal system formation. The cholesterol content was increased in 1я.2 times. Phagocytic activity and phagocytic blood serum index of the experimental group significantly increased in 12 times compared with the index of control group. The phagocytic reaction is phylogenetically one of the defense mechanisms of animals and humans and characterizes its immune response. The body of the Arctic foxes reacted more conservatively to the melatonin implantation. In the process of determination of protein fractions in blood serum in the experimental group of polar foxes there was an increase α-globulins in 16 % comparison with the control group. AsAT of the experimental group was higher in 16,6% than AsAT in the control group. But the Ritis AsAT/AlAT coefficient of the experimental group was 0,82, while coefficient of the control group was 0,97. The preparation had a cytoprotective effect, preventing the formation of cholestasis. Biochemical studies of the blood serum of the Arctic fox showed that the amylase activity is a 35% higher of the animals of the control group than of the experimental group, that indicates a dysfunction of the pancreas.&#x0D; Conclusion. The research found that exogenous melatonin has a hepatoprotective effect and thereby corrects metabolic processes of the animal body.

CMPK2 accelerates liver ischemia/reperfusion injury via the NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Cytidine monophosphate kinase 2 (CMPK2) is a mitochondrial nucleotide monophosphate kinase which is important for the substrates of mitochondrial DNA synthesis and has been reported to participate in macrophage activation and the inflammatory response. The purpose of the present research was to determine the potential role of CMPK2 in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The present study investigated the role of CMPK2 in regulating the NLRP3 pathway and liver dysfunction induced by hepatic I/R both in vivo and in vitro. It was revealed that hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) treatment enhanced the mRNA expression levels of CMPK2, NLRP3, IL-18, IL-1β and TNF-α in RAW 264.7 cells. The protein expression levels of IL-18, IL-1β and cleaved-caspase-1 were decreased following CMPK2 knockdown. Furthermore, the inhibition of AIM2 downregulated the expression level of IL-1β, IL-18 and cleaved-caspase-1 in the CMPK2 knockdown group followed by H/R treatment, while the inhibition of NLRP3 did not. CMPK2 deficiency also decreased alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase expression in mice serum, as well as the pathological changes in the liver. Similarly, the release of IL-18 and IL-1β in mouse serum was also restrained with the decline of CMPK2. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that CMPK2 is indispensable for NLRP3 inflammasome activation, making CMPK2 an effective target to relieve the liver from I/R injury. In addition, the function of CMPK2 is closely associated with NLRP3 inflammasome activation, instead of AIM2.

Vitamin D and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Vitamin D is reported to have anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects, yet vitamin D effects on hepatic fat content in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are not studied sufficiently. We aimed to evaluate the role of vitamin D supplementation on the hepatic fat content and NAFLD progression in children. This randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 109 children with biopsy-proven NAFLD; only 100 patients completed the study. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: the treatment group who received 2000IU/day vitamin D for 6months and the control group who received a placebo. Anthropometric measurements, vitamin D levels, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC), serum triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting blood insulin level (FBI), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and serum calcium level were measured at the beginning and the end of the study. Liver biopsy was taken before and at the end of the study for all included children. There was a significant improvement of the hepatic steatosis and lobular inflammation by liver biopsy in the treatment group after treatment. However, there was no significant effect on the hepatocyte ballooning or hepatic fibrosis. There were significant decrease of AST, ALT, TG, LDL, FBG, FBI, and HOMA-IR and significant increase of vitamin D levels and HDL in the treatment group compared to the placebo group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation was found to be beneficial in the treatment of NAFLD in children.Trial registration: www.pactr.org , PACTR201710002634203. What is Known: • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease in pediatrics. • Several studies reported a negative association between low serum vitamin D level and grades of NAFLD. What is New: • Vitamin D supplementation has significantly decreased hepatic steatosis and lobular inflammation and improved the grades of NAFLD in children, confirmed by liver biopsy, but no effect on hepatocyte ballooning or fibrosis was observed. • Adjuvant vitamin D supplementation is recommended in children with NAFLD.

Fish diet supplemented with Yemeni Zeolite improves growth performance and reduces lead toxicity in Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus )

The applications of natural products in aquaculture to improve fish production and modulate toxic undesired effects of heavy metals represent a global environmental demand. In this study, fish diets supplemented with natural zeolite (Clinoptilolite) were evaluated for their ability to improve growth and alleviate the deleterious effects of lead acetate in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Four main experimental groups were used: one control group that fed on diets supplemented with 0% zeolite and three treatment groups received 1%, 3% and 5% zeolite. After 45 days of feeding, zeolite treatments resulted in a positive effect on weight gain (WG) with a significant reduction in water ammonia levels. Following feeding experiment, the control group was divided into two groups. All zeolite-treated groups and one of the control groups (Control +ve) were subjected to lead (Pb) toxicity for additional 21 days, while the other control received no Pb (Control –ve). Exposure to Pb significantly decreased protein and albumin on one hand and increased glucose, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) on the other. Elevation of hepatic catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were also detected. In contrast, zeolite feeding before and during Pb exposure showed an increase in protein and albumin levels, and a decrease in glucose, cholesterol, ALT, AST, CAT, SOD and TAC levels. Moreover, zeolite decreased Pb residues in muscles and increased it in kidneys. All in all, the data presented indicate that zeolite can improve the growth performance in Nile tilapia and increases fish resistance to undesired effects associated with Pb toxicity.

Concerted hepatoprotective effect of bradykinin potentiating factor and low dose of γ- radiation on Naja haje envenomed rats via Bax/Bcl2 pathway

This study investigates the concerted hepatoprotective effects for three doses of bradykinin potentiating factor (BPF) and/or followed by exposure to a low dose of γ-radiation (LDR) against Naja haje envenoming in rats. Male rats were injected with three consecutive doses of BPF (1 μg/g i.p. for 3 days), followed by exposure to a low dose of gamma radiation (0.5 Gy), and then rats were injected with a dose of Naja haje venom (250 μg/kg i.p.). Results showed that Naja haje causes liver damage, significant elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cytochrome c, Nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and significant depletion in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) contents. In addition, significant depletion in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and significant elevation in BcL-2 associated X (Bax protein), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in hepatocytes. Bradykinin potentiating factor and/or low dose of γ-radiation caused improvement in liver damage caused by Naja haje venom by a significant decrease in ALT, AST, ALP levels, Bax, cytochrome c, NF-κB, IL-1β, NO and MDA contents, BPF alone or combined with low dose radiation caused a significant increase in Bcl2 and GPx contents. In conclusion, the concerted impact of BPF and LDR may provide an effective venom detoxification tool that helps to reduce hepatic toxicity and extends the lifespan.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Corm of Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman Extract against Isoniazid and Rifampicin Induced Hepatotoxicity in Swiss Albino Mice.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is one of the cumbersome health-related problems which render approximately 50% of liver failure and patients to receiving liver transplantation every year. Antituberculosis drugs such as isoniazid and rifampicin are potentially rendering hepatotoxicity. Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman is an herbaceous perennial plant that contributes to the indigenous ethnomedicinal values for the society. This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of corm of Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman extracts against isoniazid and rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. The study was conducted on 30 Swiss albino mice randomly allocated into five groups. Group I, group II, group III, group IV, and group V were the groups in which mice were given distilled water, only isoniazid and rifampicin, isoniazid and rifampicin along with 200 mg/kg corm of Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman extract, isoniazid and rifampicin along with 400 mg/kg corm of Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman extract, and isoniazid and rifampicin along with silymarin per oral per day, respectively. On the 30th day of the experiment, mice were sacrificed after anesthetized, and blood was drawn for the liver function test, and the liver was also taken from each experimental mouse for histopathological evaluation. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 subsequently exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis by using one-way ANOVA. Plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (TBIL) of group II mice were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated as compared to group I. The group of mice treated with a corm of Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman at a dose of 400 mg/kg (group IV) and silymarin100 mg/kg (group V) showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in ALT, AST, ALP, and TBIL as compared to the group II. The liver section of group II showed a change in liver architecture; however, these deformities were not noticed in group IV mice. The result showed corm of Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman extract has a very promising hepatoprotective potential against isoniazid and rifampicin induced liver injury.