Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase Levels Research Articles

Hematological and biochemical changes due to short-term oral administration of imidacloprid

Subacute toxicity of repeated (28 day) oral administration of imidacloprid in male White Leghorn (WLH) chicks was assessed. One hundred and twenty-five birds were divided into five groups, with each group containing 25 birds. The birds of group C1 were given no treatment and served as control. Group C2 was administered groundnut oil (1 ml/kg) and served as control (vehicle). Group I1 was given 1/40th of apparent LD50 (ALD50) (1.25 mg/kg), and group I2 was put on 1/30th of ALD50 (1.67 mg/kg), while group I3 received 1/20th of ALD50 (2.5 mg/kg) of imidacloprid suspended in groundnut oil. The blood samples were collected from birds after 14 and 28 days of oral administration and analyzed for hematological and biochemical parameters. The study showed that hematological parameters [hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocyte count (TEC)] remained unaffected except total leukocyte count which was decreased at the highest dose tested only on 28th day of experiment in birds of group I3. Imidacloprid produced hypoglycemia during the entire period of study, which was dose dependent. Imidacloprid treated birds showed significant increase in serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) level at 14 and 28 days of experiment, while no significant change in serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum total protein, serum total albumin, serum total globulin and serum creatinine was seen.

UJI AKTIVITAS EKSTRAK BUAH MERAH (Pandanus conoideus) SEBAGAI HEPATOPROTEKTOR PADA HATI MENCIT GALUR SWISS YANG DIINDUKSI DENGAN CCl4

Liver is an the important organ, it plays an essential role in maintaining the biological equilibrium of vertebrates. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in pathological changes in the liver. The research has been carried out to know the potential use of buah merah (Pandanus conoideus) extract as hepatoprotrctive agent against CCl4 poisoning in mice. In this study, the hepatoprotective activity was determined by the reduction of SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase) and SGOT (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase) level. Application of buah merah extract significantly (p< 0,05) reduced SGPT and SGOT level. Microscopically, several changes were found, such as severe hydrofic degeneration and necrosis at liver cell that treated by CCl4. Base on histological examination of application of buah merah extract, could inhibit damage and reduced the degeneration and necrosis of liver cell. Keywords: buah merah, SGPT, SGOT, hepatoprotective.

Oxidative stress after living related liver transplantation subsides with time in pediatric patients

Oxidative stress has been suspected to influence graft survival and prognosis in pediatric recipients of living related liver transplantation (LRLT). We determined the oxidative status of pediatric LRLT recipients during their regular outpatient follow-up visits, and looked for a relationship between oxidative status and post-liver transplantation (post-LTx) duration. The study included 43 patients (20 males and 23 females) between the ages of 1.6 and 25.1 years (median 10.7 years) who had undergone LRLT from 5 months to 17.5 years (median 7 years) prior to the study, between the ages of 1.2 and 14.4 years (median 3.5 years). Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), direct bilirubin and choline-esterase were measured as part of the patients' regular follow-up visits. Serum total hydroperoxide (TH) and biological antioxidative potential (BAP) were measured using the free radical analytic system which requires 20 μl of serum and 10 min of processing time for each sample. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated as the ratio of TH to BAP. Serum OSI correlated positively with serum levels of GOT, GPT, LDH, ALP, γ-GTP and direct bilirubin. Serum OSI, TH, LDH, ALP and GOT correlated negatively with post-LTx duration. Serum BAP correlated positively with post-LTx duration. Serum TH correlated positively with serum GOT and γ-GTP, but negatively with serum BAP. (1) The OSI, which can be calculated based on data acquired through a simple outpatient procedure, can serve as an index of our patients' laboratory results and oxidative status. (2) The LRLT recipients in our study were at risk for oxidative stress early in the post-operative period, but this risk subsided with time.

Alleviation of doxorubicin‐induced toxicities by anthocyanin‐rich bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) extract in rats and mice

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract (BE) with highly antioxidative potential against doxorubicin (Dox)-induced toxicity in rat and mouse models. Sprague-Dawley rats treated with Dox (15 mg/kg intraperitoneally) showed marked body weight loss, increased abdominal ascites and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) level, serum and cardiac lipid peroxidation, myocardial histopathological damage, and depletion of cardiac glutathione (GSH). Dietary supplementation with 1% BE significantly reduced serum lipid peroxidation and increased cardiac creatine phosphokinase activity and total GSH level compared with the levels in the Dox control rats (P < 0.05). Serum GOT and cardiac lipid peroxide levels did not change significantly after BE treatment. Morphologic examination revealed that Dox-induced myocardial damage was also significantly suppressed in rats fed with the 1% BE diet. Oral administration of 500 mg/kg of BE for 10 days to mice treated with Dox (10 mg/kg) partially restored the Dox-induced changes by increasing red blood cell and bone marrow cell counts, and hemoglobin level. Although the protective effects of BE were insufficient to completely counteract the toxic effects of Dox, these results suggest that BE supplementation provides moderate protection against Dox-induced cardiac and hematopoietic damage.

Sero diagnosis of dengue activity in an unknown febrile outbreak at the Siliguri Town, District Darjeeling, West Bengal

Objective To investigate the outbreak of unknown fever at Siliguri town, Darjeeling District on request from the State Health Department, Government of West Bengal. Methods Investigations were made to the affected wards, Sub Divisional Hospital and the nursing homes of Siliguri Town. Duration of illness was 3–5 days. Interesting observations were made in some cases which had gastrointestinal disorders with high serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) levels. A total of 69 blood samples and 7 throat swabs (in Minimum Essential Media) were collected and brought to the ICMR Virus Unit, Kolkata for analysis. Mosquitoes from different affected areas were collected for the identification of the definite vector. Results Amongst the 69 blood samples, 42 (60.86%) were positive to IgM antibody against dengue virus by Mac enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. No IgM antibody to Japanese encephalitis virus was detected among the collected blood samples. Based on the clinical symptoms, presence of IgM antibody to dengue virus and identification of Aedes mosquito, it amply proves that, the illness of those cases were due to dengue virus infection. Conclusions Based on clinical-epidemiological observations of the investigations the possibility of a communicable disease of viral origin, the detection of IgM antibody and the identification of Aedes egypti, and the potential circulation of denge virus in Siliguri town for the first time were all suggested.

Posaconazole prophylaxis during induction therapy of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Novel treatment schedules of induction therapy for acute lympoblastic leukaemia (ALL) use combinations of immunosuppressive and cytotoxic drugs that are associated with neutropenia and acquisition of invasive fungal infections. It has been described that posaconazole, a triazole antifungal drug, is active against a variety of Candida and Aspergillus species in vitro. Moreover, large clinical trials using posaconazole in severely immunosuppressed patients provided data on efficacy against Aspergillus in vivo. As patients with ALL are also affected by difficult-to-treat Aspergillus infections, we conducted a pilot study to prove the safety of posaconazole in patients undergoing intensified induction phase treatment. We report on eight patients receiving prophylactic (200 mg t.i.d.) dose of posaconazole and demonstrate good tolerability of the drug. The most obvious side effect was liver toxicity as defined by abnormal serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and bilirubin levels (<CTC grade 3) documented in three of eight patients. However, side effects were not life-threatening and appeared without clear relationship to posaconazole applications. During the study, one patient developed possible aspergillosis of the lung. Therefore, the observations indicate a favourable toxicity profile of posaconazole in ALL therapy. Efficacy of the drug has to be further validated in prospective clinical trials.

The influence of hepatic function on prostate cancer outcomes after radical prostatectomy

Prostate growth is dependent on circulating androgens which can be influenced by hepatic function. Liver disease has been suggested to influence prostate cancer (CaP) incidence. However, the effect of hepatic function on CaP outcomes has not been investigated. A total of 1,181 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) between 1988 and 2008 at four Veterans Affairs hospitals that comprise the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database and had available liver function test (LFT) data were included in the study. Independent associations of LFTs with unfavorable pathological features and biochemical recurrence were determined using logistic and Cox regression analyses. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) levels were elevated in 8.2% and 4.4% of patients, respectively. After controlling for CaP features, logistic regression revealed a significant association between SGOT levels and pathological Gleason sum ≥7(4+3) cancer (odds ratio=2.12; 95% confidence interval=1.11-4.05; p=0.02). Mild hepatic dysfunction was significantly associated with adverse CaP grade but was not significantly associated with other adverse pathological features or biochemical recurrence in a cohort of men undergoing R. The effect of moderate to severe liver disease on disease outcomes in CaP patients managed non-surgically remains to be investigated.

Phase II Study of Paclitaxel and Irinotecan With Intercalated Gefitinib in Patients With Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

We conducted a phase II study of combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel (Pac) and irinotecan (CPT) alternating with gefitinib (Gef) to determine the qualitative and quantitative toxicities and efficacy of this combination against advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with stage IIIB or IV NSCLC were treated with CPT at 60 mg/m2 and Pac at 160 mg/m2 on day 1 followed by Gef at 250 mg per day on days 8 to 14 every 3 weeks. Between April 2005 and March 2006, 16 patients received the chemotherapy with Pac and CPT alternating with Gef. Eleven patients received 4 to 6 cycles, except for 5 patients who discontinued treatment in the second or third cycles because of disease progression in 2, grade 3 pneumonitis with pulmonary infiltration in 2, and decreased performance status in 1. Grade 3 toxicities were neutropenia, an increased glutamic pyruvic transaminase level, allergy, pneumonitis, anorexia, and fatigue. Elevation of the serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase level after 1 cycle was the only grade 4 toxicity. Seven of 16 patients achieved a partial response and the overall response rate in the prospective study was 43.8%. The median survival time was 18.1 months. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 56.3% and 43.8%, respectively. Pac and CPT combined with Gef was not effective enough for NSCLC.

Hepatoprotective activity of LIV-first against carbon tetra chloride-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats

Liver toxicity is a major health problem of worldwide proportions. Herbal medicines derived from plant extracts are being increasingly utilized to treat a wide variety of clinical diseases. In the present study, LIV-first (16.3 mg/kg, p.o.) was used to screen the hepatoprotective activity. Hepatotoxicity was induced in experimental animals by administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) (1 ml/kg, i.p). Silymarin (25 mg/kg,p.o.) was used as the standard. Biochemical parameters like serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and serum bilirubin were measured. Cytotoxicity of CCl4 was estimated by quantitating the release of malondialdehyde. The activity of tissue antioxidant enzymes namely superoxide dismutase, catalase and the level of total protein and glutathione were also measured. Histopathological evaluation of liver sections was also done. CCl4 administration in rats elevated the levels of SGPT, SGOT, ALP and bilirubin. Administration of LIV-first significantly (P,0.01) prevented this increase. The activity of anti-oxidant enzymes in carbon tetrachloride CCl4-treated group was decreased and these enzyme levels were significantly (P,0.05) increased in LIV-first-treated groups. Histopathological studies revealed that the concurrent administration of CCl4 with the extract exhibited protection of the liver tissue, which further evidenced the above results. The study confirmed the hepatoprotective activity of LIV-first, which may be attributed to its antioxidant property. Key words: Hepatoprotective activity, LIV- first Albino rats, carbon tetrachloride, LIV- first, silymarin

Effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Trianthema portulacastrum L. On aflatoxin induced hepatic damage in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the ethanolic leaf extract of Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Family: Aizoaceae) on aflatoxin induced hepatic damage in rats. Aflatoxin intoxication in rats significantly (p < 0.001) elevated the levels of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin, which indicated acute hepatocellular damage and biliary obstruction. Ethanolic leaf extract of T. portulacastrum showed dose dependent decrease in the levels of SGPT, SGOT, ALP and total bilirubin. Minimum effective dose of extract was found to be 100 mg/kg body weight. Results obtained from histopathological studies also supported hepatoprotective activity against aflatoxin-induced hepatotoxicity. Thus the study demonstrates that T. portulacastrum possess antihepatotoxic effect against aflatoxin.

Small Interfering RNA Targeting Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) Reinforces Liver Apoptosis Induced by Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury in Mice: HO-1 Is Necessary for Cytoprotection

We have shown that overexpression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) prevents the liver inflammation response leading to ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI). This study was designed to explore the precise function and mechanism of HO-1 cytoprotection in liver IRI by employing a small interfering RNA (siRNA) that effectively suppresses HO-1 expression both in vitro and in vivo. Using a partial lobar liver warm ischemia model, mice were injected with HO-1 siRNA/nonspecific control siRNA or Ad-HO-1/Ad-beta-gal. Those treated with HO-1 siRNA showed increased serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase levels, significant liver edema, sinusoidal congestion/cytoplasmic vacuolization, and severe hepatocellular necrosis. In contrast, Ad-HO-1-pretreated animals revealed only minimal sinusoidal congestion without edema/vacuolization or necrosis. Administration of HO-1 siRNA significantly increased local neutrophil accumulation and the frequency of apoptotic cells. Mice treated with HO-1 siRNA were characterized by increased caspase-3 activity and reduced HO-1 expression, whereas those given Ad-HO-1 showed decreased caspase-3 activity and increased HO-1/Bcl-2/Bcl-x(L), data confirmed by use of an in vitro cell culture system. Thus, by using an siRNA approach this study confirms that HO-1 provides potent cytoprotection against hepatic IRI and regulates liver apoptosis. Indeed, siRNA provides a powerful tool with which to study gene function in a wide range of liver diseases.

Hepatoprotective Activity of Cardiospermum helicacabum Stem Extracts Against Carbontetrachloride-induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats

Natural remedies from medicinal plants are considered to be effective and safe alternative treatments for liver toxicity. Our aim was to demonstrate the hepatoprotective effect of various extracts of Cardiospermum helicacabum (sapindaceae) stem. The various extracts of stem in arachis oil were administered orally for 7 days and the hepatoprotective activity was studied in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage model in male wistar rats. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters like serum bilirubin, protein, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) along with histopathological studies of liver tissue. There was a significant increase in serum levels of bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT and ALP with a decrease in total protein level, in the CCl4 treated animals, reflecting liver injury. In the stem extracts treated animals there was a decrease in serum levels of the markers and significant increase in total protein, indicating the recovery of hepatic cells. These biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathalogical examination of liver section. The effects of extracts were compared with standard drug silymarin. The ethyl acetate stem extract (400mg/kg) of Cardiospermum helicacabum afforded significant protection against CCl4 induced hepatocellular injury compared to all extracts.

Free radical scavenging activity ofCalotropisgiganteaon streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Swarnabhasma, an Ayurvedic preparation containing Calotropis gigantea R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) is extensively used by Ayurvedic physicians for treatment of diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and nervous disorders. In the present study, we report the effect of chloroform extracts of Calotropis gigantea leaf and flower on free radical scavenging activity, and lipid profile in streptozotozin-induced diabetic rats. The lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were measured in liver homogenate and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lipid profile were measured in blood serum. Administration of single dose of streptozotozin (55 mg/kg, i.p.) caused significant increases in lipid peroxidation, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while superoxide dismutase and catalase levels were significantly decreased. Further, administration of chloroform extracts of Calotropis gigantea leaf and flower to streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats at a dose of 10, 20 and 50 mg/kg orally for 27 d lead to a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Consequently, superoxide dismutase and catalase levels were significantly increased. Glibenclamide was used as a positive control (10 mg/kg). It was observed that the effect of chloroform extracts of Calotropis gigantea on alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, superoxide dismutase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, levels are comparable to that of those produced by the positive control.

Hepatoprotective activity of Eugenia jambolana Lam. in carbon tetrachloride treated rats.

Objective:To estimate the hepatoprotective effects of the methanolic seed extract of Eugenia jambolana Lam. (Myrtaceae), in Wistar albino rats treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).Materials and Methods:Liver damage in rats treated with CCl4 (1ml/kg/Bw, administered subcutaneously, on alternate days for one week) was studied by assessing parameters such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP) and bilirubin (total and direct). The effect of co-administration of Eugenia jambolana Lam. (doses 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p. o.) on the above parameters was investigated. These biochemical observations were supplemented by weight and histological examination of liver sections. Liv.52® was used as positive control. Data were analyzed by one way ANOVA, followed by Scheff's/Dunnett's test.Results:Administration of Eugenia jambolana Lam. (doses 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p. o.) significantly prevented carbon tetrachloride induced elevation of serum SGOT, SGPT, ALP, ACP and bilirubin (total and direct) level. Histological examination of the liver section revealed hepatic regeneration, after administration of various doses of Eugenia jambolana Lam. The results were comparable to that of Liv.52®.Conclusion:The study suggests preventive action of Eugenia jambolana Lam. in carbon tetrachloride induced liver toxicity. Hepatic cell regeneration process was dose dependent.

Protective effects of Flacourtia indica aerial parts extracts against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxiciy in rats

The petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the aerial parts of Flacourtia indica (Burm. f.) Merr., were evaluated for hepato-protective properties. In paracetamol-induced hepatic necrosis in rat models, all extracts were found to reduce serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP). The most significant reduction of the serum level of SGOT and SGPT were exhibited by petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts at a single oral of dose of 1.5 g/kg of body weight with a reduction of 29.0% SGOT & 24.0% SGPT level by petroleum ether extract, and 10.57% SGOT & 6.7% SGPT level by ethyl acetate extract compared to paracetamol (3 g/kg of body weight) treated animals. Histopathological examination also showed good recovery of paracetamol-induced necrosis by petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts. On the other hand, the methanol extract obtained by successive cold extraction did not show any remarkable effect on paracetamol-induced hepatic necrosis. The hepatoprotective effects exhibited by petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extract might be mediated through the inhibition of microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes.

Anti-hepatotoxic activity of cichotyboside, a sesquiterpene glycoside from the seeds of Cichorium intybus

The seeds of Cichorium intybus L. (Asteraceae) afforded a new guaianolide sesquiterpene glycoside, cichotyboside, which was characterized as 2α, 6β, 7β, 15-tetrahydroxy-1 (10), 4 (5)-diene-guaian-9α, 12-olide-7-O-β-caffoyl-15-O-β-D-glucoside (1) by means of spectral methods. Cichotyboside (1) exhibited a significant anti-hepatotoxic activity against CCl4 induced toxicity in Wistar rats, wherein it reduced the elevated levels of liver enzymes such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) by 52 units/ml; SGPT 38 units/ml; ALKP 24.97 units/ml and 7.54 g/dl, 5.48 g/dl increase in total protein and albumin, respectively. It was observed that cichotyboside (1) decreased the level of ALKP comparable with that of standard drug silymarin, exhibiting an 88% decrease in comparison to silymarin (92%) and increased the level of total albumin 85% in comparison to silymarin (89%) against intoxicated control. Whereas, the levels of SGOT and SGPT were also decreased considerably in comparison to standard and intoxicated control.

Oral lichen planus in relation to transaminase levels and hepatitis C virus

Elevation of transaminase levels was reported earlier in patients with oral lichen planus. The association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) and lichen planus had given positive and negative results. The controversies and uncertainties regarding the association of HCV and the liver function status (transaminase levels) in oral lichen planus inspired us to conduct this study. This study was performed on 40 patients with different types of oral lichen planus as a study group and 40 healthy cases as control group. All patients were subjected to routine blood test and urine analysis and the estimation of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) levels. The values of SGOT and SGPT levels < or =40 IU / l were considered within normal limits. Anti-HCV titer was estimated in all cases. Fourteen patients (35%) with oral lichen planus had diabetes mellitus, while six (15%) cases of the control group had diabetes mellitus (P = 0.04). Regarding SGOT and SGPT levels, it was elevated in 19 cases (47.5%) and in 4 cases (10%) of the study group and control group, respectively (P = 0.0002). In relation to the type of oral lichen planus, out of 15 erosive cases, 80% (12 cases) showed elevated SGOT/SGPT levels. Out of 25 non-erosive cases, 7 (28%) patients showed elevated SGOT/SGPT levels (P < 0.01). Anti-HCV titer was negative in all cases. We can conclude that diabetes mellitus and elevated transaminase levels might be related to the development of oral lichen planus lesions. There is a strong association between elevated SGOT/SGPT levels and detection of erosive type of such lesions. However, no correlation between oral lichen planus and HCV infection could be assessed in the present study.

Antihyperglycemic Property ofTragia cannabinain Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

The present study was performed to investigate the efficacy of an ethanol extract of the roots of Tragia cannabina for antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were administered T. cannabina (250 mg/kg) orally for 21 days, and blood glucose level was measured weekly. At the end of 21 days, concentrations of serum lipids such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and protein markers such as total protein, albumin, globulin, and albumin:globulin ratio (A:G) were estimated. Also, levels of enzymes such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined. Antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated by estimating lipid peroxides (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase in liver of normal control and STZ- and extract-treated rats. Histopathological changes of liver and kidney were also studied in STZ-induced diabetic animals and normal controls. All these effects produced by the extract were compared with glibenclamide, a standard antidiabetic drug. Oral administration of T. cannabina for 21 days resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose level, lipid concentration, and SGOT, SGPT, ALP, and LPO levels accompanied by an increase in the levels of SOD and catalase in liver tissues of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Altered levels of protein markers also reverted back to normal. Histopathological changes of liver and kidney were returned to normal. The effects produced by the extract were comparable to that of glibenclamide. In conclusion, the T. cannabina showed significant antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Supplementation of taurine and β-cyclodextrin to mice administered ethanol restores lipid metabolism and damaged liver

In this study we investigated the effects of taurine and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) supplementation on lipid metabolism and hepatic cell damage in mice administered with ethanol. The supplemented mice consisted of a control (CO) group, an ethanol (AL) group, and an ethanol + taurine + β-CD (ATB) group. The ethanol (45 g/L) and/or taurine (76.5 mg/L) + β-CD (153 mg/L) treatments were administered for 6 months via the drinking water. At the termination of the treatment period the following measurements were made: serum and hepatic lipids, serum enzymes, and the extent of hepatic lipid peroxidation. The serum total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels were higher in the AL group than in the CO and ATB groups. In the ATB group, there were significant decreases in total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels, as well as a slight decrease in the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Hepatic triacylglycerol and malondialdehyde levels were higher in the AL group than in the CO and ATB groups. Furthermore, the ATB group had significant decreases in hepatic triacylglycerol and malondialdehyde levels. The serum levels of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase were higher in the AL group than in the CO group. The ATB group had significant decreases in glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and the liver damage index, as well as slight decreases of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase. These data suggest that the combined supplementation of taurine and β-CD improves and restores lipid metabolism and liver cell damage in mice with ethanol-induced injuries.

Viral Interleukin-10 Gene Transfer Prevents Liver Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury: Toll-Like Receptor-4 and Heme Oxygenase-1 Signaling in Innate and Adaptive Immunity

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) contributes to early and late dysfunction of liver transplants. We have shown that sentinel Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) plays a key role in the activation of T cell immune responses during hepatic IRI. We have also documented that overexpression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) exerts potent cytoprotective effects. This study analyzes how adenovirus (Ad)-based viral interleukin-10 (vIL-10) gene transfer affects TLR4 and HO-1 signaling in host innate and adaptive immunity during liver IRI. Using a partial lobar warm IRI model, groups of wild-type and HO-1(+/-) knockout (KO) mice were assessed for severity of hepatocellular damage after 90 min of warm ischemia followed by 6 hr of reperfusion. Both wild-type and HO-1 (+/-) KO mice treated with Ad-vIL-10 have shown improved hepatic function (serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase levels), ameliorated histological signs of IRI (Suzuki's score), decreased neutrophil accumulation (myeloperoxidase activity), and depressed tumor necrosis factor-alpha/IL-1beta, IL-2/interferon-gamma, E-selectin, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 expression. These effects were IL-10 dependent as treatment with neutralizing antibody re-created liver IRI. In contrast, untreated wild-type and HO-1 (+/-) KO mice, as well as wild-type and HO-1 (+/-) KO mice treated with Ad-beta-Gal, showed severe hepatocellular damage due to IRI. Unlike in controls, wild-type and HO-1 (+/-) KO mice treated with Ad-vIL-10 revealed markedly depressed TLR4 and NF-kappaB expression, along with increased HO-1 and Bcl-2/Bcl-x(L) expression, as compared with respective controls. Thus, vIL-10 gene transfer prevents hepatic IRI in association with depressed expression of innate TLR4, and adaptive Th1 cytokine/chemokine programs. The induction of antioxidant HO-1 and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2/Bcl-x(L) by vIL-10 exerts synergistic cytoprotective function against antigen-independent hepatic inflammatory response triggered by IRI.