Gamma-glutamyl Transpeptidase Activity Research Articles

Kinesin family member 12-related hepatopathy: A generally indolent disorder with elevated gamma-glutamyl-transferase activity.

Exome sequencing (ES) has identified biallelic kinesin family member 12 (KIF12) mutations as underlying neonatal cholestatic liver disease. We collected information on onset and progression of this entity. Among consecutively referred pediatric patients at our centers, diagnostic ES identified 4 patients with novel, biallelic KIF12 variants using the human GRCh38 reference sequence, as KIF12 remains incompletely annotated in the older reference sequence GRCh37. A review of these and of 21 reported patients with KIF12 variants found that presentation with elevated serum transaminase activity in the context of trivial respiratory infection, without clinical features of liver disease, was more common (n = 18) than manifest cholestatic disease progressing rapidly to liver transplantation (LT; n = 7). Onset of liver disease was at age <1 year in 15 patients; LT was more common in this group. Serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity (GGT) was elevated in all patients, and total bilirubin was elevated in 15 patients. Liver fibrosis or cirrhosis was present in 14 of 18 patients who were biopsied. The 16 different pathogenic variants and 11 different KIF12 genotypes found were not correlated with age of onset or progression to LT. Identification of biallelic pathogenic KIF12 variants distinguishes KIF12-related disease from other entities with elevated GGT.

Increased type-I interferon level is associated with liver damage and fibrosis in primary sclerosing cholangitis.

The level of type-I interferons (IFNs) in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) was investigated to evaluate its association with disease activity and progression. Bioactive type-I IFNs were evaluated in a murine model of PSC and human patients' sera using a cell-based reporter assay and ELISA techniques. In total, 57 healthy participants, 71 PSC, and 38 patients with primary biliary cholangitis were enrolled in this study. Bioactive type-I IFNs were elevated in the liver and serum of multidrug resistance protein 2-deficient animals and showed a correlation with the presence of CD45+ immune cells and serum alanine transaminase levels. Concordantly, bioactive type-I IFNs were elevated in the sera of patients with PSC as compared to healthy controls (sensitivity of 84.51%, specificity of 63.16%, and AUROC value of 0.8267). Bioactive IFNs highly correlated with alkaline phosphatase (r=0.4179, p<0.001), alanine transaminase (r=0.4704, p<0.0001), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activities (r=0.6629, p<0.0001) but not with serum bilirubin. In addition, patients with PSC with advanced fibrosis demonstrated significantly higher type-I IFN values. Among the type-I IFN subtypes IFNα, β and IFNω could be detected in patients with PSC with IFNω showing the highest concentration among the subtypes and being the most abundant among patients with PSC. The selectively elevated bioactive type-I IFNs specifically the dominating IFNω could suggest a novel inflammatory pathway that might also have a hitherto unrecognized role in the pathomechanism of PSC.

Associations between inhalation of typical volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in e-waste dismantling workers with liver function damage

Studies in cell culture and animal models suggest hepatotoxicity of some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), however, their effects in human populations under real exposure conditions have never been clarified. In this cross-sectional study, 224 participants, 38 e-waste dismantling workers and 186 subjects residing near to the dismantling sites in southern China, were evaluated for personal inhalational exposure to 72 VOCs and 91 SVOCs according to site-specific atmospheric chemical concentrations and personal exposure time. Additionally, their serum samples were subjected to liver function tests (LFTs), including total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and bilirubin. Linear regression analysis of the VOC/SVOC levels against the LFTs results indicated that VOC exposure was negatively associated with the TP, ALB, GLB levels (indicating liver-specific protein synthesis functions), while positively associated with AST, ALT, GGT activities (marking liver damage). Somehow, SVOC exposure appeared to be positively associated with not only AST and ALT but also TP and ALB. These findings were supported by the quantile g-computation analysis and confirmed in the Bayesian kernel machine regression model. This study indicates that simultaneous inhalation of VOCs and SVOCs may impair human liver functions.

Clinical application value of hepatitis B virus basal core promoter 1762/1764 and GGTII and GGT in patients with HBV-DNA-positive primary liver cancer.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is closely related to the occurrence and development of primary liver cancer (PLC). The early diagnosis of PLC is difficult. The study explored the clinical application value of the HBV gene basal core promoter (BCP) region 1762/1764 combined with gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and its isozyme II (GGTII) in PLC. From June 2017 to June 2021, 145 hepatitis B surface antigen-positive and HBV DNA-positive patients were enrolled in the Third People Hospital of Zigong. Of them, 67 were chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, 30 were liver cirrhosis patients, and 48 were patients with hepatitis B-associated PLC. The HBV BCP 1762/1764 mutation was detected through the amplification refractory mutation system fluorescence PCR method, and GGTII was detected using the double-antibody sandwich method. The results showed that the serum GGT activity, GGTII level, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, AST/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio, GGT/ALT ratio, and GGT/AST ratio were significantly different between the PLC and CHB groups. Statistically significant differences in serum GGT activity, AST activity, and GGT/ALT ratio were observed between the PLC and LC groups. The BCP 1762/1764 mutation rate between the PLC and CHB groups was statistically significant. The GGTII level in the early PLC (stage I + II) group and the advanced PLC (stage III + IV) group was higher than that in the N-PLC group. Serum GGT activity in the early PLC and advanced PLC groups was higher than that in the N-PLC group. The area under the curve of the receiver operator characteristic curve of GGT and GGTII for diagnosing PLC was 0.775 (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.697, 0.854]) and 0.608 (95% CI [0.512, 0.704]), respectively. The area under curve of GGT and GGTII for diagnosing early PLC was 0.732 (95% CI [0.620, 0.845]) and 0.579 (95% CI [0.452, 0.706]), respectively. HBV gene BCP 1762/1764 mutation, GGT, and GGTII may be related to PLC occurrence. The HBV gene BCP region 1762/1764 combined with GGT has certain clinical diagnostic values for PLC and early PLC. However, GGTII is not a good indicator of early PLC and is more relevant to advanced PLC.

The effect of transfusion of erythrocyte mass on clinical and haematological indicators of dogs with hemolytic anaemia caused by babesiosis

The relevance of the research is due to the spread of protozoal diseases of animals, which, in the absence of the necessary veterinary care, lead to death. In this regard, the aim of the study was to investigate changes in clinical and haematological parameters in dogs under complex treatment of babesiosis with simultaneous red blood cell transfusion. Transfusions were performed in five animals infected with Babesia canis by intravenous injection of red blood cells, the volume of which was calculated using the Sackmen formula. The diagnosis of babesiosis was made based on anamnesis, clinical symptoms (weakness, refusal to food, pallor of visible mucous membranes, fever up to 40°C), and confirmed by microscopic detection of babesiae in blood smears. Before transfusion, rapid tests were performed to exclude heartworm disease in donor dogs. The compatibility of the blood of the donor and recipient animal was determined using a large cross-test. The condition of the abdominal organs of the patients was assessed using ultrasound diagnostics. Clinical examination of the dogs’ blood before treatment indicated the development of anaemia. The results of biochemical blood tests indicated an increase in the activity of alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, which indicates a load on the hepatobiliary system. There were no contraindications to blood transfusion. After haemotransfusion, the clinical condition of the dogs was monitored based on the results of the examination of the animals, taking into account the anamnesis and haematological studies on the second, fifth, and tenth days of treatment. During the second and fifth days, a gradual increase in blood haemoglobin content and haematocrit value was noted. On the tenth day, there was a significant positive trend in the number of red blood cells, haemoglobin content and haematocrit to the reference values. It was established that the use of red blood cell transfusion in dogs with babesiosis as part of therapy contributed to the fastest recovery of the general condition of the animal. The material of the article is of practical value for the use of red blood cell transfusion in the treatment of dogs with babesiosis

Are Selected Cytokines and Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Load Predictors of Hepatological Complications of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in Children?

The aim of the study was to evaluate tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble intracellular adhesion molecules 1 (s-ICAM-1) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA load levels as predictors of hepatological complications of EBV infection in children. The study group consisted of 54 children aged one to eighteen years, who were hospitalised from 1 December 2018 to 31 December 2020 in the Department of Paediatrics, Infectious Diseases and Hepatology and who had hepatological complications in the course of serologically and molecularly confirmed EBV infection. It was shown that IL-6, TNF-α, and s-ICAM-1 concentrations were the highest in patients with hepatitis and biliary pole damage. Higher EBV DNA viremia positively correlated with increased C-reactive protein (CRP) and TNF-α levels and increased leukocyte, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts. Increases in lymphocyte counts and TNF-α concentrations were observed along with increases in gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) activity. Increased concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α, and s-ICAM-1 may indicate the risk of hepatitis with concomitant biliary pole damage during EBV infection.

Experimental evaluation of the influence of electromagnetic radiation and acute alcohol intoxication on the indicators of mineral metabolism and antioxidant protection in erythrocytes and blood plasma of rats

The aim of the research was a comparative analysis of the effect of electromagnetic radiation and acute alcohol intoxication on the parameters of mineral metabolism and antioxidant protection in erythrocytes and blood plasma of rats. Materials and methods. The research was performed on 128 white non-linear rats. The study was conducted on five experimental models: acute ethanol poisoning, acute ethanol poisoning against the background of preliminary alcoholization, exposure to electromagnetic radiation for 1, 2 and 3 months. Spectrophotometrically determined the content of iron, copper, transferrin, ceruloplasmin and the activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in the blood plasma of rats, the content of glutathione in blood erythrocytes. Results and discussion. A unidirectional nature of changes in the indicators of antioxidant protection and mineral metabolism in acute alcohol intoxication and electromagnetic irradiation was established, which consists in a decrease in the content of iron, transferrin, an increase in the content of ceruloplasmin, glutathione, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity. At the same time, a decrease in the iron content and a change in the parameters of antioxidant protection in the blood plasma are more pronounced in acute ethanol poisoning than in electromagnetic irradiation. Conclusions. Ceruloplasmin, transferrin, glutathione and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase are targets for the action of electromagnetic radiation and ethanol. Determination of the activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in blood plasma has a prognostic value for determining the degree of liver damage not only with alcohol intoxication, but also with electromagnetic irradiation of the decimeter range.

Біологічні особливості організму молоді осетрових (Acipenseridae Bonaparte, 1831) риб за дії синтетичного та органічного імуностимуляторів

Purpose. To analyze the productive-biological and biochemical parameters of sturgeon larvae and fry under conditions of introduction of synthetic (Levamisole) and organic (Chitosan) immunostimulants into their diet. To evaluate the effect of supplements on the stability of homeostatic processes based on the analysis of enzyme activity. Methodology. The study was carried out on juvenile hybrid besters (♀ Huso huso х ♂ Acipenser ruthenus) and sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) (BSS). Larvae and fry were fed with Artemia nauplii, which were the transfer of immunostimulants after a six-hour enrichment in the respective solution. Pre-larvae, larvae and fry of sturgeon were reared in a RAS at the Lviv Research Station of the Institute of Fisheries of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. During cultivation, the main productive parameters were studied, which included: weight, body length, growth rates, mortality, output from each stage of cultivation. The activity of α-amylase was determined by the Karavey’s method. Alanine aminotransferase activity was determined by the Reitman–Frenkel’s method. Alkaline phosphatase activity was determined by reaction with phenylphosphate. Gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity was determined by reaction with L-gamma-glutamyl-p-nitroaniline. All data were statistically processed using Statistica 6.0 and MS Excel. Findings. Addition of Levamisole to the diet during the first week of exogenous feeding had a positive effect on the growth processes of sturgeon larvae. The average weight of experimental fish in the experimental group No. 1 increased during the week by 3.96 times, which was 9% higher than the control values. In the experimental group No. 2, which consumed Chitosan, no significant difference was found compared to the average weight of the control group. Average daily growth was 24.9% in the experimental group No. 1 and 20.7% in the group No. 2, and 22% in the group No. 3, which served as a control. After 21 days of the experiment, the average body weight of juvenile sturgeons in the group No. 1, which consumed Levamisole, increased to 0.794 g, which exceeded the control values by 50.5%. The average weight of juveniles in the experimental group No. 2 was 0.661 g, which was 25.28% higher than the control group. The average growth rates were 9.3% in the group No. 1, 12.1% in the group No. 2, and 11.3% in the group No. 3. The short-term positive effect of immunostimulants on the activity of digestive enzymes of sturgeons in the juvenile period was shown. The activity of α-amylase in the body of fish for 21 days under the action of both Levamisole and Chitosan was higher than in the control by 88.2 and 91.4%, respectively. The analysis of the effect of immunostimulants on the activity of transferases (AlAT, LF, GGTP) of the tissues of internal organs confirmed the strengthening of the nonspecific resistance of the body in the short period of their action due to the activation of the transport processes of dephosphorylation and transamination. In addition, the activity of none of the enzymes indicated the impairment of homeostasis. Originality. The advisability of using synthetic and organic immunostimulants in raising sturgeons has been demonstrated. The effect of these supplements on the productive and biochemical parameters of juvenile sturgeons was evaluated. Practical value. The obtained results will be useful for improving the technology of early rearing of sturgeon larvae and fry. The application of the acquired knowledge will allow reducing mortality during critical periods of their cultivation and will allow strengthening the non-specific immunity of these valuable fish species. Key words: sturgeons, enrichment, non-specific resistance, immunostimulants.

Treatment for cholangiohepatitis in cats

Acute bacterial cholangiohepatitis of cats is a common disease associated with the inflammation of bile ducts and liver parenchyma, characterized by development of a pronounced hepatodepressive syndrome (hypoalbuminemia), cytolysis (increase in serum activity of alanine and asparagine transaminase), cholestasis (increase in serum concentration of bilirubin, cholesterol, activity of alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase), intoxication, dehydration, mesenchymal-inflammatory and pain syndromes. The aim of the research was to study the effectiveness of treatment for acute bacterial cholangiohepatitis in cats with average severity of the pathology course. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study included a cohort of cats (n = 12) with acute bacterial cholangiohepatitis. Clinical, hematological, ultrasonographic, statistical methods of investigation were used in this work. For sick cats with medium severity form of cholangiohepatitis, when administered as a complex therapy the combination of marbofloxacin, metronidazole, ursodeoxycholic acid, cyancobolamine, tocopherol acetate, infusion therapy also had a good therapeutic effect, which was accompanied by improved clinical and laboratory performance. In the blood of cats with cholangiohepatitis, in the background of intensive therapy, there was a significant decrease in white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and in serum, there was an increase in albumin concentration, reduction of creatinine, aminotransferase activity, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, lipase.

Dietary patterns and fertility status in men: Mediterranean diet does make a difference in ameliorating the rise in male infertility problems due to changing lifestyle

Dietary patterns and fertility status in men: Mediterranean diet does make a difference in ameliorating the rise in male infertility problems due to changing lifestyle

Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase: A Friend against Cholestatic Itch? A Retrospective Observational Data Analysis in Patients with Extrahepatic Cholestasis.

We included 235 patients with chronic extrahepatic cholestasis due to pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, or papillary carcinoma. GGT was significantly higher in patients without pruritus (median 967, IQR 587-1571) compared to patients with pruritus (median 561 IQR 266-1084 IU/l) (p < 0.01). In contrast, median alkaline phosphatase (AP) was 491 U/L (IQR; 353-684) in patients with pruritus and was not significantly different from 518 U/L (IQR; 353-726) in patients without pruritus (p = 0.524). Direct bilirubin was significantly higher in patients with pruritus compared to patients without pruritus (168 μmol/L (IQR; 95-256) vs. 120 μmol/L (IQR; 56.75-185.5)) (p < 0.01). After correcting for the extent of cholestasis via direct bilirubin, the negative association between GGT and pruritus remained significant and became stronger (p < 0.001). Serum GGT activity is inversely associated with the presence of cholestatic itch in patients with chronic extrahepatic cholestasis.

Biochemical parameters of blood in cats with cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism and acute heart failure

Investigating the impact of vascular blockage on blood biochemical parameters, particularly in the context of acute heart failure, is crucial for understanding the underlying mechanisms of arterial thromboembolism in animals. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of vascular occlusion on the biochemical parameters of blood in cats with cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism. The study involved 12 cats and formed two groups: the first – animals with acute heart failure and the second – animals with arterial thromboembolism. Anamnesis data were collected for experimental animals, clinical examination, echocardiography, and biochemical examination of blood samples were performed. The activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, the concentration of glucose, creatinine, urea, potassium, calcium, total and inorganic phosphorus were determined spectrophotometrically in blood serum. It was found that in cats with acute heart failure, the average value of serum aspartate aminotransferase activity increased by 2.8 times, and the creatinine concentration by 1.9 times compared to the upper limit of reference values. This indicates functional changes in the myocardium and kidneys in this pathology. In cats affected by arterial thromboembolism, the blood serum shows a significant elevation in various biochemical parameters compared to the upper limit of the corresponding reference intervals. Specifically, there is a 4.4-fold increase in alanine aminotransferase activity, a 4.3-fold increase in aspartate aminotransferase activity, a 1.4- fold increase in glucose concentration, a 1.8-fold increase in creatinine levels, a 2.0-fold increase in urea levels, and a 1.3-fold increase in inorganic phosphorus levels. The changes in biochemical parameters for feline thromboembolism may be a consequence of functional renal failure, ischemia, and muscle necrosis. Moreover, it was established that in most cats with acute heart failure, the urinary system is primarily affected, and with arterial thromboembolism, changes in muscle tissue also occur. The results obtained are of practical value for veterinary doctors when choosing a therapeutic strategy and prescribing additional diagnostic examinations

Synthesis, structural and spectral characteristics of novel n,π-chelate complexes of Pd(II) and Pt(II) with N-allylthioureas and their influence on the growth of spheroids cells MCF-7 and GGT activity

Four mononuclear n,π-chelate complexes [M(HL1,2)Cl2] (M = Pd2+, Pt2+) have been obtained by the reactions of PdCl2 or K2[PtCl4] with N,N-diethyl-N'-(2-propenyl)thiourea (HL1) or N-cyclohexyl-N'-(2-propenyl)thiourea (HL2) in the presence of HCl. According to X-ray diffraction study, the molecules of HL1,2 are coordinated in a bidentate manner with the formation of six-membered chelate metallocycles in a twist-boat conformation. The diagonal arrangement of “soft-hard” donor atoms (S–M−Cl, C–M−Cl) in the coordination sphere leads to the Pearson's effect of “molecular antisymbiosis in the trans effect” that causes the formation of complexes with an M:L ratio of 1:1. However, interaction in the ratio 1:2, 1:3 is also possible in the solution under the conditions of monodentate coordination of HL1 and HL2. All compounds were investigated by IR, UV–vis and NMR spectra. The 1H/13C NMR study showed that this method is reliable for establishing the formation of a π-coordinating bond. The similarity of the synthesized complexes structure with cisplatin implies the same mechanism of their antitumor action. Thus, it was investigated their effect on the growth and biochemical characteristics of human breast adenocarcinoma cells MCF-7 (grown in three-dimensional culture as spheroids) and the activity of the enzyme gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). The results showed that all studied π-complexes are more active compared to cisplatin, and they exhibit pronounced anti-metastatic and pro-apoptotic activity, which one is caused by their inhibitory effect.

γGT and PCSK9 variants in subjects with hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia.

Gain-of-function (GOF) variants of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) gene cause high blood low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and PCSK9 levels, which are respectively the markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD). High blood activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γGT), a pro-oxidant induced by oxidative conditions, is also a marker of CVD. There may be an association between γGT and PCSK9 variants. We aimed to examine the γGT activity by a GOF variant, p.E32K, of PCSK9 in subjects with hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia, an at-risk state for CVD. This study enrolled 114 subjects (mean age, 59 years; 38 males) with hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia who underwent a genotype assay for identification of p.E32K variant and enzymatic measurement of γGT activity. The relationship between the γGT activity and p.E32K was analyzed. γGT activity was significantly lower (median, 21 IU/L) in subjects with p.E32K (n = 12) than in those without the variant (30 IU/L, P < 0.05). The results remained confirmed by multivariate-adjusted analysis. An inverse association was found between γGT and p.E32K, a GOF variant. Elucidation of the mechanism for their association may help understand the development of CVD by PCSK9 variants.

Hepatotoxicity of Short Term Exposure to Mancozeb Fungicide in Male Wistar Rats

Mancozeb is a dithiocarbamate fungicide used effectively to protect plant products against fungi. The hepatic effects of short term exposure to mancozeb in adult male Wistar rats were investigated in the present study. Twenty-four animals were divided into four equal groups. Two groups were administered mancozeb (60 mg/kg body weight as single dose or 30 mg/kg body weight daily for 10 days, intraperitoneally), and the others, which served as control groups, received normal saline. Liver biochemical parameters in plasma were measured using standard methods. Liver homogenates were analysed for oxidative stress biomarkers and liver histopathology was studied. Single dose and 10 days exposures of mancozeb caused elevation in the activities of Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), and Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT) in plasma (p&lt;0.05-0.001) compared with control. Mancozeb also caused elevation in the plasma level of total bilirubin, and reductions in albumin, total protein, and conjugated bilirubin. In addition, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Advanced Oxidation Protein Product (AOPP) levels were increased in hepatic tissues (p&lt;0.001) of all mancozeb exposed rats. Furthermore, hepatic levels of protein, reduced Glutathione (GSH) and vitamin C were decreased (p&lt;0.01), together with the activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), catalase, and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) enzymes (p&lt;0.01-0.001). Histological analysis showed severe histopathological changes in mancozeb exposed rats. The results demonstrated that single dose intraperitoneal exposure of mancozeb (60 mg/kg body weight) or short term (10 days) daily exposure at 30 mg/kg body weight is capable of causing hepatotoxic effects in rats.

Effects of prepartum supplementation of β-carotene on colostrum and calves.

Little is known about transfer of dietary β-carotene into colostrum, its absorption by the calf, and its effects on retinol and α-tocopherol in the calf when the dam's dietary vitamin A is adequate. Our objective was to assess the effect of β-carotene supplementation during the close-up dry period on the colostrum and calf. The study was conducted on a large commercial dairy farm in Indiana during early summer of 2015. Ninety-four multiparous Holstein cows were blocked by calving data, parity, and previous production, and then randomly assigned to either control or β-carotene (BC) treatments. While locked in headgates each morning, each cow received a topdress of β-carotene (Rovimix, DSM Nutritional Products, 8 g/d; provided 800 mg β-carotene) or carrier from 21 d before expected calving until calving. Colostrum was collected within 2 h of parturition. Calf blood samples were obtained within 2 h of birth before receiving the dam's colostrum, at 24 h after birth, and at 7 d and 60 d of age. Blood serum was analyzed for β-carotene, retinol, α-tocopherol, and other metabolites and enzymes. Colostrum was analyzed for β-carotene, retinol, α-tocopherol, colorimetry profile, and milk components. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects models in SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). Calf serum β-carotene data were analyzed using the FREQ procedure. Colostrum β-carotene was higher for BC cows. Colostrum from BC cows had increased a* [measures red (positive) to green (negative)] and b* [measures yellow (positive) to blue (negative)] colorimeter values, indicating that β-carotene altered colostrum color toward red and yellow. Supplementation did not affect colostral or calf IgG concentrations. Colostrum color indices were correlated with IgG concentrations as well as concentrations of β-carotene, retinol, and α-tocopherol. Before receiving colostrum, the concentration of β-carotene in calf serum was below the detectable threshold of 0.05 μg/mL. At 24 h of age, the number of calves with detectable β-carotene concentrations increased, with more calves from BC cows (52.1%) having detectable concentrations than calves from cows in the control group (6.1%). No differences in concentrations of retinol or α-tocopherol were observed in calf serum. Supplementation of β-carotene to cows decreased activities of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and glutamate dehydrogenase in calf serum. In pregnant cows already receiving adequate vitamin A, supplementation of β-carotene increased concentration of β-carotene in colostrum, altered colostrum color, and increased serum β-carotene in calves at birth.

Comparison of Enzyme Activity in Order to Describe the Metabolic Profile of Dairy Cows during Early Lactation.

Enzymatic diagnostics have practical applications in diseases of the liver, heart, pancreas, muscles, blood, and neoplastic diseases. This study aimed to compare enzyme activity to describe dairy cows’ metabolism during early lactation. Based on their general health symptoms, the cows were assigned to one of three groups: acidotic, healthy and ketotic. Samples of milk, blood and rumen fluid were collected at 12 ± 5 days postpartum. Ketotic cows were characterized by the highest malondialdehyde (MDA, 76.098 nM/mL), glutathione reductase (GluRed, 109.852 U/L), superoxide dismutase (SOD, 294.22 U/L) and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGTP, 71.175 U/L) activity. In comparing ketotic and acidotic cows, MDA, GluRed, SOD and GGTP activity were higher by a factor of almost: 1.85, 1.89, 0.79 and 2.50, respectively. Acidotic cows were characterized by the highest aspartate aminotransferase activity (AspAT, 125.914 U/L). In comparing acidotic and ketotic cows, AspAT activity was higher by a factor of almost 1.90. The use of enzymatic markers could limit the frequency of sampling for laboratory analyses and may result in a faster diagnosis of metabolic disorders. AspAT activity in blood serum seems to be a good indicator of acidosis; GGTP may participate in the pathogenesis of ketosis.

Preoperative method of assessment of gallbladder lesion in acute cholecystitis

Background. To date acute cholecystitis remains one of the most common urgent abdominal diseases in which postoperative complications and mortality are possible.The aim. To assess the correlation of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase and alkaline phosphatase concentrations in blood plasma with the form of acute cholecystitis.Methods. A study of 105 patients with acute calculous cholecystitis, 35 – with chronic calculous cholecystitis (comparison group), who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, was performed. At admission to the hospital, the activity of gammaglutamyltranspeptidase (GGTP) and alkaline phosphatase in blood plasma was determined by kinetic colorimetric method.Results. A direct correlation was revealed between the level of GGTP concentration and the severity of destruction in the gallbladder wall. With catarrhal cholecystitis, it was 340 ± 116.9 U/l (p &lt; 0.05), with phlegmonous – 108.1 ± 29.5 U/l (p &lt; 0.05), with gangrenous – 32.9 ± 7.5 U/l (p &lt; 0.05). Along with this, a direct correlation was revealed between the concentration of alkaline phosphatase and the severity of destruction in the gallbladder wall. In catarrhal cholecystitis, the enzyme activity was 160.3 ± 34.2 U/l (p &lt; 0.05), in phlegmonous – 129.9 ± 14.6 U/l (p &lt; 0.05), in gangrenous – 57 ± 18.5 U/l (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion. Determination of the concentration of GGTP and alkaline phosphatase in combination with other diagnostic criteria makes it possible to determine the presence of destructive forms of acute cholecystitis with high specificity and sensitivity before surgery.

GAMMA-GLUTAMYLTRANSPEPTIDASE IN POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Objective: Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is implicated in oxidative stress previously reported in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Objective: to investigate gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) activity in PCOS. Design and method: We have conducted a case control study. PCOS diagnosis was made based on Rotterdam criteria. Age and Body Mass index (BMI) paired controls were recruted. Biochemical parameters were made by automated methods (Cobas-Roche). Results: The study material consisted of 45 PCOS women and 40 controls. Overweight Obese women with PCOS had significant increased blood pressure and GGT activity. In all the study group, significant correlations were noted between GGT vs menstrual cycle length, GGT vs blood bressure, GGT vs fasting glucose, GGT vs triglycerides, and GGT vs high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc). Moreover, in PCOS significant correlations were observed between GGT and body mass index. Conclusions: These findings suggest that clinical severity of PCOS would be associated to metabolic dysfunctions. The relevance of GGT to BMI and blood pressure in PCOS could be related to various hepatic, lipids, carbohydrates and oxydative alterations in this complex syndrome. Monitoring GGT levels in such patients coud help in disease supervision.

Review on the Ethnobotany, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile of Senna occidentalis L. (Fabaceae): Potential Application as Remedy in the Treatment of Dysmenorrhea

Senna occidentalis L. has been used in several traditional medicines against various diseases and this is based on its botanical, ethnopharmacology, and phytochemistry profiles. This powerful herb is recognized for its antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, anticancer, antimutagenic, protective, and inflammatory hepatic activity. Multiple chemical compounds, including achrosine, aloe-emodin, emodin, anthraquinones, etc., have been isolated from this plant. The results of this bibliographic research thus presented in this review have demonstrated the ability of certain extracts from S. occidentalis L. to lower the lipid peroxide content, the activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and phospholipase A2 in exudates of the granuloma of cotton pellets, thus resulting in a reduced availability of arachidonic acid, an important precursor in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, which are the only likely source and/or cause of dysmenorrhea. Thus, based on its phytochemical profile and its pharmacological properties, it is therefore suggested that S. occidentalis would be a potential and effective remedy in the treatment of dysmenorrhea.