gamma-GT Levels Research Articles

Pengaruh Kadar Etanol Darah Terhadap Kadar Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) pada Pekerja Pembuatan Etanol di Desa Ngombakan Polokarto

Ethanol is the result of sugarcane fermentation which is converted into molasses (cane drops). Then the distillation process is carried out by heating for a certain time so that a certain level of ethanol is obtained. The process of making ethanol is an activity that has a high risk for its workers. The heating process produces vapors that are harmful to the body, causing health problems for workers. Liver disease is the most common complication caused by exposure to ethanol. Alcoholic fatty liver is a reversible disease that can progress to alcoholic hepatitis which can cause liver cirrhosis and liver failure. This study was conducted to determine blood ethanol levels, Gamma GT levels and the effect of blood ethanol levels on Gamma GT in ethanol production workers. The research was conducted by quota sampling as many as 24 people in 8 traditional ethanol-making industrial houses in Ngombakan, Polokarto. Ethanol examination was carried out using the Gass Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry method and Gamma GT was carried out using the colorimetric enzymatic method. The results obtained are the average ethanol content of the workers is 0.45 mg/dL and Gamma GT is 29 U/L. The results of linear regression analysis showed Sig. 0.257 (0.05) meaning that there was no effect of ethanol content on Gamma GT levels. Based on the coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.058, it means that the effect of ethanol on Gamma GT is 5.8%.

A Sex-Specific Comparative Analysis of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Predicting the Risk of Cardiovascular Events and All-Cause Mortality in the General Population: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular (CV) disease, but current biomarkers used to predict CV events are still insufficient. In this study, we comparatively assessed the utility of redox-related biomarkers in predicting the risk of CV events and all-cause mortality in male and female subjects from the general population. Subjects (n = 5955) of the Prevention of REnal and Vascular ENd-stage Disease (PREVEND) population-based cohort study were included. Blood homocysteine, gamma-GT, HDL cholesterol, bilirubin and protein-adjusted free thiol (R-SH, sulfhydryl groups) levels were quantified at baseline and were prospectively analyzed in association with the risk of CV events and all-cause mortality. After adjustment for potentially confounding factors, protein-adjusted R-SH and homocysteine levels were significantly associated with the risk of CV events in men (HR 0.63 [0.40-0.99], p = 0.045 and HR 1.58 [1.20-2.08], p = 0.001, respectively). Protein-adjusted R-SH and HDL cholesterol levels were significantly associated with the risk of all-cause mortality in men (HR 0.52 [0.32-0.85], p = 0.009 and HR 0.90 [0.85-0.94], p < 0.001, respectively), while the same was observed for bilirubin and homocysteine levels in women (HR 0.68 [0.48-0.98], p = 0.040 and HR 2.30 [1.14-3.76], p < 0.001, respectively). Lower levels of protein-adjusted R-SH were robustly associated with an increased risk of CV events and all-cause mortality in men. Our results highlight the value of R-SH levels in cardiovascular risk assessment and their potential significance as being amenable to therapeutic intervention, while reaffirming the importance of other oxidative stress-related biomarkers, such as homocysteine, HDL cholesterol and bilirubin.

γ-Glutamyl transferase as a marker of oxidative stress in pre and post-menopausal women

Introduction: Menopause is a physiologic process in women representing complete cessation of menstruation and gradual decrease of estrogen secretion. The antioxidant substances present in the body play a role in combating the oxidative stress in menopause. Since, the enzyme γ-glutamyl transferase plays an important role in the metabolism of the endogenous antioxidant reduced glutathione (GSH), it can reflect the antioxidant ability in vivo. Aim: The present study was conducted to investigate γ-glutamyl transferase as a possible marker of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of plasma. Materials and Method: The study included 50 female volunteers, selected from medical & paramedical staff, and healthy attendants of patients as per inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into 2 groups. Group I: Premenopausal women (n = 25); Group II: Postmenopausal women (n = 25). Venous blood samples were collected using aseptic techniques in plain vials for estimating estradiol hormone and Gamma GT and whole blood was collected in EDTA vials for the estimation of Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) which is a marker of antioxidant capacity. The data collected were analyzed using unpaired “t”-test for evaluating the level of oxidative stress in pre and post menopausal women and the variations in the levels of gamma GT in the two groups. The results were expressed as Mean ± Standard Deviation (SD). Results and Conclusion: Depressed estrogen synthesis in postmenopausal women enhanced oxidative stress and lead to deficit of total antioxidant capacity of plasma. A significant increase in serum GGT in the post-menopausal group relative to the pre-menopausal group was found which was to compensate and correct the reduced glutathione levels by increasing its biosynthesis. Thus, GGT can be used as a marker of total antioxidant capacity of plasma and oxidative stress.

Comparison of age- and sex-dependent reference limits derived from distinct sources for metabolic measurands in basic liver diagnostics.

Reference intervals for basic liver laboratory diagnostic rely on manufacturers' information, remaining unchanged for more than 20 years. This ignores known age and sex dependencies. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study to compare the age-dependent distribution of flagged and non-flagged laboratory findings between reference limits from 3 distinct sources: manufacturer, published reference study, and the truncated maximum likelihood method applied on a cohort of inpatients aged 18-100 years. Discordance rates adjusted for the permissible analytical uncertainty are reported for serum levels of albumin (n= 150,550), alkaline phosphatase (n= 433,721), gamma-GT (n=580,012), AST (n= 510,620), and ALT (n= 704,546). The number of flagged findings differed notably between reference intervals compared, except for alkaline phosphatase. AST and alkaline phosphatase increased with age in women. Overall discordance for AP, AST, and ALT remained below 10%, respectively, in both sexes. Albumin decreased with age which led to discordant flags in up to 22% in patients ≥70 years. GGT and ALT peaked in 50-59-year-old men with up to 23.5% and 22.8% discordant flags, respectively. We assessed the impact of different reference limits on liver related laboratory results and found up to 25 % discordant flags. We suggest to further analyse the diagnostic and economic effects of reference limits adapted to the population of interest even for well-established basic liver diagnostics.

960 EARLY ONSET OF SUBTLE LIVER DAMAGE IN TTR AMYLOIDOSIS PATIENTS TREATED WITH TAFAMIDIS

Abstract Background misfolded transthyretin amyloid fibrils can deposit in the myocardium causing transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Tafamidis has become recently available for the treatment of ATTR-CM, but to date very few data about its possible side effects have been published. Aims to investigate the potential liver toxicity of Tafamidis 61 mg/day in a group of patients affected by wild type ATTR-CM treated in our department. Materials and Methods 14 consecutive patients with wild-type ATTR-CM were treated with Tafamidis accordingly to the classical recommendations. The patients’ liver function was checked through transaminases and gammaGT determination at baseline and for the first six months and their changes analysed with the non-parametric Wilcoxon test for paired samples. Results mean age of the patients included (13 males and a female) was 78 years. Baseline transaminases were all within the normal range (median GOT level 25.0 U/L - IQR 19.0-29.0; median GPT levels 24.0 U/L - IQR 15.0-27.0) and remained stable for the first two months (median GOT at 2 months 25.5 U/L - IQR 19.0-28.0; median GPT at 2 months 22.5 U/L – IQR 16.0-27.0). Median GGT baseline level was 138.0 U/L (IQR 58.0-204.0) and raised to 142.0 U/L (IQR 56.0-270.0) after a two-month therapy (p&amp;lt;0.01). The further follow-up confirmed a similar trend in the first six month of treatment, with a linear and constant increase of gammaGT levels. Conclusions even not clinically relevant, the wild-type ATTR-CM patients included in our analysis showed all a subtle increase of gammaGT values after only two months of Tafamidis treatment, which was confirmed at six months. This observation underlines the potential hepatotoxicity of the drug, thus confirming the recommendations of strict and regular liver function analysis provided by the manufacturer.

Liver Disease Assessment in Children with Fontan and Glenn Surgeries for Univentricular Hearts—The Role of Elastography and Biochemical Fibrosis Markers

Background: Children born with single-ventricle hearts require surgery in order to survive. Liver fibrosis is a known complication of Fontan surgery for univentricular hearts. Methods: In this study on 13 post-Fontan and 21 post-Glenn patients, we used elastography (shearwave and transient elastography) as well as serum biochemical fibrosis markers to evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis in comparison to 32 controls. Results: The mean Emedian and Vmedian values determined by shear wave elastography in the Fontan Group were significantly higher than the controls (4.85 kPa vs. 3.91 kPa and 1.25 m/s vs. 1.12 m/s, respectively). Fontan patients had significantly increased Fibrotest, Actitest, AST-to-Platelet Ratio index, ALT and GammaGT levels compared to controls. For post-Glenn patients, the mean Emedian and Vmedian values were similar to healthy controls, whereas the Fibrotest, Actitest and AST-to-Platelet Ratio index were significantly increased. Using transient elastography, we found significantly higher values for Emedian and Vmedian in Fontan patients compared to Glenn patients. Conclusions: Elastography and biochemical fibrosis markers are valuable non-invasive tools for screening and monitoring liver fibrosis in patients with Fontan and Glenn interventions.

ENGARUH PEMBERIAN EKSTRAK UBI JALAR (Ipomoea batatas L.) VARIETAS UNGU KULTIVAR GUNUNG KAWI TERHADAP KADAR GAMMA – GT PADA TIKUS WISTAR PUTIH JANTAN (Rattus norvegicus strain wistar) YANG DIBERI DIET ATEROGENIK

Hyperlipidemia is a condition in which increased levels of serum cholesterol or triglycerides above the normal limits due to excessive consumption of fat, causing fat intake and an overhaul becomes unbalanced. Purple sweet potato contains anthocyanins, flavonoids, and fiber Anthocyanins and flavonoids can lower triglyceride levels. This study aims to determine the effect of extract of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) cultivars Purple varieties Gunung Kawi Gamma GT levels Against White Male Wistar rats were given the atherogenic diet. This study was designed using pure experimental analytic methods Randomized Post Test Only Control Group Design. Population of this research is a white male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus Wistar) in healthy condition are 2-3 months old weighing approximately 150-250 grams. Number of samples of 5 mice in each treatment group so that the total number of samples required are as many as 25 rats.The results showed that the extract of purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) cultivars Gunung Kawi proved to have an influence on a reducing Gamma-glutamyl transferase levels in male rats (Rattus norvegicus) strain wistar were given atherogenic diet with doses of about 20 mg/kg.

Metabolic and immunological phenotype of rare lipomatoses: Dercum\u2019s disease and Roch-Leri mesosomatic lipomatosis

ContextDercum’s disease (DD) and Roch-Leri mesosomatic lipomatosis (LMS) are rare and poorly characterized diseases. The clinical presentation combines multiple lipomas, painful in DD in contrast with LMS, without lipoatrophy.ObjectiveTo identify any specific metabolic and immune phenotype of DD and LMS.Design and patientsThis monocentric retrospective study included 46 patients: 9 DD, 11 LMS, 18 lean and 8 obese controls. Metabolic and immunohematological characteristics of each group were compared.ResultsThe median age of the patients was similar in the 3 groups (31 years). The number of women, and of basophils, and CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes was significantly higher in the DD versus the LMS group, without any difference of the metabolic parameters. Weight, BMI, blood pressure, gamma-GT, leptin, fasting insulin and C-peptide levels, fat mass percentage, and intra/total abdominal fat ratio were significantly higher in each lipomatosis group compared with the lean group. Compared with the lean group, the DD group had significantly higher fasting blood glucose, LDL-cholesterol, platelets, leukocytes, basophils, and a lower NK cell count, whereas the LMS group had a significantly lower rate of CD3, CD4, and CD8 lymphocytes. Compared with the obese controls, basophils remained higher in DD and T lymphocytes subpopulations lower in LMS groups.ConclusionDD and LMS show a common background of obesity and metabolic phenotype, but a distinct immunohematological profile characterized by a higher number of basophils in DD patients, an inflammatory profile that could contribute to pain. T lymphocyte depletion was present in LMS. These findings could offer specific therapeutic opportunities, especially for painful DD.

Association of Gamma-GT Serum and Nerve Conduction Velocity of Nervus Peroneus Motor Vehicles on Diabetic Polyneuropathy Patients

Background and Objectives: Diabetic Polyneuropathy is one of the common complications of diabetesmellitus (DM) and can lead to foot ulcers or amputation. The pathophysiology of Diabetic Polyneuropathyincludes several factors such as metabolic, vascular, autoimmune, oxidative stress and neurohormonalgrowth-factor deficiency. The recent studies have suggested the use of serum gammaglutamyl transferase(GGT) as an early marker of oxidative stress. Therefore, we investigated whether serum GGT may be usefulin predicting Diabetic Polyneuropathy.Methods: The study was conducted in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy who meet the criteria forinclusion and exclusion in neurological outpatient clinic and EMG room departments of NeurologyDr.Soetomo General Hospital Surabaya consecutively started in June 2014 to April 2015.Result: We obtained 20 study subjects (8 subjects with increased serum levels of gamma GT and 12 subjectswith normal serum levels of gamma GT). There was statistically no significant between serum levels ofgamma GT with motoric nerve conduction velocity (NCV) of peroneal nerve (p = 0.582 ; Odds ratio 0.600).Conclusion: There was no relationship between elevated levels of serum gamma GT with decreased motornerve conductivity velocity peroneal nerve in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy.

Serum levels of gamma-glutamyltransferase predict outcome in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Previous studies suggested an association between heart failure (HF) and hepatic disorders. Liver function parameters have been shown to predict outcome in HF with reduced ejection fraction, but their impact in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has not yet been investigated. Between January 2011 and February 2017, 274 patients with confirmed HFpEF were enrolled (age 71.3 ± 8.4 years, 69.3% female) in a prospective registry. During a median follow-up of 21.5 ± 18.6 months, 97 patients (35.4%) reached the combined endpoint defined as hospitalization due to HF and/ or death from any cause. By multivariable cox regression, serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GT) was independently associated with outcome (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.002, p = 0.004) along with N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (HR 2.213, p = 0.001) and hemoglobin (HR 0.840, p = 0.006). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with serum gamma-GT levels above a median of 36 U/L had significantly more events as compared to the remainder of the group (log-rank p = 0.012). By multivariable logistic regression, higher early mitral inflow velocity/ mitral peak velocity of late filling (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.173, p = 0.024), higher right atrial (RA) pressure (OR 1.139, p < 0.001) and larger RA diameter (OR 1.070, p = 0.001) were independently associated with serum gamma-GT > 36 U/L. Serum levels of gamma-GT are associated with both left and right-sided cardiac alterations and may serve as a simple tool for risk prediction in HFpEF, especially when further diagnostic modalities are not available.

Hormonal and metabolic gender differences in a cohort of myotonic dystrophy type 1 subjects: a retrospective, case-control study.

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a genetic disorder caused by CTG expansion in the DMPK gene. The aim was to investigate the endocrine and metabolic aspects of DM1. Retrospective, case-control study. We compared pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, gonadal and liver function and glycolipid metabolism of 63 DM1 patients against 100 control subjects. Given age-related differences, 2 further subgroups were created to investigate the pituitary-gonadal axis: < 41 (1a) and ≥ 41 (1b) years old for male subjects and < 46 (2a) and ≥ 46 (2b) years old for female subjects. Testicular and thyroid ultrasounds were also performed in the DM1 group. FT3 and FT4 were significantly lower in DM1 men than controls, while for both males and females, thyroglobulin, ACTH and cortisol were significantly higher in the DM1 group. Gonadotropin levels were significantly higher and inhibin B and DHEA-S levels significantly lower in DM1 patients than controls for both male subgroups. Testosterone and SHBG were significantly higher in controls than in patients for subgroup 1a. Prolactin was significantly higher in patients in subgroups 1b, while testosterone was lower in subgroup 2a than in age-matched female controls. A correlation between the number of CTG repeats and the percentage of male hypogonadal subjects was found. Finally, there was a worse glucose and lipid pattern and significantly higher transaminase and gamma-GT levels in both male and female patients. The high frequency of endocrine and metabolic abnormalities in DM1 highlights the importance of endocrine monitoring to enable the prompt initiation of a suitable therapy.

Modulation of the endogenous Annexin A1 in a cigarette smoke cessation model: Potential therapeutic target in reversing the damage caused by smoking?

BackgroundSmoking cessation may help in the reversal of inflammation and damage caused by smoking. The endogenous annexin A1 (AnxA1) protein has anti-inflammatory effects which instigates the understanding of its role in the attenuation of inflammatory processes caused by smoking. Material and methodsWistar rats were exposed to cigarette smoke for 8 weeks. After the exposure period, one of the groups remained other 8 weeks in the absence of smoke. Animals not exposed to smoke were used as control. Blood, trachea and lungs were obtained for histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses. ResultsLoss of cilia of the tracheal lining epithelium was found by smoke exposure, but smoking cessation led to recovery of the tracheal epithelium. Similarly, chronically exposed-to-smoke animals showed increased lymphocytes and macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage and higher levels of glucose and gamma-GT in their blood. Reduction of lymphocytes, glucose and gamma-GT occurred after smoking cessation. In addition, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and MCP-1 levels were elevated by smoke exposure. Smoking cessation significantly reduced the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and MCP-1 but increased the IL-10 concentration. Numerous mast cells and macrophages were observed in the lung of chronically exposed-to-smoke animals with reduction by smoking cigarette abstinence. AnxA1 increased expression and concomitant NF-κB reduction were found in the smoking cessation group. ConclusionOur results showed that cigarette abstinence promoted partial recovery of the inflammatory process. The attenuation of the inflammatory profile may be associated with the overexpression of AnxA1 protein.

Insomnia in Alcohol-Dependent Patients: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Acamprosate Effect: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis.

The prevalence of insomnia ranges from 36% to 91% in alcohol-dependent patients and may persist after alcohol withdrawal. Acamprosate has been shown to decrease insomnia in abstinent patients. Based on a large clinical trial database, the aim of the present study is to assess the efficacy of acamprosate in reducing insomnia, and if indeed it does reduce insomnia, to better understand its action mechanism. The aim of the study is to confirm the efficacy of acamprosate to reduce insomnia using an individual patient data meta-analysis. Twelve studies were found including 3508 patients. After a 6-month follow-up, the mean insomnia decrease over baseline was -26% and -45% for the placebo and acamprosate groups, respectively (P < 0.001). An individual patient data meta-analysis selected all the randomized trials of acamprosate in which insomnia was documented. Our main endpoint was insomnia change after a 6-month follow-up, measured by the validated Short Sleep Index (SSI) derived from the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Scale. The meta-analysis was conducted using a two-level multilevel (patient/trial) mixed model with random treatment effect, random study effect and adjusting for baseline severity covariates. Twelve studies were found including 3508 patients, 59.8% of whom were suffering from insomnia (95% CI 58.1-61.4). Psychiatric history, severe addiction, living alone and abnormal gamma-GT levels were found to be the risk factors of insomnia. After 6 months, the mean SSI decrease over baseline was -26% and -45% for placebo and acamprosate, respectively (treatment effect = 19%, 12.5-25.5; P < 0.001). By using a univariate mediation model, we found that the mediating effect of abstinence on insomnia accounted for 55.7% of the overall effect of acamprosate on insomnia reduction. Insomnia is prevalent among alcohol-dependent patients. It decreases spontaneously with abstinence but more frequently with acamprosate treatment.

Ideal cardiovascular health predicts lower risk of abnormal liver enzymes levels in the Chilean National Health Survey (2009-2010).

High levels of gamma glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), as well as fatty liver index (FLI) has been associated with higher cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between gamma-GT, ALT, and fatty liver index FLI levels across a gradient number of ideal cardiovascular health metrics in a representative sample of adults from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009–2010. Data from 1,023 men and 1,449 women (≥ 15 years) from the Chilean Health Survey 2009–2010 were analyzed. Ideal cardiovascular health was defined as meeting ideal levels of the following components: four behaviours (smoking, body mass index, physical activity and diet adherence) and three factors (total cholesterol, blood pressure and fasting glucose). Adults were grouped into three categories according to their number of ideal cardiovascular health metrics: ideal (5–7 metrics), intermediate (3–4 metrics), and poor (0–2 metrics). Blood levels of gamma-GT and ALT were measured and the FLI was calculated. A higher number of ideal cardiovascular health index metric was associated with lower gamma-GT, ALT and FLI (p from trend analysis <0.001). Also, adults meeting at least 3–4 metrics were predicted less likely to have prevalence of abnormal levels of gamma-GT and FLI (p<0.001) compared to adults who met only 0–2 metrics. These findings reinforce the usefulness of the ideal cardiovascular health metrics proposed by the American Heart Association as a tool to identify target subjects and promote cardiovascular health in South-American adults.

Factors associated with long-term survival after liver transplantation: A retrospective cohort study.

AIMTo identify predictive factors associated with long-term patient and graft survival (> 15 years) in liver transplant recipients.METHODSMedical charts of all de novo adult liver transplant recipients (n = 140) who were transplanted in Hamburg between 1997 and 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. In total, 155 transplantations were identified in this time period (15 re-transplantations). Twenty-six orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients were early lost to follow-up due to moving to other places within 1 year after transplantation. All remaining 114 patients were included in the analysis. The following recipient factors were analysed: Age, sex, underlying liver disease, pre-OLT body mass index (BMI), and levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), bilirubin, creatinine and gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT), as well as warm and cold ischemia times. Furthermore, the following donor factors were assessed: Age, BMI, cold ischemia time and warm ischemia time. All surviving patients were followed until December 2014. We divided patients into groups according to their underlying diagnosis: (1) hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 5, 4%); (2) alcohol toxic liver disease (n = 25, 22.0%); (3) primary sclerosing cholangitis (n = 6, 5%); (4) autoimmune liver diseases (n = 7, 6%); (5) hepatitis C virus cirrhosis (n = 15, 13%); (6) hepatitis B virus cirrhosis (n = 21, 19%); and (7) other (n = 35, 31%). The group “other” included rare diagnoses, such as acute liver failure, unknown liver failure, stenosis and thrombosis of the arteria hepatica, polycystic liver disease, Morbus Osler and Caroli disease.RESULTSThe majority of patients were male (n = 70, 61%). Age and BMI at the time point of transplantation ranged from 16 years to 69 years (median: 53 years) and from 15 kg/m2 to 33 kg/m2 (median: 24), respectively. Sixty-six OLT recipients (58%) experienced a follow-up of 15 years after transplantation. Recipient’s age (P = 0.009) and BMI (P = 0.029) were identified as risk factors for death by χ2-test. Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed BMI or age above the median as predictors of decreased long-term survival (P = 0.008 and P = 0.020). Hepatitis B as underlying disease showed a trend for improved long-term survival (P = 0.049, χ2-test, P = 0.055; Kaplan-Meier analysis, Log rank). Pre-transplant bilirubin, creatinine, ALT and gamma-GT levels were not associated with survival in these patients of the pre-era of the model of end stage liver disease.CONCLUSIONThe recipients’ age and BMI were predictors of long-term survival after OLT, as well as hepatitis B as underlying disease. In contrast, donors’ age and BMI were not associated with decreased survival. These findings indicate that recipient factors especially have a high impact on long-term outcome after liver transplantation.

The effect of resveratrol on hypertension: A clinical trial.

The aim of this clinical trial was to investigate the effects of Evelor, a micronized formulation of resveratrol (RESV; 3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), in patients with primary hypertension. RESV is a stilbenoid and phytoalexin produced by several plants in response to injury or attack by pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi. Patients included in the clinical trial were split into the following two groups, based on the severity of their disease: Group A (n=46), stage I hypertension [systolic blood pressure (SBP), 140–159 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure (DBP), 90–99 mmHg] and Group B (n=51), stage II hypertension (SBP, 160–179 mmHg; DBP, 100–109 mmHg). Each group was divided into two subgroups: A1 and B1, patients treated with standard antihypertensive therapy (A1, 10 mg Dapril; B1, 20 mg Dapril), and A2 and B2, patients treated with antihypertensive therapy (Dapril) plus Evelor. The present study aimed to determine the effects of Evelor, in addition to the standard hypertension treatment, and its effect on the hepatic enzymes serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT). Following the trial, which lasted two years (October 2010 to October 2012), the mean blood pressure of both groups lay within the normal range, indicating that blood pressure was efficiently controlled. The results of the present study demonstrate that the addition of RESV to standard antihypertensive therapy is sufficient to reduce blood pressure to normal levels, without the need for additional antihypertensive drugs. In addition, statistical analysis of the results identified a significant reduction in plasma concentration levels of SGPT (P<0.001) and gamma-GT (P<0.001) with the addition of RESV, indicating that RESV prevents liver damage.

Serum Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Activity as a Potential Novel Cardiovascular Biomarker in COPD.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT) is an enzyme present in the cell membranes, which is used as a new biomarker in prediction of inflammation, myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiac death. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum levels of gamma-GT and cardiovascular disease in subjects with COPD and the correlation between serum gamma-GT level and degree of the limitation of air flow in COPD. A total of 70 subjects (46.1%) with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) A-B and normal function of the liver and biliary tract (mean age [IQR] 59 [51.75-70] y; 77.1% men) and 82 subjects (53.9%) with GOLD C-D (mean age [IQR] 59 [56-66] y; 79.3% men) participated. Serum levels of gamma-GT and C-reactive protein were measured and compared between the 2 groups. The serum level of gamma-GT was found to be significantly (P < .001) higher in the GOLD stage C and D group than in the GOLD stage A and B group. Mean values of C-reactive protein, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease was statistically significantly higher in subjects in the GOLD stage C and D group than in the GOLD stage A and B group (P < .001). The serum level of gamma-GT was higher in subjects with COPD with coexisting cardiovascular disease than in those without cardiovascular disease (64 units/L [interquartile range 57-72.5] vs 17.5 units/L [interquartile range 10-25]). Our results demonstrate that serum levels of gamma-GT may be helpful in grading the severity of COPD as the marker of oxidative stress, and there is a strong correlation between high serum levels of gamma-GT and cardiovascular events in subjects with COPD.

Abstract 5259: Prevention of hepatocarcinogenesis in rats by arabinoxylan rice bran, MGN-3/Biobran

Abstract Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common cancers in the world and one of the most lethal. MGN-3/Biobran, derived from rice bran hemicelluloses, has been reported to possess a strong anticancer effect against several neoplasms. In the current study, we examined the protective effect of MGN-3/Biobran against N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats and studied the molecular mechanisms underlying its effect. Materials and Methods: Male albino rats received carcinogen NDEA (200 mg/kg body weight) single dose i.p. plus promoter CCl4 (3 ml/kg b.w.) weekly s.c. for 6 weeks. Another group of rats were treated with MGN-3/Biobran (25mg/Kg b.w.) 5 times/week i.p. for 2 weeks prior to receiving carcinogens and continued for 20 weeks. Tumor incidence, histopathology, body and liver weight, liver marker enzymes, cell cycle progression, cell proliferation and apoptotic-related markers at mRNA and protein expression levels were quantitatively determined. Results: Rats exposed to carcinogens alone showed loss of liver architecture, and proliferative and neoplastic changes. This group also showed marked decrease in body weight, increase in liver weight, and elevation in the levels of hepatic diagnostic markers: serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma GT). In contrast, rats pretreated with MGN-3/ Biobran and subsequently exposed to carcinogens showed significant reduction in liver tumor incidence, marked decrease in the percentage of pre-neoplastic foci in hepatic parenchyma, and inhibition in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. MGN-3/ Biobran treatment also maintained AST, ALT, ALP, and gamma GT levels close to normal values. In addition, MGN-3/Biobran treatment was associated with marked increase in both the cell cycle sub-G0/G1 population and AnnexinV-binding. The molecular studies at mRNA and protein expression levels in the liver tissues demonstrated that MGN-3/ Biobran reversed carcinogen induced suppression in the level of IkappaB-alpha (IκB-α), downregulated the expression of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κBp65) and Bcl2, upregulated the expression of p53, Bax, caspases-3 and markedly increased Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Conclusion: This study concluded that MGN-3/ Biobran inhibited hepatocarcinogenesis induced by NDEA and CCI4 via induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. MGN-3/ Biobran may be a promising chemopreventive agent for liver carcinogenesis. Biobran /MGN-3 was provided by Daiwa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan. Citation Format: Nariman K. Badr El-Din, Doaa A. Ali, Reem Othman, Mamdooh Ghoneum. Prevention of hepatocarcinogenesis in rats by arabinoxylan rice bran, MGN-3/Biobran. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 5259.

Oxygenated Hypothermic Machine Perfusion After Static Cold Storage Improves Hepatobiliary Function of Extended Criteria Donor Livers

The mechanism through which oxygenated hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) improves viability of human extended criteria donor (ECD) livers is not well known. Aim of this study was to examine the benefits of oxygenated HMP after static cold storage (SCS). Eighteen ECD livers that were declined for transplantation underwent ex situ viability testing using normothermic (37 °C) machine perfusion (NMP) after traditional SCS (0 °C-4 °C) for 7 to 9 hours. In the intervention group (n = 6), livers underwent 2 hours of oxygenated HMP (at 12 °C) after SCS and before NMP. Twelve control livers underwent NMP without oxygenated HMP after SCS. During HMP, hepatic ATP content increased greater than 15-fold, and levels remained significantly higher during the first 4 hours of NMP in the HMP group, compared with controls. Cumulative bile production and biliary secretion of bilirubin and bicarbonate were significantly higher after HMP, compared with controls. In addition, the levels of lactate and glucose were less elevated after HMP compared with SCS preservation alone. In contrast, there were no differences in levels of hepatobiliary injury markers AST, ALT, LDH, and gamma-GT after 6 hours of NMP. Hepatic histology at baseline and after 6 hours of NMP revealed no differences in the amount of ischemic necrosis between both groups. Two hours of oxygenated HMP after traditional SCS restores hepatic ATP levels and improves hepatobiliary function but does not reduce (preexisting) hepatobiliary injury in ECD livers.

Role of the receptor tyrosine kinase MER in the development of fibrosis in NAFLD

s / Digestive and Liver Disease 47S (2015) e221–e225 e225 age of these patients was 61 years (SD 12); 53% were female. Compared to HCV patients without steatosis (3347), in patients with steatosis: BMI was ≥25 in 44% vs. 36% (p<0.05) and ≥30 in 18% vs 11% (p=0.05); F4/cirrhosis was present in 28% vs. 32% (p=ns). Among HCV patients with and without steatosis, similar distribution of HCV genotypes, transaminases and gamma GT levels, lipid pattern and other comorbidities were observed. Of 1295 patients with steatosis, in 167 (1.3%) liver biopsy was available and confirmed the NAFLD diagnosis. In this last group of patients the prevalence of diabetes and of cardiovascular disease were higher compared to patients without steatosis (18% vs 11% (p<0.05) and 35% vs 31% p=ns) and to patients with diagnosis of steatosis diagnosed only by US. Conclusion: The single evaluation of US steatosis is not a helpful factor that could predict liver disease progression and/or specific comorbidities. PITER could be a useful cohort in which the role of steatosis could be prospectively evaluated through an additive diagnostic data set. Better definition of NAFLD markers and their validation in the PITER cohort compared to data derived by a dedicated NAFLD/NASH cohort is worth to be addressed. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dld.2015.07.022