Systematic toxicokinetic analysis and early hepatic effects evaluation of BbF following acute oral exposure in mice.

The mechanism of Tibetan medicine Shibawei Niuhuang Qinggan pills in protecting against acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury in mice by regulating the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway.

Cord-blood-PRP attenuates fibrogenic features of TGFβ-activated hepatic stellate cells in in vitro and animal models.

Schistosomiasis, caused by worms of the genus Schistosoma, especially S. mansoni, remains a major global health challenge, with over 200 million people infected annually. Notably, sterile immunity does not naturally develop, and drug selection pressure has intensified due to the extensive use of praziquantel (PZQ) in endemic areas for nearly four decades, in addition to the emergence of resistance and lack of sterile immunity. This study investigated the effects of nanoparticle-loaded with natural plant extracts-Ficus carica (Fig) and Olea europaea (Olive)-administered in vivo at all S. mansoni developmental stages: cercariae (G4), schistosomulae (G5), immature worms (G6), and mature worms (G7). The primary objectives were to determine which stage was most susceptible to be eliminated in infected C57BL/6 mice. Fig and Olive were used in this study based on the oath in the wholly Quran. The results demonstrated a progressive improvement from G4 (Lowest) through G7 (Best) in immunological parameters, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory and apoptotic profiles, comet assay results, and liver function tests.

In chronic pancreatitis (CP), a symptomatic benign biliary stricture (BBS) evolves as an adverse event in 3-30%. Treatment by ERCP with a single plastic biliary stent has been disappointing. Multiple plastic stents are more successful but make the procedure more time consuming than treatment with a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (fcSEMS). The most efficient stenting duration of BBS caused by CP is not known. The aim of this multicenter prospective randomized study was to compare the safety and feasibility of 10mm diameter fcSEMSs placed for 12months versus 12mm diameter fcSEMSs placed for 6months in the treatment of BBS caused by CP. The patients were randomized into two groups: either 10mm diameter fcSEMS for 12months or 12mm diameter fcSEMS for 6months. After stent removal, the patients were followed up at 6 and 24months with liver function tests and abdominal ultrasound. A total of 62 consecutive patients undergoing ERCP for the treatment of BBS at six centers were enrolled. Four patients in the 10mm group and five in the 12mm group were excluded due to a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, and two in the 10mm and four in the 12mm group were excluded because of death from other causes during the 2-year follow-up. In the 10mm group, one stent became impacted in the bile duct necessitating hepaticojejunostomy; this patient was also excluded from the final analysis. The final sample size was 24 patients in the 10mm group and 22 in the 12mm group. In the 12mm group, one stent migrated requiring re-stenting. Recurrent strictures occurred in 3 of 24 patients (13%) in the 10mm group and in 4 of 22 patients (18%) in the 12mm group (p = 0.694). Both types of fcSEMS are effective in the treatment of BBS secondary to CP. However, the increased risk of pancreatic cancer in these patients should be taken into consideration.

Desmoid tumors (aggressive fibromatosis) are rare, locally invasive fibroblastic neoplasms with no metastatic potential but a propensity for local recurrence. Primary involvement of the liver is exceptionally uncommon and poses significant diagnostic challenges due to overlapping radiologic features with primary hepatic malignancies and other spindle cell neoplasms. Large mesenchymal tumors may rarely be associated with nonislet cell tumor hypoglycemia. A 71-year-old woman presented with a five-year history of progressive abdominal swelling and recurrent hypoglycemic episodes. Examination revealed a large, firm, non-tender abdominal mass measuring 30.0 × 28.0cm. Laboratory investigations, including liver function tests and tumor markers (alpha-fetoprotein, CA 19 - 9, and CA-125), were within normal limits, except for correctable hypokalemia. Cross-sectional imaging demonstrated a large heterogeneous mass arising from segments II and III of the left hepatic lobe with progressive enhancement, favoring a benign or low-grade mesenchymal neoplasm. Differential diagnoses included solitary fibrous tumor, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, and desmoid fibromatosis. The patient underwent left lateral hepatectomy. Histopathology revealed a spindle cell proliferation composed of uniform fibroblastic cells arranged in long fascicles within a collagenous stroma, without significant atypia or increased mitotic activity. Immunohistochemistry showed strong nuclear positivity for beta-catenin, while smooth muscle actin (SMA) and CD31 were negative in tumor cells; S100 showed weak positivity. These findings confirmed the diagnosis of desmoid tumor. The postoperative course was uneventful, with resolution of hypoglycemic episodes. Primary hepatic desmoid tumor is an exceptionally rare entity that may clinically and radiologically mimic malignant hepatic neoplasms. Strong nuclear beta-catenin expression is critical for definitive diagnosis. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation in atypical hepatic masses and highlights the potential association with paraneoplastic hypoglycemia.

Busulfan's narrow therapeutic index and high pharmacokinetic (PK) variability warrant investigation of its exposure-toxicity relationship. We retrospectively analyzed 334 pediatric and young adult patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at Seoul National University Children's Hospital between 2009 and 2020 and received once-daily intravenous busulfan over four days (3-hour infusion, n = 122; 6-hour infusion, n = 212). Factors associated with toxicities were identified using multivariable logistic regression, and overall survival (OS) was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. Despite comparable exposures, the 3-hour infusion group showed higher Cmax (4,260.2 vs 3,028.6 μg/L, P < 0.0001) and more frequent liver function test elevations (13.1% vs 0.5%, P < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified a Cmax cut-off of 4269.6 μg/L as a factor for hepatotoxicity. The 4-year OS was superior in the 6-hour infusion group (82.3% vs 71.9%, P = 0.02) and in the low Cmax group (80.8% vs 66.5%, P = 0.01). Cox regression revealed Cmax as an independent predictor of OS. A population PK model was developed using NONMEM. A 1-compartment model incorporating enzyme turnover auto-inhibition successfully described the busulfan PK profile. Simulations of published once-daily dosing regimens showed that extending the infusion to 6 hours successfully maintained Cmax below the cut-off threshold. These results show that maintaining busulfan Cmax below 4269.6 μg/L is associated with improved safety and survival. Prolonged infusion should be considered when adopting the busulfan once-daily regimen.

Preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with biliary stent placement is commonly employed in patients with choledocholithiasis as part of a staged perioperative management strategy. In clinical practice, biliary stent migration is often observed at the time of planned postoperative ERCP. Characterizing the occurrence of biliary stent migration, its associated clinical factors, and its implications for postoperative management is therefore relevant to optimizing patient care. We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study including adult patients who underwent a single preoperative ERCP with biliary plastic stent placement, followed by cholecystectomy and a planned postoperative ERCP for stent removal between 2012 and 2023. The primary outcome was biliary stent migration, defined as absence of the stent at postoperative ERCP, confirmed endoscopically and fluoroscopically. Demographic, clinical, and procedural variables were analyzed to explore factors associated with stent migration. A total of 208 patients were included. Biliary stent migration was observed in 51 patients (24.5%). At postoperative ERCP, choledocholithiasis was identified in 67.8% of cases. In univariate analysis, pancreatic stent placement during the index ERCP was associated with lower odds of biliary stent migration; however, this association did not remain statistically significant after multivariable adjustment. No other demographic or procedural factors were independently associated with migration. Individualized approach may be applied for selective patients referred to the biliary stent removal after cholecystectomy. Abdominal imaging before postoperative ERCP in asymptomatic patients with normal liver function tests may help in the decision-making process and potentially prevent unnecessary invasive procedures and reduce its complications.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The most important side effect of the chemotherapeutic agent Cisplatin (CIS) is nephrotoxicity. This study aimed to determine how Hydroxytyrosol (HxT), a potent antioxidant, affects the chemotherapeutic effect of CIS against Diethylnitrosamine (DENA)-induced HCC in liver tissue and its effectiveness on the damage caused by CIS in kidney tissues. In the experimental design, 56 male rats were divided into 8 groups (n = 7) for an 8-week experimental period. The rats were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: Control, HCC, HCC+HxT, HCC+CIS, CIS, CIS+HxT, HCC+CIS+HxT, and HxT, in equal numbers (n = 7). The effects of HxT in the HCC and/or CIS groups were examined using biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, real-time PCR, and Western blot techniques. The study found increased liver and kidney function tests, histopathological changes, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) markers, and inflammatory markers in the HCC and/or CIS groups compared to the control group. Furthermore, decreased levels of Phoenixin-14 (PNX-14), an endogenous polypeptide, were observed in the HCC and/or CIS groups compared to the control group. Significantly improved changes resulting from HCC and/or CIS were observed in the HxT-treated groups. Furthermore, cell culture analyses revealed that HxT exhibited cytotoxic effects against the HCC cell line. Conclusively, HxT supplementation demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects against CIS-induced nephrotoxicity. However, the combination of CIS and HxT may have a more effective anticancer effect against HCC rather than using them separately.

The aim of this study was to investigate liver function tests and their association with clinical characteristics in children diagnosed with non-IgE-mediated food allergy. A total of 132 children with non-IgE-mediated food allergies and 127 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were retrospectively analyzed. Patient demographics, clinical features and response to treatment were analyzed. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were measured in both groups. The mean age of the patients was 6.0 ± 3.2 months, and symptoms appeared on average at 4.0 ± 3.4 months. At the time of symptom onset, 69 children (52.2%) were exclusively breastfed. The most common symptoms were mucous (56.8%) and bloody stools (47%). Food protein-induced proctocolitis was diagnosed in 104 patients (78.8%), food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome in 18 (13.6%) and food protein-induced enteropathy in 10 (7.6%). Cow’s milk (86.3%) and egg (34%) were the most common allergens. Mean ALT levels were significantly higher in patients (35.1 ± 30.6 U/L) than in controls (23.2 ± 8.6 U/L; P = .009), and ALT elevation was observed in 10.6% of patients versus 3.1% of controls (P = .026). Transaminase levels normalized on average within 3.9 ± 1.4 months after diet elimination. No significant differences were observed between children with elevated and normal ALT levels with respect to age, gender, diet, diagnosis or atopy. A mild elevation of liver enzyme may occur in children with non-IgE-mediated food allergies and usually disappears with elimination of the food. Clinicians should consider this association at diagnosis and delay invasive interventions until dietary intervention has been attempted.

Salivary nitrite (SNO2), a marker of oral nitrate-reducing capacity and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, often impaired in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This study aimed to investigate the associations between SNO2 concentration, and metabolic, vascular, and renal parameters in patients with T2DM. Sixty-four adults with T2DM (53.9 ± 7.2 years, 45.3% men, diabetes duration 8.3 ± 6.2 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Salivary NO2 concentrations, glycemic parameters, blood pressure (BP) indices, renal function, lipid profiles, liver function, and systemic NO metabolites were measured. Participants with high- and low-SNO2 (< and ≥ 69.3 µmol/L) were compared for cardiometabolic parameters. Compared with the low-SNO2 group, participants with higher SNO2 had lower HbA1c (6.2% vs. 6.9%, P = 0.040), fasting insulin (6.1 vs. 8.2 µU/mL, P = 0.007), HOMA-IR (2.1 vs. 3.3, P = 0.003), and C-peptide (1.3 vs. 1.7 ng/mL, P = 0.023), with higher QUICKI (0.34 vs. 0.32, P = 0.003). Fasting serum glucose was marginally lower (142 vs. 167mg/dL, P = 0.069) in the high- compared to the low-SNO2 group. Median serum nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) concentrations were higher in the high-SNO2 group (51.1 vs. 29.1 µmol/L, P = 0.015). Salivary nitrate (NO3) (694 vs. 463 µmol/L, P = 0.035) and NO2 (153 vs. 20.6, P = 0.001) were also higher in the high- compared to low-SNO2 group. No significant difference was observed in BP measures, lipid profile, and liver and renal function test across groups. High-SNO2 levels were associated with greater glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and NO bioavailability in patients with T2DM.

The development of eco-friendly nanomaterials has gained significant attention due to their biocompatibility and reduced environmental impact. In this study, silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) were synthesized from Bauhinia variegata leaf extract using a green synthesis approach. The synthesized SiNPs were characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX to determine their structural, morphological, and elemental properties. The toxicity of the biosynthesized SiNPs was evaluated in a rat model through a 28-day oral administration study. Biochemical and hematological analyses, including liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin) and renal function tests (BUN, creatinine), were conducted along with histopathological examination to assess potential tissue alterations. The results indicated minimal changes in biochemical parameters and tissue morphology, suggesting that B. variegata-mediated SiNPs exhibit good biocompatibility and low toxicity at the tested doses. Overall, this study demonstrates the successful synthesis of stable SiNPs via a plant-based method and provides preliminary evidence of their safety for future biomedical and nanotherapeutic applications. Further studies on long-term exposure and molecular mechanisms are recommended to confirm their biosafety profile.

Concurrent use of ketogenic diet therapy and cannabidiol in children and adults with epilepsy: A multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Wilson's disease (WD) is a genetic disorder of copper metabolism in which early diagnosis remains challenging, particularly in acute liver failure (ALF). Relative exchangeable copper (REC) and exchangeable copper (CuEXC) are emerging biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring, but data from larger cohorts are limited. This monocentric retrospective cohort study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of REC in WD patients, including adult ALF and assessed the utility of CuEXC during monitoring. 299 paediatric/adult patients with liver disease were analysed; 215 had confirmed WD (Leipzig score ≥ 4). Clinical data, parameters of copper metabolism and liver function tests were collected. REC was analysed in the full cohort. CuEXC was evaluated longitudinally at three standardized timepoints over 12 months in treated adult WD patients and compared with 24-h urinary copper excretion (UCE) after 48-h treatment interruption. REC demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy with an AUC of 0.955 (sensitivity 88.4%, specificity 91.7%). In adult ALF, REC perfectly discriminated WD (n = 2/2, 100%) from other causes. CuEXC declined significantly in therapy-naïve patients and differentiated these from very stable patients, but showed limited discrimination between stable versus unstable patients during median follow-up. UCE off-treatment showed parallel trajectories to CuEXC. REC is a highly accurate diagnostic biomarker for WD, including adult ALF. CuEXC is useful to characterize initial treatment response and copper control, but its role as a routine monitoring biomarker between stable and unstable patients remains uncertain and requires prospective validation, whereas UCE remains as a robust follow-up parameter in these patients.

Workers in the floriculture industry are exposed to various classes of pesticides through skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion. Although many pesticides are known to exert hepatotoxic effects and inhibit serum butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), no prior studies have been conducted in Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara region. This study aimed to assess the effects of pesticide exposure on liver function tests and BChE among floriculture workers in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from February 8, 2025, to May 28, 2025, including 103 floriculture workers and 51 community controls from Zege town. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using structured questionnaires, and venous blood samples were analyzed using the Cobas 6000 analyzer. Data were entered in Epidata 4.7 and analyzed in SPSS version 27. Statistical analyses included chi-square/Fisher's exact tests, t-tests, ANCOVA, one-way ANOVA, and multivariate logistic regression, with significance set at p < 0.05. Floriculture workers had significantly higher ALT (27.71 ± 0.44 U/L vs. 22.71 ± 0.47 U/L; MD = 4.99 [95% CI: 3.72, 6.25]; p < 0.001), AST (28.46 ± 0.68 U/L vs. 20.69 ± 0.73; MD = 7.77 [95% CI: 5.98, 9.74]; P < 0.001), TBL ( 0.831 ± 0.028mg/dL vs. 0.362 ± 0.030mg/dL; MD = 0.47 [95% CI: 0.39, 0.55]; P < 0.001), and DBL (0.298 ± 0.012mg/dL vs. 0.170 ± 0.021mg/dL; MD = 0.13 [95% CI: 0.09, 0.17]; p < 0.001) compared with controls. Conversely, total protein (7.385 ± 0.058g/dL vs. 7.624 ± 0.098g/dL; MD = - 0.24 [95% CI: -0.46, - 0.01]; p = 0.038), albumin (4.255 ± 0.052g/dL vs. 4.623 ± 0.088g/dL; MD = - 0.37 [95% CI: -0.57, - 0.17]; p < 0.001), A/G ratio (1.394 ± 0.040 vs. 1.580 ± 0.067; MD = - 0.19 [95% CI: -0.34, - 0.03]; p = 0.018), and BChE (5105 ± 141 U/L vs. 6699 ± 239 U/L; MD = - 1594 [95% CI: -2142.66, - 1045.39]; p < 0.001) were significantly lower among floriculture workers compared to control. Workers with more than 10 years of exposure showed markedly elevated ALT, AST, TBL, DBL, and globulin, while reduced albumin, A/G ratio, and BChE with < 5 years and 5-10 years (p < 0.05). Overall, prolonged pesticide exposure was associated with significant alterations of liver function and BChE among floriculture workers.

A cross-sectional study performed on 50 patients(60% were females and 40% were males) with thalassemia major who attend thalassemia clinic at Tikrit teaching hospital for regular blood transfusions to determine the frequency of HCV infection and studying the effects of that infection on liver function and its relation to blood transfusions and iron status. Demographic data were obtained from patients files with results of antibody testing for HCV and samples of blood were sent for serum iron level and liver enzymes. Out of 50 thalassemia patients, 10% of them had positive anti-HCV antibody, their age range 17.34 years. Eighty percent of seronegative and 66% of seropositive patients were received blood transfusion at a rate more than 100 times. It was shown that 60% of patients with positive anti-HCV had abnormal liver function tests although this not significant statistically as compared with those of negative results for HCV. Patients with positive HCV and elevated iron level constitute about 80%, and 88% for those with sronegative results and high serum iron. As well as 72% of total patients had both elevated both the iron level and liver enzymes. It has been concluded that the risk of infection with HCV was significantly increased with older age groups and with the frequency of transfusions.

Thalassemia is hereditary disease which have a significant risk of contracting of blood — born infections like hepatitis and HIV through the regular episodes of blood transfusions. This study was conducted to evaluate patients with thalassemia and to find out the percentage of hepatitis B infected patients. It was a cross sectional study done in Tikrit Teaching Hospital involved all thalassemia patients , (50) patients. The percentage of hepatitis B among these patients was (10%). Among the seropositive patients, males and females comprised (10%) for each. Patients from urban area were (9.1%) , while those from rural areas were (11.8%). The percentage of non-vaccinated patients with seropositive hepatitis B was (14.3%) compared to the non-vaccinated (6.9%). It was found that when the blood transfusion amount increases the risk of acquiring hepatitis also increases. There were (18.2%) of patients with abnormal liver function test had seropositivity for hepatitis B, and (3.6%) of the same group had normal function test. It was revealed that (16.7%) of the seropositive patients had undergone splenectomy. It is concluded that hepatitis is still a risk among thalassemic patients attending thalassemia center in Tikrit Teaching: Hospital: Therefore it is recommended to ensure a good vaccination for all patients and a regular screening about this infection and to conduct a broader study involving many centers across the country.

Tensor-Based Integration of Time-Series Measurements Reveals Relationships Between Underlying Disease, Early Injury, and CD4+ Polarization in Liver Transplantation.

Protective role of Quercetin against the possible harmful effects of Tartrazine, which is widely used. These doses have been studied for the first time in the literature. Rats were divided: Control, Tartrazine, Quercetin, and Tartrazine + Quercetin. The substances were administered for 30 days. Afterward, liver tissues and blood samples were collected and biochemically and histopathologically analyzed. An increase was noted in oxidant (MDA, SOD) and oxidative stress index parameters (TOS, OSI) while decreases were seen in antioxidant parameters (GSH, CAT, TAS), inflammation markers (TNF-α, IL-6), apoptosis (Caspase 3) and histopathological deterioration (heterochromatic with pyknotic nuclei, pericentral hepatocyte necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration) in liver tissue. There was also an increase in oxidative stress index, inflammation markers, and liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, Direct and Total Bilirubin) in serum samples of the tartrazine group. In the quercetin group, antioxidant parameters in liver tissue increased, whereas oxidant parameters, inflammation markers, and liver function tests in serum samples decreased. Improvements in both biochemical, blood, and histopathological parameters were observed with the concomitant administration of quercetin compared to the tartrazine group. Tartrazine caused hepatotoxicity by increasing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the liver tissues. Additionally, it led to widespread damage by elevating inflammation and worsening liver function test results in blood samples. Quercetin, however, showed strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and apoptotic effects. We recommend daily use of quercetin to protect the liver from the harmful effects of tartrazine.

The most significant infections via needle-stick injuries (NSIs) involve hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, and the most common device is a hollow-bore needle or suture needle. This study aimed to determine the epidemiology and associated factors that contribute to occupational exposures to blood and bodily fluids at a hospital in South Trinidad and Tobago. This study was conducted retrospectively from 2011 to 2016 in one tertiary public health institution in Trinidad and Tobago. Data were extracted from incident reports, occupational health records, and infection prevention and control (IPC) unit documentation. Primary outcomes included demographic characteristics, occupation, and departmental distribution of NSIs. Secondary outcomes assessed the circumstances of injury, anatomical site, glove use, laboratory investigations, and administration of post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP). A total of 221 healthcare workers reported NSIs, with a mean age of 34.97 years. Most affected individuals were women and clinical staff. "Other" (e.g., psychiatry, or in transit outside wards/units) accounted for the highest proportions of injuries, followed by internal medicine, while the IPC unit received the majority of first reports. Procedures were the most common activity associated with injury, followed by discarding needles and recapping. Fingers were the most frequently affected sites, particularly the right index and left ring fingers. Documentation gaps were notable, especially regarding glove use and time to reporting. PEP was administered in most cases, and official reporting to the IPC unit was associated with a higher likelihood of receiving PEP. Laboratory testing commonly included renal and liver function tests, complete blood counts, and screening for blood‑borne pathogens. NSIs reflect ongoing challenges in occupational safety. Strengthening IPC training, improving reporting practices, promoting safer sharps handling, and implementing safety‑engineered devices are essential to reducing NSI incidence and improving post‑exposure management.