Liver Enzymes Alanine Aminotransferase Research Articles

Testosterone Deficiency, Long-Term Testosterone Therapy, and Inflammation.

We aimed to evaluate the association of testosterone deficiency with inflammation and how long-term testosterone therapy affects inflammation biomarkers over time. We conducted a 2-component study. First, we conducted a cross-sectional study using the recently released 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data to examine the association between testosterone deficiency and inflammation biomarkers including high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the US general population. Then we conducted a longitudinal study to investigate the longitudinal effect of testosterone therapy on inflammation biomarkers and the risk of cardiovascular events, using data from 776 hypogonadal men based on a registry study in Germany with up to 11 years' follow-up. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) describing the associations between testosterone deficiency and hsCRP ≥ 3mg/L, ALT > 40U/L, and AST > 40U/L were 1.81 (P-value < 0.001), 1.46 (P-value = 0.009), and 0.99 (P-value = 0.971), respectively. In the control group, CRP, ALT, and AST levels increased by 0.003 (95%CI: -0.001, 0.007) mg/L, 0.157 U/L (95%CI: 0.145, 0.170), and 0.147 (95%CI: 0.136, 0.159) U/L per month, while in the treatment group, CRP, ALT, and AST levels decreased by 0.05 (95%CI: -0.055, -0.046) mg/L, 0.142 U/L (95%CI: -0.154, -0.130), and 0.148 (95%CI: -0.158, -0.137) U/L per month. Testosterone deficiency was associated with an increased level of inflammation; long-term testosterone therapy alleviated inflammation among hypogonadal men, which may contribute to the reduced cardiovascular risk. Future large trials are warranted to confirm our observational study findings.

A Comparative Study of the Antihypertensive Agents on Serum Liver Enzymes ALT, AST and ALP of Hypertensive and cardiac Patients

Present study is done to compare serum Liver enzymes including Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) in hypertensive and cardiac patients. 24 patients were divided into 4 groups according to their treatment with 4 different types of antihypertensive drugs. Group I treated with Beta-blockers (1+1). Group II treated with ACE-Inhibitor once a day. Group III treated with Nitrates once a day. Group IV is taking Diuretics once a day. Data showed non-significant difference in serum ALT concentration in all groups. A significant rise (p&lt; 0.05) in serum AST and ALP levels among hypertensive and cardiac patients is observed, ranging from 24.63-47.33U/L and 110-2484 U/L respectively when compared with normal controls. Thus, not only the risk of cardiac diseases in future might be predicted by altered levels of enzymes ALT, AST and ALP in serum but their concentrations should be monitored during the treatment of cardiac diseases to minimize the risk of cardiac arrest.

Antifibrotic potential of carvedilol and cilostazol on liver fibrosis in rats

Objective The aim was to investigate possible prophylactic and therapeutic effects of carvedilol and cilostazol on liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide in rats. Background Liver fibrosis is a major public health problem worldwide. Materials and methods A total of 50 adult male rats weighing 200–250 g were used and distributed in five groups (10 rats each): group I (control), group II (thioacetamide), group III (carvedilol + thioacetamide), group IV (cilostazol + thioacetamide), and group V (carvedilol + cilostazol + thioacetamide). At the end of the experiment, rats were killed, and blood samples were used for measuring serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, tumor necrosis factor-α, malondialdehyde, and glutathione peroxidase. Results Carvedilol, cilostazol, and their combination significantly decrease elevated liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase by 18, 24, and 29% (P = 0.003 for all) and 25, 27, and 29% (P = 0.034 for all), respectively; decrease biomarkers of oxidative stress such as malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-α by 62, 65, and 68% (P Conclusions Carvedilol and cilostazol may play a role in hepatic protection in thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis. Combined treatment showed a better hepatoprotective effect than either treatment alone did.

Coffee Consumption and Liver Health: Results From the UK Biobank

ObjectivesPrevious studies suggest a positive association between coffee consumption and liver health, yet the evidence available is not unequivocal. Given the burden of liver disease, we studied the relationship of habitual coffee consumption with serum biomarkers of liver health and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) incidence. MethodsWe included 209,575 participants from the UK Biobank cohort (mean age 56.1 and 68% women, median coffee consumption per day 1.00 cup [0.50, 3.00]), free of disease at baseline. Firstly, we studied cross-sectional associations of coffee consumption with serum concentrations of the liver enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and total bilirubin using multivariable linear regressions. Secondly, we analyzed associations with elevated enzyme concentrations according to clinical cutoffs to monitor liver damage, using logistic regressions. Lastly, in a longitudinal analysis, we assessed the association of coffee consumption and incident NAFLD in cox proportional hazard models. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle and health-related factors. Results are reported as β log transformed IU/L, odds ratio (OR) or hazard ratio (HR) with their 95% confidence intervals [95% CI] per one cup increase in coffee intake. ResultsOver a median follow up of 10.9 years, 2258 cases of incident NAFLD occurred in the population. Higher coffee consumption was associated with lower concentrations of log-transformed ALP (–0.005 [95% CI –0.006, –0.005]), ALT (–0.004 [–0.005, –0.003]), AST (–0.005 [–0.005, –0.004]), GGT (–0.008 [–0.009, –0.007]) and total bilirubin (–0.009 [–0.010, –0.008]). Secondly, higher coffee consumption was associated with lower odds of having elevated levels of all studied liver enzymes (OR from 0.91, [0.89, 0.92] for total bilirubin to 0.98 [0.97, 0.98] for GGT). Finally, higher coffee consumption was associated with lower risk of developing NAFLD (HR 0.98 [0.96, 0.99]). ConclusionsIn this large cohort we observed an inverse association between higher coffee consumption and serum concentrations of baseline liver enzymes and NAFLD risk. These findings suggest that habitual consumption of coffee may be protective of liver health. Funding SourcesN/A.

Girl with left-sided hip pain and fever.

A previously healthy 13-year-old girl presented to the pediatric emergency department (PED) with 5 days of progressively worsening left-sided hip pain and 4 days of fever. Although she was able to bear weight on the left leg, she walked with a limp. There was no preceding trauma or illness. In the PED, she was febrile to 39.5°C and tachycardic with other vital signs appropriate for her age. On examination, she had full range of motion of the left hip with significant tenderness only to palpation over the left iliac crest and left gluteal region. Examination was otherwise unremarkable with no overlying skin changes, warmth, edema, or breaks in the skin. Initial laboratory studies revealed abnormalities, including pancytopenia (WBC 2.5 k/uL, hemoglobin 11.5 g/dL, and platelets 32 k/uL), elevated inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein 12.6 mg/dL and erythrocyte sedimentation rate 31 mm/hour), and elevated liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase 153 U/L and aspartate aminotransferase 221 U/L). The working diagnosis at this point was acute osteomyelitis of the iliac bone. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis was performed with and without contrast and revealed abnormal signal intensity and contrast enhancement of the left iliacus and gluteal musculature surrounding the left iliac wing without evidence of abscess (Figure 1). In addition, diffusely increased T2 signal and slightly decreased T1 signal intensity was noted throughout all visible osseous structures (Figure 2). Hours after initial presentation, blood culture resulted positive for methicillin-sensitive staph aureus (MSSA). This patient's MRI findings were consistent with myositis. Given her MSSA bacteremia and imaging finding consistent with soft-tissue infection, the most likely diagnosis is pyomyositis without abscess formation. Acute bacterial myositis can be caused by contiguous spread from a soft-tissue infection, penetrating trauma, or hematogenous spread. When the source is hematogenous, it is referred to as pyomyositis and is often associated with abscess formation. MSSA is the most common pathogen in these cases.1 Although primary pyomyositis is rare in temperate climates, its incidence outside of tropical climates has been increasing in recent years. Risk factors include immunodeficiency (eg, HIV), diabetes mellitus, malignancy, and local muscle trauma. MRI is the imaging modality of choice, and treatment includes drainage of the abscess with pathogen identification when possible, followed by targeted antibiotic therapy.2 This patient's abnormal bone marrow enhancement on MRI and significant cytopenia initially raised suspicion for a malignant process such as leukemic infiltration of the bone marrow. However, given that the patient's cytopenia resolved with antibiotic treatment, bone marrow abnormalities were likely secondary to infection. The patient completed a 3-week course of cephalexin and made a full recovery.

Protective Effect of Resveratrol against Hepatotoxicity of Cadmium in Male Rats: Antioxidant and Histopathological Approaches

Cadmium (Cd) is widely used in some industries and emitted from fossil fuels. It is a heavy metal with a number of side effects, including hepatotoxicity. Resveratrol (Rs) is considered an important polyphenol, which is a secondary plant metabolite and has the ability to scavenge free radicals. The study was designed to evaluate the effects of resveratrol on Cd, which induced hepatotoxicity, by the assessment of some histopathological and biochemical alterations. Forty male albino rats were divided into four groups: the 1st group was the control group, the 2nd group was treated with Cd (5 mg/kg), the 3rd group was given Rs (20 mg/kg), and the 4th group was treated with Cd in combination with Rs intraperitoneally for 30 successive days. The results indicate that Cd increased liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase ALP and gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) while reducing the total protein level; Cd increased the malondialdhyde (MDA) level while decreasing the levels of other antioxidant enzymes super oxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase (SOD, CAT and GPx). Serious congestion and hemorrhage related to the hepatic tissues were noticed in the Cd group, and Rs plays a major role in alleviating histopathological injuries and hepatic oxidative damage. It is clear that Rs has the ability to minimize the hepatotoxicity induced by Cd in male rats.

Leptin Receptors Are Not Required for Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery to Normalize Energy and Glucose Homeostasis in Rats.

Sensitization to the adipokine leptin is a promising therapeutic strategy against obesity and its comorbidities and has been proposed to contribute to the lasting metabolic benefits of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. We formally tested this idea using Zucker fatty fa/fa rats as an established genetic model of obesity, glucose intolerance, and fatty liver due to leptin receptor deficiency. We show that the changes in body weight in these rats following RYGB largely overlaps with that of diet-induced obese Wistar rats with intact leptin receptors. Further, food intake and oral glucose tolerance were normalized in RYGB-treated Zucker fatty fa/fa rats to the levels of lean Zucker fatty fa/+ controls, in association with increased glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and insulin release. In contrast, while fatty liver was also normalized in RYGB-treated Zucker fatty fa/fa rats, their circulating levels of the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT) remained elevated at the level of obese Zucker fatty fa/fa controls. These findings suggest that the leptin system is not required for the normalization of energy and glucose homeostasis associated with RYGB, but that its potential contribution to the improvements in liver health postoperatively merits further investigation.

Body Adiposity, But Not Elements of Objectively Measured Sedentary Behavior or Physical Activity, Is Associated With Circulating Liver Enzymes in Adults With Overweight and Obesity.

ObjectiveWe studied the associations between accelerometer-measured sedentary behavior (SB) and habitual physical activity (PA) as well as markers of body adiposity and other cardiometabolic risk factors with liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT).MethodsA total of 144 middle-aged adults (mean age 57 (SD 6.5) years) with overweight or obesity (mean body mass index [BMI] 31.8 [SD 3.9] kg/m2) participated. Different components of SB (sitting, lying) and PA (standing, breaks in SB, daily steps, light PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA and total PA) were measured with validated hip-worn accelerometers for four consecutive weeks (mean 25 days, [SD 4]). Fasting venous blood samples were analysed using standard assays. The associations were examined with Pearson’s partial correlation coefficient test and linear mixed model.ResultsAmong 102 women and 42 men accelerometer measured SB or the elements of PA were not associated with circulating liver enzymes. When adjusted for age and sex, liver enzymes correlated positively with BMI and waist circumference (WC) (ALT r=0.34, p<0.0001, r=0.41, < 0.0001, AST r=0.17, p=0.049, r=0.26, p=0.002, GGT r=0.29, p=0.0005, r=0.32, p < 0.0001, respectively). SB proportion associated positively with BMI (r=0.21, p=0.008) and WC (r=0.27, p=0.001). Components of PA associated negatively with BMI (MVPA r=-0.23, p=0.005, daily steps r=-0.30, p<0.0001 and breaks in sedentary time r=-0.32, p<0.0001), as well as with WC (breaks in SB r=-0.35, p<0.0001, MVPA r=-0.26, p=0.002, daily steps r=-0.31, p<0.0001, standing time r=-0.27, p=0.001). Liver enzymes associated positively with common cardiometabolic markers such as resting heart rate (ALT; β=0.17, p=0.03, AST; β=0.25, p=0.002, GGT; β=0.23, p=0.004) and systolic/diastolic blood pressure (ALT β=0.20, p=0.01, β=0.22, p=0.005, AST (only diastolic) β=0.23, p=0.006, GGT β=0.19, p=0.02, = 0.23, p=0.004, respectively), fasting insulin (ALT β=0.41, p<0.0001, AST β=0.36, p=0.0003, GGT β=0.20, p=0.04) and insulin resistance index (ALT β=0.42, p<0.0001, AST β=0.36, p=0.0003, GGT β=0.21, p=0.03), even after adjustment with BMI.ConclusionsLiver enzymes correlate with body adiposity and appear to cluster with other common cardiometabolic risk factors, even independently of body adiposity. SB and PA appear not to be essential in modulating the levels of circulating liver enzymes.

Current approaches to the use of artificial sweetener aspartame

With the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce the sugar consumption of children and adults to less than 10% of the total energy intake, many people turned to sweeteners. Aspartame (E951), an artificial sweetener, is synthesized from L-phenylalanine or methyl ester of L-phenylalanine with L-aspartic acid. It is an amphoteric dipeptide composed of aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Apart from chemical peptide synthesis, aspartame can also be synthesized enzymatically commercially. 1 gr of it gives 4 Kcal energy. The taste perception of aspartame appears delayed and lasts a long time. Since it is not heat resistant during cooking, it can only be used as a sweetener in cold drinks and food, coffee, tea. Although there were some scientific objections after the introduction of aspartame to the market, animal and human experiments and investigations started to increase. In another study; Consumption of 40, 75, 500 mg/kg/day aspartame have increased oxidative stress parameters and has been reported to damage liver antioxidant capacity. Also, in some other studies in which negative effects on experimental animals were discussed, 250, 500, 1000 mg/kg/day aspartame consumption was found to significantly increase the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Besides, studies showing that aspartame does not have negative effects on health, 240 mg/kg/day aspartame consumption did not make a significant difference in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) value, and there was no significant difference between the groups in fasting blood glucose with 4% aspartame solution daily consumption. On the other hand, studies on aspartame toxicity also have conflicting results. Some studies using in vivo and in vitro tests have shown that aspartame does not cause genotoxicity, DNA damage, and mutagenesis, but does stimulate chromosome aberrations and micronucleus formation. Many studies have been done to show the safety of aspartame. The European Food Safety Authority stated in its 2013 re-evaluation that aspartame is safe for human consumption at current exposure levels. In a review evaluating the data obtained from aspartame studies, it is supported that aspartame is a safe sweetener when used within the recommended dose limits. For aspartame, this value (ADI) has been recommended as 40 mg/kg body weight/day. Considering its association with age, gender, personal metabolism, and metabolic diseases, it was concluded that the use of aspartame is safe, with the fact that it has some harmful effects depending on the exposure time and dose.

Toxicity of Cadmium Chloride on White Rats Liver and the Protective Role of Brassica Nigra Seed Extract

The study designed for the toxic role of cadmium chloride on the liver of mice from both a physiologicaland histological aspects. The animals were treated with a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight for 30 days. Andthe protective role of Brassica nigra seed extract against cadmium chloride toxicity. This pilot study wasconducted on 20 adult white rats divided into 4 equivalent groups including the control group: Animals inthis group received a dosed of distilled water for 30 days. The placebo group was treated with cadmiumchloride at a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight for 30 days and returned as an infected control group. Whilein the third group, animals treated with cadmium chloride were dosed with Brassica nigra seed extractat a dose of 200 mg/kg of body weight for 30 days. The fourth group was dosed with Brassica nigraseed extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg of body weight for 30 days. After 30 days, liver enzymes includingaminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measuredby spectrophotometric method. In addition to making tissue sections of the liver. The treatment of ratsled to a significant increase (P?0.05) in liver enzymes compared with the control group. It also led tohistopathology in the liver tissue, while the Brassica nigra seed extract acted as a protective role against thetoxicity of cadmium chloride.

ω-Imidazolyl-alkyl derivatives as new preclinical drug candidates for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1)‐associated reactive oxygen species production plays an important role in the development and progression of inflammatory liver diseases such as alcoholic steatohepatitis. We developed two new inhibitors for this isoenzyme, namely 12‐imidazolyl‐1‐dodecanol (I‐ol) and 1‐imidazolyldodecane (I‐an), and aimed to test their effects on non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The fat‐rich and CYP2E1 inducing Lieber‐DeCarli diet was administered over 16 weeks of the experimental period to induce the disease in a rat model, and the experimental substances were administered simultaneously over the last four weeks. The high‐fat diet (HFD) pathologically altered the balance of reactive oxygen species and raised the activities of the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AP) and γ‐glutamyl‐transferase (γ‐GT); lowered the level of adiponectine and raised the one of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α; increased the hepatic triglyceride and phospholipid content and diminished the serum HDL cholesterol concentration. Together with the histological findings, we concluded that the diet led to the development of NASH. I‐ol and, to a lesser extent, I‐an shifted the pathological values toward the normal range, despite the continued administration of the noxious agent (HFD). The hepatoprotective drug ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), which is used off‐label in clinical practice, showed a lower effectiveness overall. I‐ol, in particular, showed extremely good tolerability during the acute toxicity study in rats. Therefore, cytochrome P450 2E1 may be considered a suitable drug target, with I‐ol and I‐an being promising drug candidates for the treatment of NASH.

IL-37 overexpression enhances the therapeutic effect of endometrial regenerative cells in concanavalin A-induced hepatitis

Background aimsMesenchymal stromal cells and immunosuppressive factor IL-37 can both suppress concanavalin A (Con A)-induced hepatitis in mice. Endometrial regenerative cells (ERCs), novel types of mesenchymal-like stromal cells, possess powerful immunomodulatory effects and are effective in treating various diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of ERCs in suppressing Con A-induced hepatitis and determine whether IL-37 overexpression could enhance the therapeutic effect of ERCs in this process. MethodsERCs were extracted from the menstrual blood of healthy female volunteer donors. The IL-37 gene was transferred into ERCs, and the expression of IL-37 in cells was detected by western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hepatitis was induced by Con A in C57BL/6 mice that were randomly divided into groups treated with phosphate-buffered saline, ERCs, IL-37 or ERCs transfected with the IL-37 gene (IL-37-ERCs). Cell tracking, liver function, histopathological and immunohistological changes, immune cell proportions and levels of cytokines were measured 24 h after Con A administration. ResultsCompared with ERC or IL-37 treatment, IL-37-ERCs further reduced levels of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) and improved histopathological changes in the liver. In addition, IL-37-ERC treatment further reduced the proportions of M1 macrophages and CD4+ T cells and increased the proportion of regulatory T cells. Moreover, IL-37-ERC treatment resulted in lower levels of IL-12 and interferon gamma, and higher level of transforming growth factor beta. ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that ERCs can effectively alleviate Con A-induced hepatitis. Furthermore, IL-37 overexpression can significantly enhance the therapeutic efficacy of ERCs by augmenting the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of ERCs. This study may provide a promising strategy for treatment of T-cell-dependent hepatitis.

Clinical relevance of lipid panel and aminotransferases in the context of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis as measured by transient elastography (FibroScan®).

BackgroundNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease and is associated with various co-morbidities. Transient elastography (FibroScan®) is a non-invasive method to detect NAFLD using the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). We aimed to evaluate the association of the lipid panel and aminotransferases concentrations with the presence or absence of steatosis and fibrosis.MethodsOne hundred and five patients with NAFLD were included. Hepatic steatosis was quantified by CAP (dB/m) and liver stiffness by Kilopascals (kPa), these values were then analyzed against patient lipid panel and serum concentrations of the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). A correlation and multiple regression were used. Mann-Whitney U test was used as non-parametric analysis.ResultsWe observed an association between hepatic steatosis and total cholesterol (B = 0.021, p = 0.038, Exp (B) = 1.021, I.C = 1.001-1.041) as well as serum triglycerides (B = 0.017, p = 0.006, Exp (B) = 1.018 and I.C = 1.005-1.030). Similarly, we found an association between significant hepatic fibrosis and lower concentrations of total cholesterol (B = -0.019, p = 0.005, Exp (B) = 0.982 I.C = 0.969-0.995) and elevated AST (B = 0.042, p = 3.25 × 10-4, Exp (B) = 1.043 I.C = 1.019-1.068) independent of age, gender and BMI.ConclusionsOur results suggest that, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations positively correlate with hepatic steatosis while significant hepatic fibrosis is associated with lower total cholesterol and higher AST concentrations.

Клинико-лабораторные особенности COVID-19

The problem of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) remains highly relevant. Objective. To analyze clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with moderate COVID-19. Materials and methods. This retrospective study included 132 patients with moderate COVID-19 treated in the Republican Immunological Center of the Republic of Dagestan between July and December 2020. The sample included 69 males and 63 females with a mean age of 52.4 ± 5.9 years. Results. The most common clinical manifestations included fever, fatigue, dry cough, and headache. Many participants had increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR); some patients had leukopenia, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Biochemical testing demonstrated mild alterations in the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, glucose, activity of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, as-partate aminotransferase), fibrinogen, and D-dimer. These alterations were primarily observed in COVID-19 patients with CT-2 changes in their lung tissue. One-third of participant had lesions in lungs upon discharge. ECG changes (rhythm and conduction abnormalities) were detected in 15.9% of patients with concomitant cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion. COVID-19 patients with persistent clinical, laboratory, or radiological changes upon their discharge from hospital, as well patients with changes on ECG, require careful follow-up to assess their long-term outcomes. Key words: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus, clinical and laboratory parameters, coagulogram, ECG changes, radiological changes

Potential role of probiotic species in ameliorating oxidative stress, effect on liver profile and hormones in male albino rat model

Probiotics are living micro-organism preparations which can vigorously inhibit the probable pathogens colonization in the gut microbial ecology. Current experiment was designed to investigate the efficacy of imported probiotic species compared with the indigenous probiotics species on the oxidative stress, enzymes, and hormones in animal model. Thirty Albino rats were equally divided into three groups with 10 rats ( n = 10) in each group as Control (C), supplemented with imported probiotic species (IP), and supplemented with indigenous probiotics species (InP) for 21 days under controlled environment. The evaluation of treatments was done by testing the serum oxidative stress markers, liver enzymes (Aspartate transaminase and Alanine aminotransferase), lipid profile, and hormonal dynamics including Lutinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), and growth hormone (GH) in albino male rats. Results revealed that use of indigenous probiotic species significantly ( p &lt; 0.05) reduces the oxidative stress and improves the antioxidant capacity; liver enzymes, total cholesterol, and LDL-Cholesterol were also reduced significantly ( p &lt; 0.05) in InP as compared to IP group. Moreover, results of hormones including LH, FSH, and GH explored that indigenous probiotics have significant ( p &lt; 0.05) potential to improve these hormones as compared to imported probiotics. Although, it could be concluded that InP have beneficial role in preventing the body from oxidative stress as well as in improving the blood parameters but comprehensive studies are required to investigate the detail gut ecology of the indigenous species which will definitely a strong support in preparing a more suitable local probiotic supplement.

Potential protective effect of curcumin in high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rats

Background and aim Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health problem. There is yet no effective therapy for NAFLD. This study investigated the effects of curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric (a spice), in the prevention of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD model in rats. Materials and methods NAFLD was induced by feeding rats with HFD composed of standard rat chow supplemented with 2% cholesterol and 10% lard. Rats were allocated into three groups and treated once daily for 16 weeks a follows: The normal control group was fed standard chow diet and received the vehicle; HFD fed rat (HFD-FR) control group (model group of NAFLD) and HFD-FR group were medicated with curcumin (60 mg/kg). Results Development of NAFLD was demonstrated by necroinflammatory injury in the liver tissue, elevation in the level of the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase together with increased liver index. Meanwhile, fatty liver was associated with body weight gain, visceral obesity, disturbances of oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase) and increased levels of the inflammatory parameters (tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein) alongside with decreased level of the anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, insulin-?sensitizing and antilipogenic, adiponectin. Treatment with curcumin significantly attenuated the development of these cardinal features of NAFLD. Conclusion Curcumin exhibited a kind of protection against HFD-induced NAFLD in rats. The protective effect relies at least in part on its antiobesity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Confirmation of the present findings warrants further animal and human studies.

Hematological parameters in rats poisoned with cadmium nitrate and in biocorrection with the infusion of Beta vulgaris seeds

Nowadays, using plant extracts and infusions as protectors against the impact of heavy metals, the molecular mechanisms, protective and adaptive reactions of plants are studied. The purpose of this article was to study the protective properties of beetroot seeds infusion in acute and sub-acute poisoning of rats with cadmium nitrate. For this experiment, we used 50 male rats. The animals were exposed to Cd nitrate, with an initial weight of 180 ± 30 g. The first groups of rats were injected with cadmium nitrate at a dose of 0.1 g/L intraperitoneally, the second groups received a 0.01 % solution of cadmium nitrate, 1 mL, 5 days a week, orally for 10 and 24 days. General blood tests and biochemical parameters in rats were investigated. By biochemical parameters, we determined liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, glucose, urea, creatinine, and total protein. The mean ± SEM values were calculated for each group to determine the significance of the intergroup difference. Each parameter was analyzed separately using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. To determine the difference between groups, Student’s «t»-test was used. Studies showed the presence of variations in the parameters of leukocytes, erythrocytes and platelets depending on the period of days of poisoning and biocorrection. There were small changes in the content of urea, creatinine, and protein, which were not reliably confirmed. As a result, our research allowed asserting that the use of Beta vulgaris infusion in acute and subacute experiments with poisoning of animals with cadmium nitrate had a positive hepatoprotective effect.

Effect of CO2 Pneumoperitoneum on Liver Function Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background: Laparoscopic provides access to abdominal cavity for both diagnostic and therapeutic surgical interventions which were previously only possible through laparotomy. Recent studies have shown marked rise in serum liver enzymes after laparoscopic surgeries which is considered to be related to the impaired liver and splanchnic perfusion. The present study has been carried out with the aim to comprehend changes in liver enzymes after laparoscopic vs conventional cholecystectomy and the effects of these on outcomes of surgery. Subjects and Methods: Between January 2018 and June 2019, 100 patients with symptomatic gall stones which were eligible for cholecystectomy were enrolled in this prospective clinical observational trial. Randomisation to laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy was performed by using a sealed envelope technique just before surgery. All cases were operated by the same consultant surgeon with a standard anaesthetic protocol. Liver function tests were performed before surgery, at 24 hours and day seven postoperatively. Results: In the laparoscopic group, a statistically significant rise in liver enzymes both aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase was observed after 24 hrs of surgery as compared to preoperative values (p&lt;.001) and then again touching normal serum level on 7th day postoperatively. Whereas in open cholecystectomy patients, only a slight variation in the liver enzymes was observed, which was not significant compared to preoperative level (p&gt;.05). No statistically significant changes in serum level of GGT, ALP and bilirubin was seen in either group. No mortality or bile duct injury was observed in this study. Conclusion: Transient elevation in level of liver enzymes occurs after cholecystectomy in both open and laparoscopy group but more in laparoscopic arm attributed to CO2 pneumoperitoneum with possibly some other factors contributing to this. These changes return to normal in a week time after the procedure, and no major complication is generally seen in these patients with normal preoperative liver function, but these temporary derangements at times may be of concern to surgeons for its implication to the integrity of biliary tract.

Electrolyte Concentrations and Liver Enzymes in Car Spray Painters Exposed to Car Spray Paints within Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Aim: To determine the effect of car spray paint on electrolyte concentrations (sodium, potassium, bicarbonate and chloride), Anion gap, Total Protein, Albumin, liver enzymes (Alanine amino transferase and Aspartate amino transferase) of car spray painters.&#x0D; Place of Study: The study was conducted within Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: Twenty (20) male car spray painters age range between 25 and 61 years with 7- 28 years work experience in car spray painting (test subjects) and twenty (20) apparently healthy male individuals aged between 25 and 61 years who work within an office setting far away from car spray painting garage (non-exposed individuals) were used as control for the study. Plasma electrolyte concentrations were estimated using Ion selective electrode method while Liver Enzymes Alanine amino transferase and Aspartate amino transferase were estimated using spectrophotometric method. Results obtained from the experiment were expressed as Mean ± Standard Deviation. P &lt; .05 were considered statistically significant.&#x0D; Results: Sodium, Potassium, Bicarbonate and Chloride concentrations in plasma of car spray painters when compared to non-car spray painters did not showed any significant difference (P&gt; .05). However, Anion gap was significantly increased (P&lt;.05) in plasma of car spray painters when compared to non-car spray painters. Alanine amino transferase activity were significantly higher in plasma of Car spray painters (P &lt; .05) when compared to non-car spray painters while Aspartate amino transferase activity, Total protein and Albumin concentrations remained relatively unchanged when compared between the studied groups. However, Aspartate amino transferase and Alanine amino transferase activities were affected by years of exposure to car paints.&#x0D; Conclusions: This study suggest that car spray paint affects Anion gap and Alanine amino transferase activity in car spray painters hence safety apparatus should be worn while working. However further test on other liver enzymes should be done to validate the effect of spray paint on the liver.

Biological Evaluation of Azetidine-2-One Derivatives of Ferulic Acid as Promising Anti-Inflammatory Agents

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vivo biological potential of new azetidine-2-one derivatives of ferulic acid (6a–f). First, the in vivo acute toxicity of azetidine-2-one derivatives of ferulic acid on Swiss white mice was investigated and, based on the obtained results, it can be stated that the studied derivatives belong to compounds with moderate toxicity. The in vivo anti-inflammatory potential of these derivatives was determined in a model of acute inflammation induced by carrageenan in rats and in a chronic inflammation model induced in rats using the granuloma test. In the acute inflammation model, all the studied compounds had a maximum anti-inflammatory effect 24 h after administration, which suggests that these compounds may be classified, from a pharmacokinetic point of view, in the category of long-acting compounds. The most active compound in the series was found to be compound 6b. In the case of the chronic inflammation model, it was observed that the studied compounds (6a–f) reduced the formation of granulation tissue compared to the control group, having an intense effect of inhibiting the proliferative component. The most important inhibitory effect of inhibiting the proliferative component was recorded for compound 6b. Additionally, the investigation of liver function was performed by determining the serum levels of liver enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and bilirubin (total and direct). The results showed that, in the series of azetidin-2-one derivatives, the liver enzymes concentration values were close to those recorded for the reference anti-inflammatories (diclofenac sodium and indomethacin) and slightly higher compared to the values for the healthy control group. At the end of the experiment, the animals were euthanized and fragments of liver, lung, and kidney tissue were taken from all groups in the study. These were processed for histopathological examination, and we noticed no major changes in the groups treated with the azetidine 2-one derivatives of ferulic acid compared to the healthy groups.