Liver Function Parameters Research Articles

Association of bone mineral density and potential risk factors for osteoporosis in patients with severe haemophilia A.

In people with haemophilia (PWH), recurrent episodes of bleeding lead to joint deterioration and bone resorption. To date, the effects of various other factors on bone mineral density (BMD) reduction have found conflicting results. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationships between BMD, bone mineral content (BMC), and trabecular bone score (TBS) parameters based on the dual X-ray absorptiometry method (DXA) and potential risk factors for osteoporosis in patients with severe haemophilia A. Fifty-five men with severe haemophilia A, aged 18-68 years, and 59 healthy volunteer men were enrolled in this study. Densitometric-derived lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD, BMC, and TBS were measured. Blood analyses were performed for morphology parameters, liver and kidney function parameters, and viral status. Serum levels of oestradiol (E2 ), testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S), parathormone, and vitamin D were measured. Patients showed significantly lower BMD compared to controls (p<.003). The result below the expected range for age was nearly double (6.82%vs. 3.92%) in PWH under 50 years old compared to controls. Haemophilic patients also exhibited significantly higher vitamin D3 deficiency (p<.0001), which was strongly associated with low TBS. Additionally, low body mass index and high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were correlated with low BMC and BMD. This study confirms the prevalence of low BMD and BMC in patients with haemophilia in Poland. Factors that contribute to low BMD are primarily vitamin D deficiency, low BMI, high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and low testosterone/oestradiol ratio.

Evaluation of the Antiparasitic, Antihepatotoxicity, and Antioxidant Efficacy of Quercetin and Chitosan, Either Alone or in Combination, against Infection Induced by Giardia lamblia in Male Rats.

Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) is one of the most common protozoal infections and a key cause of malabsorption, some cases of mental developmental issues in children, and reduced body weight. The known antiparasitic medications, which are the standard drugs used for parasitic treatment, have several side effects and sometimes exhibit low efficacy. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the treatment with quercetin (QC) or chitosan (CH), either alone or in combination, as possible alternative therapeutic agents that may alleviate the side effects of G. lamblia infections and restore the normal architecture of the intestinal muscles. They are investigated as alternatives to other routinely administered drugs that may gradually lose their efficacy due to human resistance to therapeutic agents. This study was carried out on 50 male albino rats that were divided into five groups with 10 rats in each group: the control group (Group I), the infected non-treated group (Group II), the infected group treated with QC (Group III), the infected treated group with CH (Group IV), and the infected group treated with a combination of QC and CH (Group V). The effect was first evaluated by counting the G. lamblia fecal cysts in the stool, examining histopathological sections of the intestine with the appearance of trophozoites in the infected group, and conducting a transmission electron microscopic examination of the tissues of the small intestine. Alterations in the biochemical parameters of liver and kidney function and the antioxidant enzymes in the liver tissues of SOD, CAT, and GSH, and non-enzymatic markers of lipid peroxidation (MDA) were evaluated. The results showed a significant decline in the number of parasites in the stool samples, with a marked elevation in the number of trophozoites in the intestinal sections of the infected non-treated group as compared to the infected treated groups. The last group, which was treated with a combination of QC and CH, showed the best results in terms of a decline in the infection rate of G. lamblia in stool samples, with a marked and clear improvement in the intestinal mucosa, regular muscles with normal enteric ganglions, and reduced rates of intestinal injuries caused by G. lamblia trophozoites. Both QC and CH had non-toxic effects on the biochemical parameters of the liver and kidneys, as well as pronounced antioxidant activities due to the elevation of SOD, CAT, and GSH in conjunction with a decline in the levels of MDA. A combination of QC and CH can be considered a potent antiparasitic, anti-hepatotoxic, and antioxidant therapeutic agent; it could constitute a promising alternative treatment agent against G. lamblia infection.

The Effect of Intrahepatic and Intrasplenic Administration of Mesenchymal Stem Cell to Liver Function and Degree of Liver Fibrosis in Common Bile Duct Ligation Model in Rabbit

BackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSC) is a promising alternative method in liver cirrhosis management. Several administration routes of MSC have been studied, but few studies compared one to another. The purpose of this study is to compare the intrahepatic and intrasplenic route of MSC administration in terms of liver function and degree of liver fibrosis in the bile duct ligation model in rabbits. MethodExperimental study was conducted using rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) model undergoing bile duct ligation (BDL). The subjects were randomized into 4 groups: sham surgery; bile duct ligation; bile duct ligation followed by intrahepatic route of MSC (BDL + IH MSC), and bile duct ligation followed by intrasplenic route of MSC (BDL + IS MSC). Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UC MSC) was administered on the fifth day after bile duct ligation, and the subjects were observed until the fourteenth day after bile duct ligation. The liver function was evaluated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total and direct bilirubin. The degree of fibrosis was evaluated with Laennec score, fibrosis area fraction, the number of viable and necrosis hepatocytes, and the number of hepatic progenitor cells. ResultThe subjects were randomized into 4 groups: 2 in sham surgery group, and 7 in each of the following groups: BDL, BDL + IH MSC and BDL + IS MSC groups. The mortality rate in BDL group was 57.1 %, while mortality in BDL + IH MSC and BDL + IS MSC groups were 14.3 % and 28.6 % respectively. No significant difference was found regarding liver function in each group, such as AST, ALT, total, and direct bilirubin. Histopathology examination in almost every subject undergone bile duct ligation (regardless of MSC administration) showed degree of fibrosis of Laennec 4B. Fibrosis area fraction, the number of viable and necrotic hepatocytes, and progenitor cells were analyzed; no significant difference was found between BDL + IH MSC and BDL + IS MSC groups, but the groups administered with MSC showed a larger number of viable hepatocytes compared to BDL group. No difference was found between BDL + IH MSC and BDL + IS MSC groups in terms of liver function and histologic parameters. ConclusionAdministration of MSC increases the number of viable hepatocytes, but no difference was found in terms of liver function and degree of liver fibrosis between the intrahepatic route and intrasplenic route of administration. Type of StudyAnimal Research, Randomized Controlled Study. Level of EvidenceLevel I? (animal research is not indicated in the levels of evidence table in the journal website).

Dapagliflozin alleviates arsenic trioxide-induced hepatic injury in rats via modulating PI3K/AkT/mTOR, STAT3/SOCS3/p53/MDM2 signaling pathways and miRNA-21, miRNA-122 expression

Dapagliflozin (DPG) is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor that is commonly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, studies have shown that DPG has a protective effect under a variety of experimental conditions through its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. DPG's effect on experimental hepatotoxicity caused by arsenic trioxide (ATO) has yet to be investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of DPG in preventing hepatic damage caused by ATO and discover the underlying mechanisms. The effect of DPG (1 mg/kg, orally) on ATO (5 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced hepatic injury was evaluated in rats. Serum liver function parameters, as well as oxidative stress biomarkers and inflammatory cytokine levels were assessed. Histopathological changes in the liver were detected using H&E staining. Using Western blotting and PCR techniques, the molecular mechanisms of DPG in ameliorating hepatic injury were investigated. DPG improved liver function by inhibiting histopathological changes, decreasing levels of hepatic function and toxicity parameters measured in both serum and tissues, and exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, according to the findings. Consistent with the PCR results, DPG also decreased the expression of LC3-II, micro-RNA-122, and micro-RNA-21 while increased the expression of SOCS3. Furthermore, according to western blotting results, DPG was able to reduce the protein expression of AKT, mTOR, PI3K, and STAT3. Although further clinical research is necessary, this study highlights the potential of DPG in preventing liver damage in a rat model of hepatotoxicity induced by ATO.

Antidiabetic Studies of Cnestis ferruginea Ethanolic Root Extract in Wistar Rats

The need to develop new and affordable antidiabetic drugs with minimal side effects is a growing area of research interest. The medicinal plant Cnestis ferruginea DC has diverse pharmacological applications. Its leaves and roots are used for the treatment of diabetes by traditional healers. As a result, the antidiabetic activity of ethanolic extract of C. ferruginea (EECF) roots was evaluated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The influence of EECF (200 and 400 mg/kg bw) was studied for three weeks, with glibenclamide as a positive control. The phytochemical screening of EEFC was also performed. Like glibenclamide, treatment with EECF caused a significant (p &lt; 0.05) reduction in fasting blood glucose (FBG) in diabetic rats. A significant (p &lt; 0.05) alteration in serum lipid profile parameters, kidney and liver function parameters, as well as oxidative stress markers in kidney and liver tissues, was observed in diabetic control rats relative to the normal control ones. But the treatment of diabetic rats with EEFC resulted in significant (p &lt; 0.05) restoration of these parameters to a near-normal level. The phytochemical analysis of EEFC showed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phlobatannins, saponins and tannins. Thus, the results offer proof to support the traditional use of C. ferruginea roots in the treatment of diabetes. The antidiabetic activity of EEFC may be due to its phytoconstituents.

No benefit of soluble fiber on liver function.

Background: To conduct a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of current findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of soluble fiber supplementation on liver function in both healthy individuals and people with specific health conditions, PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science were systematically searched for relevant RCTs published prior to April 2022. Methods: We estimated the change in liver function parameters for each 5 g/d increment in soluble fiber in each trial and then calculated the mean difference (MD) and 95%CI. A total of 25 RCTs with 27 treatment arms (1744 subjects; 884 cases, 860 controls) were included. Results: A total of 25 RCTs with 27 treatment arms were included. The intervention duration of the included studies ranged from 3 to 52 weeks and the dose of soluble fiber supplementation varied from 0.0025 to 40 g/d. Soluble fiber supplementation could not significantly affect serum alanine transaminase (MD: -0.02 U/L, 95% CI: -1.06 to 1.01), aspartate transaminase (MD: -0.34 U/L, 95% CI: -0.84 to 0.15), alkaline phosphatase (MD: 0.29 U/L, -0.14 to 0.71), gamma-glutamyl transferase (MD: 0.12 U/L; 95% CI: -0.81 to 1.05), serum bilirubin (MD: 0.42μmol/L, 95% CI: -0.08 to 0.93) and albumin (MD: 0.64 g/dl, 95% CI: -0.42 to 1.70) levels. Conclusions: Findings from this study did not support the beneficial effects of soluble fiber supplementation on liver function biomarkers. There is a need for long-term high-quality interventions to examine the effects of different types and doses of soluble fibers on liver function as primary outcome.

Hepatic Expression of NTN4 and Its Receptors in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Angiogenesis contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression by promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Netrin-4 (NTN4) is a secreted glycoprotein that has been reported to control angiogenesis and preserve endothelial homeostasis. Macrovascular invasion of the portal vein, referred to as portal vein invasion (PVI) is associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. In this work, we sought to understand more about the systemic and hepatic level expression of NTN4 and its receptors in HCC patients with and without portal vein invasion. A total of 154 patients with HCC, and 90 healthy volunteers were recruited in this case-control study. Patients with HCC were further subdivided into those with portal vein invasion (PVI) (n=68), and those without portal vein invasion (NPVI) (n=86). Clinical characteristics and liver function parameters were recorded among the study subjects PVI and NPVI. The serum levels of NTN4 (pg/ml) were estimated by ELISA. HCC tissues and normal non-tumorous liver tissues (controls) were collected for gene expression analysis of NTN4 and its receptors. ALT, ALP, and GGT levels were significantly elevated in the serum of HCC patients with PVI compared to NPVI and control subjects. Systemic NTN4 was significantly reduced in both PVI and NPVI patients compared to control subjects. At the tissue level, the hepatic NTN4 followed a similar trend with significantly lower mRNA expression in both patients with PVI and NPVI compared to control subjects. Systemic and hepatic NTN4 levels were reduced in both PVI and NPVI subjects. The hepatic expression of NTN4 receptors Neogenin and UNC5B were markedly elevated in patients with HCC with PVI compared to NPVI. Future experimental studies might shed the role of NTN4 and its receptors in the development of PVI in HCC.

Evaluation of Vitamin D3-Conjugated Selenium Nanoparticles (Se-NPs) on White Blood Cells, Liver, and Kidney Functions in Induced Immunosuppressed Rats

The research was aimed of the to associate selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) previously synthesized using Aspergillus niger with vitamin D3 and to determine the effect of oral administration of each of them on some blood picture parameters and liver and kidney function parameters in laboratory rats in which immunosuppression was induced. The results showed that the color of the solution containing vitamin D3 with selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) changed from orange to pale as an initial indication of the coupling of Se-NPs with D3. Absorption UV-Visible Light Spectroscopy and their sizes are at 52.90 nm when measured using the X-ray diffraction technique, and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that they are in the form of irregular spherical granules, whose sizes ranged from 5 to 135 nm. The state of immunosuppression of male laboratory rats using Sandimmune caused a negative effect in the significant reduction (p<0.05) of the numbers of white blood cells that were at 2230 (Cell × 106), as well as in the impairment of liver and kidney functions, and their levels increased significantly. Se-NPs (T3) or vitamin D3 (T4) alone or their conjugate solution (T5) modified the numbers of white blood cells, which became 6080, 4871, and 7164 (Cell × 106), respectively. It also caused a significant modification of the parameters of kidney and liver functions and returned them to their normal levels in the control group.

Hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Syzygium polyanthum in rats induced by rifampicin and isoniazid

Introduction: Syzygium polyanthum (Bay leaf) is one of the species of the family Myrtaceae used as a seasoning and medicine, especially in Southeast Asia such as Malaysia and Indonesia. This leaf is known to have medicinal properties to prevent cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, gastritis, diarrhea, and gout. This study evaluates the hepatoprotective properties of the ethanolic extract of Syzygium polyanthum in rats induced by rifampicin and isoniazid. Methods: These hepatoprotective properties were evaluated by the assay of liver function parameters, such as total bilirubin, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), the histopathological study of the liver and malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of stress oxidative. Results: Administration of ethanolic extract of Syzygium polyanthum has no significant effect (P&gt;0,05) on total bilirubin, SGOT, and SGPT, but can reduce MDA descriptively. Ethanolic extract of Syzygium polyanthum could not cure the liver tissue of rats in histopathology examination. It means that ethanolic extract of Syzygium polyanthum can help to reduce oxidative stress in liver tissue. Conclusion: In further research, it is recommended to develop other bioactivity tests from bay leaf isolates and conduct more specific studies to explain the mechanism of action of the extract at the cellular and organismal levels that are more complex, as well as toxicity tests to determine pharmacological effects.

Fungi, including Pithomyces chartarum cause facial eczema and inflammation in grazing sheep in Western China

Facial eczema is often found in flocks of grazing sheep in China. To investigate fungi species those cause disease and pathological roles. Forage and soil samples were collected during the pathogenic season and cultured. Samples were collected from regions with and without facial eczema affected sheep. Fungal isolation and identification, statistical analysis of fungal species and distribution were performed. Pathological changes, biochemical parameters of serum liver function and protection of inflammatory factors that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-12 (IL-12) were observed. Fungal cultivation and identification showed that separation rate of Alternaria, Pithomyces chartarum, Fusarium and Aspergillus were higher, particularly, Pithomyces chartarum was significantly identical. Pathological anatomy and histology indicated that the disease likely attacked merino ewes with the age of 6 months old. The clinical manifestations were characterized by inflammational edema in face (ears and eyelids) and mandibular area. Postmortem examination of dead lambs showed enlargement of liver with yellow white patchs of necrotic lesion and tuberous sclerosis and fibrosis on section. Histologic examination of liver showed extravasated blood, severe lesion of liver cells and bile duct, and fatty degeneration. In sheep, fungal toxin induced the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-12. These results revealed that Pithomyces chartarum maybe caused facial eczema and inflammation in sheep. The facial eczema was allergic eczema caused by hepatic dysfunction and hepatonecrosis.

Dual nature of ferritin for hematologic, liver functional, and metabolic parameters in older diabetic patients

This study explored the association between ferritin with hematologic, liver functional, and metabolic parameters in older diabetic patients. A total of 210 diabetic patients aged 65 or older were classified into four groups according to the reference range of serum ferritin. Demographic variables and health-related lifestyle factors were obtained through the utilization of a standardized questionnaire. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, hematology test, and biochemical assessment were also performed. Among all patients, 29.5% had anemia. The percentage of anemia in groups low ferritin (< 40 μg/L), lower side within the reference range (40–120 μg/L), higher side within the reference range (121–200 μg/L), and high ferritin levels (> 200 μg/L) were 50.0, 27.7, 20.5, and 24.2% (P = 0.025), respectively. Low ferritin levels had a higher risk of anemia and a high red blood cell distribution width (RDW). High ferritin levels were associated with a higher risk of high glutamate pyruvate transaminase, obesity, high fasting blood glucose (FBG), and high postprandial blood glucose. The higher side within the reference range of ferritin also showed a higher risk of high FBG and high glycated hemoglobin. Nevertheless, there was no significant association between ferritin and inflammation marker, serum lipids or blood pressure. Overall, ferritin demonstrates a dual nature in older diabetic patients: low ferritin levels are linked to anemia or elevated RDW, while high levels are linked to obesity, increased liver enzymes, and worse glycemia control.

Prognosticators of survival in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer and ascites

Identification of factors associated with survival after ascites diagnosis in metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC) patients may guide treatment decisions and help to maintain quality of life in this highly symptomatic patient collective. All patients treated for mPC at the Medical University of Vienna between 2010 and 2019 developing ascites throughout their course of disease were identified by retrospective chart review. General risk factors, metastatic sites, systemic inflammation and liver function parameters, as well as type of treatment after ascites diagnosis were investigated for associations with survival. One hundred and seventeen mPC patients with ascites were included in this study. Median time from mPC to ascites diagnosis was 8.9 months (range 0-99 months) and median overall survival (OS) after ascites diagnosis was 27.4 days (range 21.3-42.6 days). Identified prognostic factors at ascites diagnosis independently associated with an impaired OS were presence of liver metastases [hazard ratio (HR): 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-3.79, P= 0.018), peritoneal carcinomatosis (HR: 1.74, 95%CI 1.11-2.71, P= 0.015), and portal vein obstruction (HR: 2.52, 95%CI 1.29-4.90, P= 0.007). Compared with best supportive care, continuation of systemic therapy after ascites diagnosis was independently associated with survival (HR: 0.35, 95%CI 0.20-0.61, P < 0.001) with a median OS of 62 days (95%CI 51-129 days, P < 0.001) versus 16 days (95%CI 11-24 days), respectively. Liver and peritoneal metastases as well as portal vein obstruction were found to be prognostic factors after ascites diagnosis in mPC patients. Continuation of systemic therapy after ascites diagnosis was associated with a longer OS, which needs to be evaluated in larger clinical trials including quality-of-life assessment.

Is there a connection between neurocognitive profile in treatment naïve non-cirrhotic HCV patients and level of systemic inflammation?

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a progressive, systemic disease which leads to the development of end-stage liver disease. In 70% of patients, HCV infection is followed by the development of extrahepatic manifestations (EHM). A common EHM is HCV associated neurocognitive disorder (HCV-AND), characterized by neuropsychological changes in attention, working memory, psychomotor speed, executive function, verbal learning, and recall. The aim of this study is to examine the correlation between the neurocognitive profile and routine, available laboratory parameters of inflammation, liver function tests, grade of liver fibrosis, and clinical and laboratory parameters of mixed cryoglobulinemia in treatment naïve non-cirrhotic HCV patients. This is a single-center exploratory study in which we examined 38 HCV + treatment naïve patients. The complete blood count and hematological parameters of systemic inflammation, liver function tests, biopsy confirmed grade of liver fibrosis, and clinical and laboratory parameters of mixed cryoglobulinemia caused by chronic HCV infection were observed. In the study, we used a battery of neuropsychological tests assessing multiple cognitive domains: executive functions, verbal fluency, delayed memory, working memory and learning, and one measure for visuo-constructive performance. Before the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, the results show significant correlations between the scores in the neurocognitive variables and the single measures of inflammation, liver function parameters, and mixed cryoglobulinemia. It has not found a statistically significant correlation between systemic inflammation and neurocognitive variables. After the Bonferroni adjustment, no correlations remained significant. Certainly, the obtained results can be a recommendation for additional validation through future research.

Hippocratea africana Root Extract and Fractions Ameliorates Paracetamol (PCM)-Induced Oxidative Stress and Liver Injuries in Rats

Aim: The antidotal potential of Hippocratea africana root, which is used locally to cure poisoning, was studied in rats.&#x0D; Methodology: The hepatoprotective activity of the root extract (200-600 mg/kg), fractions (dichloromethane (DCM) and aqueous, 400 mg/kg) and Silymarin (100 mg/kg), were investigated against paracetamol-induced liver injury in rats. Assay of liver function parameters, markers of antioxidative stress in addition to liver histological analysis were employed to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of root extract and fractions.&#x0D; Results: Administration of the root extract (200-600 mg/kg) caused significant (P &lt; .05-.001) increases in the blood levels of total protein and decreases in direct and total bilirubin, and the liver biomarker enzymes ALT, AST, and ALP caused by paracetamol administration. Most of the time, the effects were dose-dependent. When compared to the negative control group of animals (organotoxic-treated animals), the histology of the liver sections from animals treated with extract, fractions, and silymarin revealed a decrease in pathological characteristics. These histological observations suggest significant hepatoprotective potentials which were in line with the chemical pathological alterations.&#x0D; Conclusion: The outcome of the study indicated that root extract and fractions of Hippocratea africana have antioxidative stress potentials and hepatoprotective action against harmful substances, maybe as a result of its phytochemical constituents' activity.

Prognostic value of a predictive score based on functional parameters for clinical outcome in patients with decompensated cirrhosis of the liver.

Aim To create a predictive score based on functional parameters of the liver and determine its prognostic value in survival of patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Methods Retrospective observational study included 91 consecutive patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Functional parameters (bilirubin, AST - aspartate aminotransferase, ALT - alanine aminotransferase, ALP - alkaline phosphatase, GGT - gammaglutamyltranferase, albumin, prothrombin time, platelet count, haematocrit and creatinine), Child-Pugh (CP) and Model of EndStage Liver Disease (MELD) scores have been measured at first hospitalization and at every exacerbation episode over follow-up period of 24 months. Results Using Cox regression analysis, we found that age (OR=1.206; p=0.03; 95% CI=1.019-1.428), serum bilirubin (OR=1.017; p=0.003; 95% CI=1.006-1.029), INR (International normalized ratio) (OR=6.262; p=0.002; 95% CI=1.924-20.378) and serum creatinine (OR=1.019; p=0.005; 95% CI=1.006- 1.032) had statistically strong association with the incidence of a six-month mortality. Age (OR=1.120; p=0.006; 95% CI=1.033- 1.214), serum bilirubin (OR=1.021; p=0.0001; 95% CI=1.010- 1.032), GGT (OR=1.007; p=0.023; 95% CI=1.001-1.014), INR (OR=9.571; p=0.001; 95% CI=2.610-35.098), haematocrit (OR=0.695; p=0.001; 95% CI=0.559-0.864) and serum creatinine (OR=1.023; p=0.0001; 95% CI=1.011-1.035) showed an increased the risk for a 24-month lethal outcome. Predictive score derived from liver functional parameters, CP and MELD scores, each independently has shown a high degree of death prediction after 6 or 24 months in patients with end-stage liver disease. Conclusion Predictive score derived from liver functional parameters had a better prognostic value for short-term and long-term mortality comparing to MELD and Child-Pugh score.

Deleterious effects of mercury contamination on immunocompetence, liver function and egg volume in an antarctic seabird

Mercury (Hg) is a globally important pollutant that can negatively impact metabolic, endocrine and immune systems of marine biota. Seabirds are long-lived marine top predators and hence are at risk of bioaccumulating high Hg concentrations from their prey. Here, we measured blood total mercury (THg) concentrations and relationships with physiology and breeding parameters of breeding brown skuas (Stercorarius antarcticus) (n = 49 individuals) at Esperanza/Hope Bay, Antarctic Peninsula. Mean blood THg concentrations were similar in males and females despite the differences in body size and breeding roles, but differed between study years. Immune markers (hematocrit, Immunoglobulin Y [IgY] and albumin) were negatively correlated with blood THg concentrations, which likely indicates a disruptive effect of Hg on immunity. Alanine aminotransferase (GPT) activity, reflecting liver dysfunction, was positively associated with blood THg. Additionally, triacylglycerol and albumin differed between our study years, but did not correlate with Hg levels, and so were more likely to reflect changes in diet and nutritional status rather than Hg contamination. Egg volume correlated negatively with blood THg concentrations. Our study provides new insights into the sublethal effects of Hg contamination on immunity, liver function and breeding parameters in seabirds. In this Antarctic species, exposure to sublethal Hg concentrations reflects the short-term risks which could make individuals more susceptible to environmental stressors, including ongoing climatic changes.

Effect of soil moisture on efficacy to eliminate dampness and relieve jaundice and flavonoid content of Sedum sarmentosum

The growth environment of medicinal plants plays an important role in the formation of their medicinal quality. However, there is a lack of combined analysis studying the close relationship between the growth environment, chemical components, and related biological activities of medicinal plants. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of different soil moisture treatments on the efficacy to eliminate dampness and relieve jaundice and the flavonoid content of Sedum sarmentosum, and explored their correlation. The flavonoid content in the decoction of S. sarmentosum growing under field conditions with soil moisture levels of 35%-40%(T1), 55%-60%(T2), 75%-80%(T3), and 95%-100%(T4) was compared. The effects of these treatments on liver function parameters, liver inflammation, and oxidative damage in mice with dampness-heat jaundice were evaluated, and the correlation between pharmacological indicators and flavonoid content was analyzed. The results showed that the total flavonoid and total phenolic acid content in the decoction of S. sarmentosum were highest in the T1 treatment, followed by the T3 treatment. The content of quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin was highest in the T2, T1, and T3 treatments, respectively. Among the different moisture treatments, the T3 group of S. sarmentosum effectively reduced the levels of serum ALT, AKP, TBIL, DBIL, TBA, as well as hepatic TNF-α and IL-6 in mice with jaundice, followed by T2 treatment, especially in reducing AST level. The T4 treatment had the poorest effect. Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between AST, ALT, AKP levels in mice and the total content of quercetin and the three flavonoids. MDA showed a significant negative correlation with the total flavonoid content and kaempferol. TNF-α exhibited a significant negative correlation with the content of isorhamnetin. In conclusion, S. sarmentosum growing under field conditions with a soil moisture level of 75%-80% exhibited the best efficacy to eliminate dampness and relieve jaundice. This study provides insights for optimizing the cultivation mode of medicinal plants guided by pharmacological experiments.

Paris polyphylla Sm. extract enriched with diosgenin as an antidiabetic agent: In vitro and in vivo study

BackgroundThe global epidemic of diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a severe metabolic disorder and a threat to public health. Medicinal plants as a remedy for managing diabetes is accepted worldwide due to their long-term effectiveness and fewer side effects, mainly attributed to the phytochemicals. Paris polyphylla is a valuable medicinal herb endowed with steroidal saponins of therapeutic importance. The plant is popularly used as an anticancer agent. However, the antidiabetic potential of P. polyphylla has not been explored. So, the present study was undertaken to investigate the antidiabetic potential of P. polyphylla extract enriched with diosgenin (PPED) in vitro and in vivo in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. MethodP. polyphylla rhizomes were used to extract diosgenin-enriched extracts. The P. polyphylla extract enriched with diosgenin (PPED) was quantified using standard diosgenin in HPLC. The in vitro antidiabetic efficacy of PPED was determined by α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzyme inhibitory activity. PPED 1 (200 mg/kg b.w) and PPED 2 (400 mg/kg b.w) was administered in normal glycemic rats to evaluate the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). PPED 1 and PPED 2 were orally dosed for 28 days daily in STZ-induced diabetic rats, and the fasting blood glucose level and body weight were monitored every 7 days. Furthermore, the antioxidant, serum biochemical parameters, and pancreatic histopathology were studied. ResultsP. polyphylla extract enriched with diosgenin was quantified. PPED exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes with IC50 275.7 ± 0.59 μg/mL and 121.9 ± 1.21 μg/mL. Daily oral dosage of PPED 1 and PPED 2 for 28 days leads to a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose level and recovery of body weight compared to the diabetic control. The liver and kidney antioxidant parameters also improved with PPED dosage. According to our study, the PPED 1 and PPED 2 treated groups showed a decrease in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and hyperlipidemia, as well as an improvement in protein, liver, and kidney function parameters. Moreover, PPED administration also ameliorates the pancreatic islets' size and β-cell granularity compared to the diabetic control group. It is, therefore, possible to conclude that PPED has the potential as an antidiabetic agent. ConclusionThis is the first report of P. polyphylla extract enriched with diosgenin as a potent antidiabetic agent. The present study broadens the therapeutic horizon of P. polyphylla as an invaluable medicinal plant.

Serum uric acid level in chronic liver disease and its correlation with Child-Pugh score in a tertiary care hospital from South India.

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality in our country, and since the damage to the liver is irreversible, we have to look for many severity markers or predictors for the prognosis of the patient. In this study, we have tried to correlate the level of serum uric acid (UA) with the severity of CLD presented as a Child-Pugh score. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Science (VIMS), Ballari, Karnataka, from October 2015 to June 2017 in the Department of General Medicine. Fifty patients diagnosed with CLD, aged between 18 and 65 years, of either gender, were enrolled in the study. Serum UA levels were measured, and liver function and coagulation parameters were assessed. A statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the association between serum UA levels, liver function test, and coagulation parameters. In our study, the mean serum UA level was 6.52 mg/dl and was raised in patients with CLD in correlation to its severity. Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) was the most common etiology for CLD (80%) followed by hepatitis B (Hep B) virus infection (12%) and hepatitis C (Hep C) virus infection (6%). Serum UA levels increased as the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score increased. The mean UA level in CTP class C was 8.29 mg/dl. Various parameters such as serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, international normalized ratio (INR), calcium, and albumin were significantly associated with serum UA levels in CLD patients. The correlation between rising blood UA levels and the Child-Pugh score shows that UA estimate may be a valid and affordable indicator for assessing the extent of liver cirrhosis in CLD.

Effects of Nano-Fipronil on Male Rats’ Biochemical, Liver, and Renal Functions

Fipronil has been widely employed for crop protection over the past decade because of its low soil stability and insecticidal potency at modest application rates. The present study was designed to investigate the adverse effects of sub-acute exposure to 10 and 20 mg/kg/b. w. of Nano-Fipronil on biochemical blood profile and histological parameters in male rats according to the permissible limits of acceptable daily intake (ADI). The results hematological parameters indicated that Red blood cells (RBCs) and Hemoglobin(H.b) decreased in all treated groups compared with the control. While PLT and white blood cells (WBCs) was significantly increased in all treated groups compared with the control. The toxicity of effects of nano-fipronil pesticides leads to higher levels of liver function parameters (AST, ALT and ALP), kidney function (Blood urea and Creatinin and Uric acid) and Oxidative stress (MDA, GSH and CAT) results demonstrated highly significant differences (P≤0.05) in all groups treated compared with the control.