Liver Alkaline Phosphatase Research Articles

Sclerosing Cholangitis with Ulcerative Colitis after Bariatric Surgery

Introduction: 48 years old Iraqi female presented in 2012 with 4 months upper abdominal pain with elevation of the liver enzymes and arthralgia, 1 year after sleeve gastrectomy for obesity with 25 kg weight loss. Labeled as auto immune hepatitis and was started on prednisolone 20 mg and azathioprine 100 mg, attended our center for second opinion. Her past history was impressive for gestational diabetes and ulcerative colitis diagnosed before 15 years and treated for 1 year with remission. Strong family history of diabetes including father, mother, brothers, and her uncle has ulcerative colitis. Investigations: Showed high liver enzymes, ALT 159, AST 286, ALP 455 and GGT 378, high eosinophil count. Imaging showed fatty liver with mild dilatation of the biliary system but CT scan, MRI, MRCP were not conclusive. ERCP showed features of sclerosing cholangitis with dominant stricture right hepatic duct, brushing and biopsy showed inflammatory changes. Colonoscopy showed pan colitis with ileal involvement, biopsy showed colitis with eosinophilic infiltration. She was treated with mesalazine, ursodiol, prednisolone and azathioprine. Regular follow over 4 years showed normal liver enzymes and last colonoscopy was reported as normal. Conclusion: A patient developed elevated liver enzymes after sleeve gastrectomy for obesity. Imaging and endoscopies showed typical sclerosing cholangitis with dominant right hepatic bile duct stricture, colonoscopy showed pan colitis with high eosinophilic infiltration. The problem was the evaluation of the dominant stricture and the exclusion of malignancy.

Hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic activities of a oleanolic acid derivative from Malva parviflora on streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

One new oleanolic acid derivative, 2α,3β,23α,29α tetrahydroxyolean-12(13)-en-28-oic acid (1) was isolated from the aerial parts of Malva parviflora. Their structure was characterized by spectroscopic methods. The hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic activities of 1 was analyzed in in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetes in mice (MD) and type 1 diabetes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice (SD). Triterpene was administered orally at doses of 20mg/kg for 4weeks. Organ weight, body weight, glucose, fasting insulin, cholesterol-related lipid profile parameters, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum alkaline phosphatase (SALP), glucokinase, hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphatase activities and glycogen in liver were measured after 4weeks of treatment. The results indicated that 1 regulate glucose metabolism, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, increased body weight, glucokinase and hexokinase activities inhibited triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins level, SGOT, SGPT, SALP, glycogen in liver and glucose-6-phosphatase. In addition, improvement of insulin resistance and protective effect for pancreatic β-cells, also 1 may changes the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6 and TNF-α levels) and enzymes (PAL2, COX-2, and LOX). The results suggest that 1 has hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, activities, improve insulin resistance and hepatic enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

EFFECTS OF RESVERATROL ON LIVER FUNCTION OF OBESE FEMALE WISTAR RATS

Abstract Resveratrol has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lipolytic, and antifibrotic properties, which may be useful in supplementation of obese patients and with liver problems. This study evaluated the effects of 6-week resveratrol supplementation on the lipid profile and liver function of female Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet to induce obesity. Sixty-four Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 16): the control group (C); the control obese group (CO); the resveratrol group (R); and the resveratrol obese group (RO). At the end of the experiment, the animals were anesthetized for blood collection and subsequent euthanasia for collection of liver biopsy. The parameters for body weight, liver weight, retroperitoneal fat weight, serum lipid and liver profiles and histopathological analysis were evaluated. The 6-week resveratrol administration did not induce weight loss nor did it reduce the lipid profile; however, it decreased the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and reduced the incidence of steatosis (75.0%) in group RO compared with group CO (81.2%). Thus, we concluded that resveratrol supplementation for the short period of six weeks had a beneficial effect on liver function by reducing hepatic steatosis and the liver enzymes AST and ALP in obese female rats.

Subclinical change of liver function could also provide a clue on prognosis for patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

Whether subclinical change of liver function is associated with outcome of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage remains to be an open question. A total of 639 patients of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage within 7days from stroke onset were finally enrolled. Liver function indicators, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin (BIL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), albumin (ALB), and international normalized ratio (INR), werecollected and collapsed into quartiles. The main outcomes were 30-day death, 90-day death, and 90-day poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6). Two adjusted model, Model 1 and Model 2 (Model 1 plus GCS score), were established to identify independent association between liver function indicators and ICH outcomes. The mortality rate was 19.9% (127/639) at 30days and 21.3% (136/639) at 90days. Rate of 90-day poor outcome was 51.5% (329/639). Among liver function indicators, AST and ALP were associated with all the three outcomes, which did not alter significantly when adjusted by Model 1. After adjusted by Model 2, ALP was still associated with outcomes. Association between AST and outcomes was, however, weakened significantly by GCS score. In conclusions, among liver function indicators, AST and ALP were associated with outcomes after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

Alterations in the general condition, biochemical parameters and locomotor activity in Cnesterodon decemmaculatus exposed to commercial formulations of chlorpyrifos, glyphosate and their mixtures

The Pampean region, an extensive area of South America is continuously impacted by agricultural activities and the pesticides related to them like chlorpyrifos and glyphosate. Both pesticides have been registered in freshwater bodies of the region. One of the most abundant and widely distributed fish species in Pampean streams is Cnesterodon decemmaculatus, which have to cope with this altered scenario.In the present study the toxicity of Clorfox® and Roundup Max®, the commercial formulations of chlorpyrifos and glyphosate, respectively, and their mixture where evaluated using a set of biomarkers at different biological organization levels in fish exposed to relevant environmentally pesticides concentrations. Somatic indexes such as the condition factor (K), and the hepato-somatic index (HSI), the locomotor activity through the distance traveled and the average speed, the enzymatic activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in brain and muscle, catalase (CAT) in muscle and liver, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in brain, liver, muscle and gills, aspartate amino-transferase (AST), alanine amino-transferase (ALT), AST/ALT ratio and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in liver were measured on C. decemmaculatus. Adult females were exposed during 6 weeks to the following concentrations: 0.0084μl/l and 0.00084μl/l of Clorfox (CF), 0.2 and 2mg/l of Roundup Max (RM) and all the combinations of these concentrations. The CF exposure caused a decrease in the condition factor and in the locomotor activity parameters and induced an increase brain AChE, liver CAT activity and AST/ALT ratio. On the other hand, the exposure to RM produced a decrease in liver GST, AST/ALT ratio and ALP activity. Finally, some pesticide combinations decrease general condition and liver GST activities, and increase brain GST and liver ALP activities. Different responses in biomarkers were observed in mixtures treatments, reflecting the complex interactions between these toxics and suggesting a suppressive action of RM on CF effects.Since the concentrations we tested are environmentally relevant and the overall fish health condition was affected, the presence of these pesticides in freshwater systems could impose a risk for populations by causing deleterious effects on C. decemmaculatus in Pampean region.

Effects of shilajit on the bone tissue of alcohol administered rats

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of Shilajit; a herbomineral, supplementation on the mechanical strength of alcohol treated rat bone. Methods: Experimental animals each were assigned to six groups: group A(control): control rats were given water orally for a period of ten weeks; group B (treated): Animals were given processed shilajit (PS; 100mg/kg/day); group C (treated): Animals were given processed shilajit (PS; 200mg/kg/day); group D: animals were given 30% alcohol; group E: animals were given 30% alcohol and shilajit (100mg/kg/day) orally; group F: animals were given 30% alcohol and shilajit (200mg/kg/day) orally for ten weeks. Bone tissue mechanical strength along with bone weight, liver antioxidative enzymes and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assessed for all the treatment groups. Results: Mechanical strength of the bone tissue (both femur as well as tibia) was found to be significantly enhanced upon shilajit supplementation to alcohol treated group. Also, the activities of anti oxidant enzymes and alkaline phosphatase in the liver of alcohol administered groups were restored upon shilajit administration. Conclusion: These findings suggest that shilajit is very efficacious and competent in the maintenance of bone health.

Membrane stabilizing evaluation of non- polar and polar fractions from Trigonella foenum-graecum (Linn.)in arthritic rats

Objective: The present study was aimed to assess the anti-arthritic activity of petroleum ether and n-butanolic fraction of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Linn.) seed extract against Freund’s complete adjuvant induced arthritis in rats. Materials and Methods: Methanolic extract of T. foenum-graecum (Linn.) seeds were fractionated in various organic solvents and on the basis of results of in vitro protein denaturation and proteinase inhibitory activity (data not shown here), petroleum ether and n-butanolic fractions were selected for anti-arthritic activity. The active petroleum ether and n-butanolic fraction were administered at the dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight. The effects of both fractions on liver alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase levels and malondialdehyde, glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) from articular cartilages in arthritic animals were studied. Prednisolone (10 mg/kg) was used as a standard. Results: In arthritic rats, the petroleum ether and n-butanolic fraction showed a highly significant reduction in paw volume (100 mg/kg - 68.37 and 75.21%) (P<0.01, 0.001). Membrane marker enzymes and oxidative free radicals were significantly decreased in the both fraction treated groups and GSH and SOD activities were significantly increased compared with the arthritic control. Among these two active fractions, n-butanolic fraction showed best activity as compared to petroleum ether fraction. Conclusion: The n-butanolic fraction of T. foenum-graecum (Linn.) seed extract significantly reduced the level of antioxidant enzymes as well as membrane stabilizing markers. The possible mechanism may be due to both stabilizing actions of membrane marker enzymes or inhibition of oxidative free radicals

Fortification of alcoholic beverages (12% v/v) with tea (Camellia sinensis) reduces harmful effects of alcohol ingestion and metabolism in mouse model

BackgroundAn animal model was used to study the health benefits inherent in tea fortified alcoholic beverages fed to laboratory mice.ObjectivesAn investigation of the effects of tea fortified alcoholic beverages 12%...

Correlation of secretory phospholipase-A2 activity and fatty acids in cerebrospinal fluid with liver enzymes tests

Introduction: The aim was to determine whether secretory phospholipase-A2 (sPLA2) activity and fatty acids in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are correlated with liver enzymes tests. Methods: CSF and serum samples were collected from 49 patients (age 18-65) as part of routine diagnostic testing. Along with serum liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the fatty acid composition of CSF was measured by gas liquid chromatography. CSF enzyme activities of sPLA2 were measured using the standard assay with diheptanoyl thio-phosphatidylcholin as substrate. Results: The saturated fatty acids (SFAs) including palmitic acid and stearic acid were positively, and the unsaturated fatty acids including oleic acid and linoleic acid were negatively correlated with liver enzymes tests. In regression analysis with adjustment for body mass index (BMI), the elevated liver enzymes tests were positively associated with activity of sPLA2 (β > 0.31, P 0.38, P < 0.010) and negatively with total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) (β < -0.40, P < 0.001) contents of CSF. Conclusion: CSF activity of sPLA2 and fatty acids may be linked to peripheral markers of liver function, suggesting an indirect impact of central fatty acids on hepatocytes function and metabolism.

Safety Evaluation of Aqueous Extract of Garcinia Kola Seeds in Male Wistar Rats

Background: Garcinia kola seed is consumed indiscriminately in Nigeria without recourse to its potential toxicity. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the toxicity of the aqueous extract of G. kola seeds on selected tissues of male rats. Methods: Thirty male rats (215.00 ± 18.58 g) were assigned into four groups: A, B, C and D which received 0.5 ml of distilled water, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively, once daily for 7 days. Biochemical indices of organ damage and toxicity were determined using standard methods. Results: The extract significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased the testes-body weight ratio, activities of testicular alkaline phosphatase (ALP), heart, testes and serum gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity, serum concentrations of uric acid, K+, creatinine and PO43-. The liver-body weight ratio, activities of kidney and serum ALP, liver, heart and serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (ALT and AST), serum and testicular acid phosphatase (ACP), concentrations of serum albumin, globulin, urea, Na+ , HCO3-, conjugated and total bilirubin were reduced. The heart- and kidney-body weight ratios and liver ALP were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) altered. Conclusion: The treatment related alterations in the present study indicates that the aqueous extract of G. kola seeds at the doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight caused functional toxicity to the organs of the animals and thus not safe as an oral remedy.

In Vivo Anti-diabetic and Biological Activities of Milk Protein and Milk Protein Hydrolyaste

The effect of milk protein (MP) and milk protein hydrolysate (MPH) as Anti-diabetic agent were investigated in vivo using six groups of normal and type 2 diabetic rats. The results of this study showed that the treatments of diabetic rats by oral intake of MP or MPH significantly reduced the concentrations of plasma glucose, total lipids of blood plasma, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL in rat plasma. Also, the treatments of diabetic rats by oral intake of MP or MPH significantly increased the globulin value and HDL, while the concentration of urea, creatinine and bilirubin were reduced. In addition, oral intake of MPH has no affective on acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities in blood plasma and liver of normal rats and protective its concentrations in diabetic rats. The present results concluded that MP and MPH could be used as anti-diabetic agents.

Patho-physiological studies on the Reverse Effect of Curcumin (Curcuma longa, Zingiberaceae) and Ursofalk (Ursodeoxycholic acid) against the Toxicity of Carbon Tetrachloride on Albino Rats

This study, was established five groups of albino rats to determine the therapeutic effect of Curcuma longa and ursofalk against the toxicity of CC14 in liver and kidney. Group (1) was received orally NaCl 0.9% and used as a normal group. Group (2) was injected intraperitoneal (i.p.) with CCl4 (1 ml/kg), 3 times weekly, for 2 weeks. Group (3) was given orally Ursofalk (100 mg/kg per body weight), group (4) was given orally Curcuma longa (100 mg/kg body weight) and group (5) was given the same doses of Ursofalk plus Curcuma longa for 30 days respectively, post-injected intraperitoneal (i.p.) with CCl4 (1 ml/kg) 3 times weekly, for 2 weeks. Two blood samples were collected, for hematological and biochemical parameters. Specimens from liver and kidney were collected for histopathological examination. Group (2) revealed a highly significant decrease in total RBCs, platelets, Hb and PCV, serum uric acid, albumin, glucose, HDL-cholesterol, besides catalase, GSH, SOD activities in liver tissue, while WBCs, serum ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT, creatinine, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol levels, besides Malondialdehyde and Nitric Oxide levels in liver tissue showed a highly significant increase. Meanwhile, groups (3, 4 and 5) displayed reverse effect in all parameters and return to normal. The histological results displayed inflammation with necrosis and degenerative changes in group (2), while remain groups showed mild changes particularly in group (5). It could be concluded that CCl4 induced destruction in liver and kidney, which showed a clear improvement by using of Ursofalk and Curcuma longa as treatment.

The effect of Plant by-products on liver functions and plasma glucose in rats fed a high fat diet induced obesity.

The present study examined the effects of dietary supplementation of four plant by-products (potato peel, cauliflower leaves, onion skin, and mango peel) in therapeutic nutrition through evaluating the effectiveness of these plant by-products mixed in bread in modulating obesity parameters using obese rat model. All (35) adult male rats, 150 ±10g, rats were fed on basal diet for one week before starting the experiment for acclimatization. After one week period, the rats were divided into two main groups, the first group: Group(-) , 5 rats still fed on basal diet and the other main group (30 rats) was feed with diet-induced obesity (DIO) for 4 weeks which classified into sex sub groups as follow: Group (+): fed on DIO as a positive control Group (PPP), fed on DIO containing 5 % PPP, Group (CLP), fed on DIO containing 5 % CLP ,Group (ROSP), fed on DIO containing 5 % ROSP, Group (MPP), fed on DIO containing 5 % MPP, Group (Mixture): fed on DIO containing 5 % mixture, PPP + CLP+ ROSP + MPP by equal parts. At the end of the experimental period (4 weeks) blood was collected then glucose and liver and functions were determined in the serum. The results indicated that supplementation of the rat diets with 5% w/w by PPP, CLP, ROSP, MPP and their mixture induced significant decreasing on serum glucose concentrations liver AST, ALT and ALP activities. * PPP, potato peel powder, CLP; cauliflower leaves powder; ROSP, red onion skin powder; MPP, mango peel powder and Mixture, PPP + CLP+ ROSP + MPP by equal parts.

ROLE OF PUMPKIN SEEDS ON HEPATORENAL DYSFUNCTION INDUCED BY AZATHIOPRINE IN ADULT MALE ALBINO RATS

Background: Pumpkin contains several phyto-constituents belonging to the categories of alkaloids, flavonoids, and palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. Various important medicinal properties including anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and others have been well documented. Azathioprine (AZA), known as Imuran is animmunosuppressive drug. It is widely used in many diseases. A major drawback is the occurrence of side-effects, especially hepatorenal dysfunction. Objective: Assessing the association between the daily oral dose of pumpkin supplementation as a strategy for amelioration of the side-effects of AZA on liver functions, renal functions and some inflammatory markers and tumour necrosis factor-α. Material and Methods: Twenty four adult male albino rats, weighing 150–180 g, were used. They were divided into four equal groups: Group I (control), group II treated with (4 ml/kg. b. wt.) of pumpkin seeds oil per day for four weeks by oral gavage, group III were injected intraperitoneally with AZA (10mg/kg b. wt.) 3 times with an interval of 48 h in between, and group IV was treated by oral gavages with 4 ml/kg. b. wt of pumpkin seeds oil for ten consecutive days followed by AZA treatment i.p. at dose 10 mg/kg b. wt. 3 times with an interval of 48 h in between, after which pumpkin seeds oil administration alone was continued for another 2 weeks. Serum ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, CRP and TNF-α were detected. Results: Pumpkin seeds oil supplementation with AZA treatment significantly decreased the levels of serum liver transaminases (ALT and AST), ALP and total bilirubin in addition to serum urea, creatinine as well as CRP and TNF-α compared to AZA group. Conclusions: Pumpkin seeds oil has the ability to ameliorate the biochemical pathways of the side-effects of AZA on liver and kidney.

Glycation Contributes to Interaction Between Human Bone Alkaline Phosphatase and Collagen Type I.

Bone is a biological composite material comprised primarily of collagen type I and mineral crystals of calcium and phosphate in the form of hydroxyapatite (HA), which together provide its mechanical properties. Bone alkaline phosphatase (ALP), produced by osteoblasts, plays a pivotal role in the mineralization process. Affinity contacts between collagen, mainly type II, and the crown domain of various ALP isozymes were reported in a few in vitro studies in the 1980s and 1990s, but have not attracted much attention since, although such interactions may have important implications for the bone mineralization process. The objective of this study was to investigate the binding properties of human collagen type I to human bone ALP, including the two bone ALP isoforms B1 and B2. ALP from human liver, human placenta and E. coli were also studied. A surface plasmon resonance-based analysis, supported by electrophoresis and blotting, showed that bone ALP binds stronger to collagen type I in comparison with ALPs expressed in non-mineralizing tissues. Further, the B2 isoform binds significantly stronger to collagen type I in comparison with the B1 isoform. Human bone and liver ALP (with identical amino acid composition) displayed pronounced differences in binding, revealing that post-translational glycosylation properties govern these interactions to a large extent. In conclusion, this study presents the first evidence that glycosylation differences in human ALPs are of crucial importance for protein-protein interactions with collagen type I, although the presence of the ALP crown domain may also be necessary. Different binding affinities among the bone ALP isoforms may influence the mineral-collagen interface, mineralization kinetics, and degree of bone matrix mineralization, which are important factors determining the material properties of bone.

Hepatotoxic Assessment of Co-treatment with Isoniazid and Efavirenz in Albino Rats

This study comparatively investigated the toxicological effects of treatment with efavirenz, isoniazid and efavirenz-isoniazid (EFV- INH) combination on liver function parameters and histology of adult male albino rats. Animals used in this study were divided into five (5) groups A-E of sixteen (16) animals each. Animals in group A (placebo control) were treated with water while animals in group B (solvent control) were treated with arachis oil orally. Animals in groups C-E were treated orally with 15mg/kg of INH, 10mg/kg of EFV and a combination of INH- EFV for 2-8 weeks respectively. At the end of drug therapy, serum was extracted from centrifuged blood sample and evaluated for alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total and conjugated bilirubin. Animals were sacrificed and liver was harvested, weighed and evaluated for histopathological changes. Effects produced by co-treatment with EFV-INH on absolute liver weight, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, conjugated and total bilirubin were insignificant (p>0.05) when compared to effects produced by treatment with individual doses of EFV and INH. Histopathological evaluation of the liver of animals treated with EFV-INH combination showed vascular congestion, inflammation of parenchyma and hepatocytes degeneration. These results show that co- therapy with EFV-INH in patients with human immunodeficiency virus /tuberculosis co-infection may not be associated with synergistic hepatotoxicity.

Histological, Ultrastructural and Physiological Studies on the Effect of Different Kinds Of Energy Drinks on the Liver Of Wistar Albino Rat

Three kinds of energy drinks (Power horse, Red bull and Code red) were used to study their histological, ultrastructural and physiological effects on Wistar albino rat liver. Forty male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 was the control, while Groups 2, 3 and 4 were each orally administered with a type of the energy drinks daily for 4 weeks. After two and four weeks of treatment, five animals from each group were killed and dissected. The liver was removed, cut and fixed quickly to carry out light and electron microscopic preparations. Blood samples were collected from each rat via Cardiac puncture method for enzyme determination. The histopathological and ultrastructural results indicated mild hepatotoxicity of Power horse, Red bull and Code red. The alterations in liver ultrastructure were almost similar to each other; however the necrotic areas and the pyknotic nuclei were more obvious in Power horse and Red bull than that of Code red. Moreover, the present study showed that the energy drinks induced an elevation of liver enzymes AST, ALT and ALP after two and four weeks of treatment. The data illustrated that power horse was more effective in its action on liver enzymes, followed by red bull and to less extend code red. The different action of the energy drinks on liver function could be attributed to the different mixture of their ingredients.

Radiation-Induced Liver Injury in Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT) for Postoperative or Locoregional Recurrent Gastric Cancer: Risk Factors and Dose Limitations.

PurposeThis study examined the status of radiation-induced liver injury in adjuvant or palliative gastric cancer radiation therapy (RT), identified risk factors of radiation-induced liver injury in gastric cancer RT, analysed the dose-volume effects of liver injury, and developed a liver dose limitation reference for gastric cancer RT.Methods and MaterialsData for 56 post-operative gastric cancer patients and 6 locoregional recurrent gastric cancer patients treated with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) or intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) from Sep 2007 to Sep 2009 were analysed. Forty patients (65%) were administered concurrent chemotherapy. Pre- and post-radiation chemotherapy were given to 61 patients and 43 patients, respectively. The radiation dose was 45–50.4 Gy in 25–28 fractions. Clinical parameters, including gender, age, hepatic B virus status, concurrent chemotherapy, and the total number of chemotherapy cycles, were included in the analysis. Univariate analyses with a non-parametric rank test (Mann–Whitney test) and logistic regression test and a multivariate analysis using a logistic regression test were completed. We also analysed the correlation between RT and the changes in serum chemistry parameters [including total bilirubin, (TB), direct bilirubin (D-TB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and serum albumin (ALB)] after RT.ResultsThe Child-Pugh grade progressed from grade A to grade B after radiotherapy in 10 patients. A total of 16 cases of classic radiation-induced liver disease (RILD) were observed, and 2 patients had both Child-Pugh grade progression and classic RILD. No cases of non-classic radiation liver injury occurred in the study population. Among the tested clinical parameters, the total number of chemotherapy cycles correlated with liver function injury. V35 and ALP levels were significant predictive factors for radiation liver injury.ConclusionsIn 3D-CRT for gastric cancer patients, radiation-induced liver injury may occur and affect the overall treatment plan. The total number of chemotherapy cycles correlated with liver function injury, and V35 and ALP are significant predictive factors for radiation-induced liver injury. Our dose limitation reference for liver protection is feasible.

Chronic Cadmium Exposure Lead to Inhibition of Serum and Hepatic Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Wistar Rats

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in the serum and liver from rats administered with cadmium (Cd) in drinking water was studied. After metal administration, Cd showed a time-dependent accumulation in the liver, meanwhile metallothionein had a maximum increase at 1 month, remaining in this level until the end of the study. On the other hand, serum and liver ALP activity was decreased after 3 months exposure. To determine if Cd produced an inhibition on enzyme, apo-ALP prepared from both nonexposed and exposed rats was reactivated with Zn, showing 60% more activity as compared with the enzyme isolated from nonexposed rats. In vitro assays showed that Cd-ALP was partially reactivated with Zn; however, in the presence of cadmium, Zn-ALP was completely inhibited. Kinetic studies indicate a noncompetitive inhibition by Cd; these results suggest that Cd can substitute Zn, and/or Cd can interact with nucleophilic ligands essential for the enzymatic activity.

A study on the protective effect of Zizyphus spina christi extract on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion-induced injury.

The objective of the study was to study the protective effect of Zizyphus spina christi extract (ZSC) on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups.Ischemia /reperfusion (I/R) groups, were received p.o saline, p.o(ZSC) (400 mg/ kg) 60 min before surgery and rats were I.P. injected with 30 mg/kg Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) 30 minutes prior to administration of(ZSC). I/R caused increase level of liver enzymes AST, ALT, ALP and LDH, also it increased level of proinflammatory mediators TNF-α, NO, and MDA. Whereas I/R caused significant decrease on IL-10, SOD, and GSH. The current study showed that ZSC extract protects liver against I/R since it increased antioxidants, reduced liver enzymes and inhibited the inflammatory mediators. On the other hand, injection of BADGE attenuates the effect of ZSC extract on the measured parameters. The study indicates that ZSC exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect in ischemic liver. This effect may be through the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR γ).