Liver Function Research Articles

Transplantace jater pro chronickou hepatitidu C – význam protivirové léčby v roce 2024

Summary: Liver failure due to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in hepatitis C (HCV) infection is still one of the main indications for liver transplantation (LTx) in Western countries. In patients with compensated liver cirrhosis C, antiviral therapy should be initiated promptly, as complications, i.e. decompensation of the disease and HCC, can occur in a short time frame. Successful antiviral treatment of HCV in patients with cirrhosis reduces the risk of decompensation, HCC, and death from liver failure, thus reducing the need for LTx in these patients. Treatment in a patient with decompensated liver cirrhosis before LTx aims not only to prevent HCV recurrence in the liver graft but also to improve liver function. In patients on the waiting list, improvement of liver function may lead to removal from the waiting list. LTx should be considered in all patients with chronic liver failure due to HCV in whom we expect prolongation of life expectancy after LTx compared to the natural course of their liver disease or for whom LTx will significantly improve the quality of life. LTx should be considered when life expectancy due to liver disease is one year or less. Before LTx, the patient should be thoroughly examined to exclude comorbidities that substantially complicate or preclude LTx. The advent of direct-acting antivirals into HCV treatment regimens represents a revolutionary step to prevent HCV recurrence in the graft, is either by eradicating HCV before LTx or by early treatment after LTx. Currently, HCV recurrence in the liver graft either by eradicating HCV before LTx or by early treatment after LTx. Currently, HCV recurrence in the liver graft no longer leads to worse survival in patients transplanted for HCV, and outcomes are fully comparable to those of LTx for other diagnoses. Key words: HCV – cirrhosis C – liver failure – hepatocellular carcinoma – liver transplantation – HCV recurrence

Evaluation of the Effects of Consumption of Portuguese Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) on the Risk Factors Related to Cardiovascular Diseases

(1) Background: Walnut consumption has been associated with having a positive effect on controlling and/or reducing the co-morbidities associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The effects of consuming walnuts of Portuguese origin on risk factors related to CVD were evaluated by measuring glucose, urea, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, AST, and ALT levels, anthropometric profiles, and blood pressure. (2) Methods: This trial study involved 24 volunteers, both female (n = 15) and male (n = 9), from Fernando Pessoa University, Porto. It consisted of a daily intake of 25 g of walnut kernels over a period of 45 days. Before and after intake, biochemical parameters, BMI and BP were measured. (3) Results: Despite the intake of nuts revealing a reduction in mean values of most of the parameters assessed, a significant drop was only observed in AST (p = 0.04).There was also a significant reduction in the mean values for Glu (p = 0.01), UR (p = 0.01) and HDL-C (p = 0.02) for women but not for men. (4) Conclusions: The dose and the period of intake were not effective in lowering the lipid profile but may have had a protective effect on liver function. The benefits were greater in women than in men.

Correlation between Serum Levels of Nitric Oxide and Adropin and Erectile Dysfunction in Males with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: An Observational Study.

The current study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) and adropin in males with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced erectile dysfunction (ED) and NAFLD patients without ED and controls. The current study selected 165 participants from the hepatology department from November 2021 to November 2022. The patients were either suffering from NAFLD with normal liver functions or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with abnormal liver functions. They were diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. Participants were evaluated using the validated Arabic version of the International Index of Erectile Function (ArIIEF-5), the Arabic form of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Noteworthy, there were significant positive correlations between ArIIEF-5 score, NO, adropin and total testosterone (r = 0.380, p = 0.001; r = 0.507, p = < 0.001; r = 0.246, p = 0.038, respectively). Meanwhile, there were significant negative correlations between ArIIEF-5 score, creatinine, duration of the disease and scores of GAD-7 and PHQ-9 (r = -0.656, p = < 0.001; r = -0.368, p = 0.002; r = -0.663, p = < 0.001; r = -0.248, p = 0.037, respectively). Finally, a linear regression analysis revealed that GAD-7, creatinine, and adropin were the only strong independent predictors of ArIIEF-5, as the 95% confidence interval in the form of upper and lower bounds was -0.349, -0.843, p < 0.001, -6.507, -18.402, p < 0.001, 0.476, 0.117, and p 0.002, respectively. Impaired NO and adropin levels play a potential role in the development of ED in patients with NAFLD.

The effect of letrozole on liver function and some biochemical parameters in rats

Letrozole (LTZ), is an aromatase inhibitor, that has been widely used in a variety of diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and breast cancer. LTZ is received via the oral route and metabolized in the liver. Therefore, LTZ may have toxic effects like other drugs metabolized in the liver. Based on this, our study aimed to investigate the effect of LTZ on liver function and biochemical parameters. For this purpose, 16 Wistar albino female rats were divided into two groups (n=8): Control and LTZ respectively. The rats in the letrozole group were administered with 2 mL/kg LTZ by oral gavage once a day for 21 days. The Control group received the vehicle once a day for 21 days. Blood samples were collected on the 22nd day of the experiment. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), albumin (ALB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct bilirubin and total bilirubin were measured. Biochemical analysis indicated that ALT, AST, LDH, ALP, and total bilirubin levels were significantly higher in the LTZ administrated group compared to the Control. ALB levels decreased in the LTZ group. In conclusion, it was determined that LTZ has toxic and detrimental effects on the liver. We suggested that long-term LTZ administrated patients should be under control against liver damage and may have liver supporting adjuvant therapies for robust liver functions.

Prevalence, characteristics, and virologic correlations of hepatitis delta (D) among patients with hepatitis B surface antigen in Mongolia.

Clinical and biochemical features of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infections in Mongolia remain largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of HDV patients in Mongolia using several markers. The 143 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive patients were divided into 122 HDV-positive and 21 HDV-negative patients by HDV RNA positivity. Subgroup analysis was performed between hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and -negative HDV-positive patients. Liver function, quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg), anti-HDV Immunoglobulin (Ig) M, Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi), hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level, and HDV RNA level were tested. HDV RNA was positive in 85.3% (122/143) of patients showing anti-HDV IgG. Liver disease activity was higher in HDV-positive patients than in HDV-negative patients. The HDV-positive group included a higher proportion of patients with high qHBsAg and M2BPGi levels (p < 0.001). The positivity rate for anti-HDV IgM was significantly higher in the HDV-positive group (p < 0.001). HDV RNA levels showed an inverse correlation with qHBsAg levels in HBeAg-positive-HDV-positive patients (r = -0.49, p = 0.034), and a positive correlation with qHBsAg levels in HBeAg-negative patients (r = 0.35, p < 0.001). Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and HDV RNA levels did not show any correlation. M2BPGi levels likewise did not correlate with HDV RNA levels. A high positivity rate for HDV RNA was observed for HBV patients in Mongolia using the highly sensitive HDV RNA assay. The positivity rate for anti-HDV IgM was high in HDV RNA-positive patients. Severity of liver disease and M2BPGi levels were both high in the HDV RNA-positive group.

Rare Case of Portal Vein Aneurysm after Liver Transplantation

Objective: diagnosis and treatment experience of portal vein aneurysm after liver transplantation. Methods: One recipients with portal vein aneurysm after liver transplantation were analyzed. Clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis were summarized based on literature review. Results: One case received high-dose glucocorticoid therapy whereas liver function was not improved, and then patient was recovered successfully after secondary liver transplantaion. Conclusions: Long-term complication of portal vein aneurysm after liver transplantain probably indicates poor prognosis. Intimate follow-up and active treatment should be conduct Liver transplantation may be a potential treatment regimen.

Exposure of Bisphenols (BPs) to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and non-HCC patients: Association with liver function biomarkers

Bisphenols (BPs), prevalent endocrine disruptors in daily life, have been widely studied in vitro for their potential to cause liver diseases, including liver cancer. However, there is a dearth of research exploring BP levels in clinical populations with liver issues. This study comprehensively analyzed the distribution and characteristics of ten BPs in paired serum, blood, and urine samples from 197 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and 100 non-HCC patients. The study investigated the impact of sociodemographic factors, such as gender, BMI (Body Mass Index), age, drinking, and smoking habits, on BP distribution. Additionally, it analyzed the relationship between BPs and three liver function biomarkers: γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Notably, some BP levels were higher in non-HCC patients compared to HCC patients across all three sample types. For HCC patients, the BP concentrations followed the order of serum (29.12 ng/mL) > blood (18.36 ng/mL) > urine (14.91 ng/mL), whereas for non-HCC patients, the order was urine (30.79 ng/mL) > serum (29.51 ng/mL) > blood (24.34 ng/mL). Moreover, BP levels in all patient samples, regardless of HCC status, increased with age. Among HCC patients, females were found to have a higher exposure to BPs compared to males, while the opposite trend was observed in non-HCC patients. Furthermore, the study revealed positive correlations between BPs and liver function indicators, such as ALT and BPAF, BPAP, BPBP; GGT and BPF; and AFP and BPF. These findings suggest a potential association between BPs and liver disease. This comprehensive analysis of BP concentrations in bio-samples from liver disease patients provides valuable insights into the relationship between BPs and liver disease in clinical settings, serving as a reference for future research and clinical practice.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors gama ameliorates liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting TGF-β/Smad signaling activation

Abstract Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic condition characterized by a progressive decline in liver function, leading to disruptions in liver integrity and metabolic function, resulting in lipid deposition and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex and not yet fully understood, contributing to the absence of specific therapeutic strategies. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a ligand-activated transcription factor pivotal in regulating lipid and glucose metabolism. However, the impacts of PPARγ on NAFLD remains insufficiently explored. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of PPARγ in NAFLD and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods Chemical detection kits were utilized to quantify collagen content, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level variations. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to assess alterations in extracellular matrix-related genes and inflammatory response genes in liver tissue and HepG2 cells, while western blotting was conducted to analyze the levels of both PPARγ and the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Results Our findings unveiled significantly reduced PPARγ expression in a rat model of NAFLD, leading to subsequent activation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Furthermore, PPARγ activation effectively mitigated NAFLD progression by inhibiting inflammation and fibrosis-related gene expression and collagen production. On a cellular level, PPARγ activation was found to inhibit the expression of extracellular matrix-related genes such as matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), along with inflammatory response genes interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. Additionally, PPARγ activation led to a significant decrease in the levels of ALT and AST. At the molecular level, PPARγ notably down-regulated the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, which is known to promote liver fibrosis. Conclusion These groundbreaking findings underscore PPARγ activation as a promising therapeutic approach to delay NAFLD progression by targeting the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in hepatic cells. This highlights the potential of PPARγ as a promising therapeutic target for NAFLD management in clinical settings.

Vitamin D and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): Novel Mechanistic Insights.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an increasingly prevalent condition characterized by abnormal fat accumulation in the liver, often associated with metabolic disorders. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and the development and progression of MASLD. The current review provides a concise overview of recent studies uncovering novel mechanistic insights into the interplay between vitamin D and MASLD. Several epidemiological studies have highlighted a significant association between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of MASLD. Vitamin D, traditionally known for its role in bone health, has now been recognized as a key player in various physiological processes, including immune regulation and inflammation. Experimental studies using animal models have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency exacerbates liver steatosis and inflammation, suggesting a potential protective role against MASLD. Mechanistically, vitamin D appears to modulate MASLD through multiple pathways. Firstly, the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is abundantly expressed in liver cells, indicating a direct regulatory role in hepatic function. Activation of the VDR has been shown to suppress hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation, providing a mechanistic basis for the observed protective effects. Additionally, vitamin D influences insulin sensitivity, a critical factor in MASLD pathogenesis. Improved insulin sensitivity may mitigate the excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, thus attenuating MASLD progression. In parallel, vitamin D exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines implicated in MASLD pathophysiology. Experimental evidence suggests that the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D extend to the liver, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, key drivers of MASLD, and the likelihood of hepatocyte injury and fibrosis. Understanding the complex interplay between vitamin D and MASLD provides a basis for exploring targeted therapeutic strategies and preventive interventions. As vitamin D deficiency is a modifiable risk factor, addressing this nutritional concern may prove beneficial in mitigating the burden of MASLD and associated metabolic disorders.

Phytochemical Screening, In-silico Toxicity Profiling, and Antidiabetic Potential of the Flowers of Rosa alba L.

Rosa alba L. is a perennial flowering shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. Diabetes is treated in Assam, India, with a decoction of its flower. But to date, there is no scientific evidence for its antidiabetic potential. Therefore, in addition to toxicity investigations, the current study aimed to determine its antidiabetic potential to support conventional claims. In-silico toxicity profiling for the phytoconstituents of the plant was predicted as non-toxic, non-mutagenic, and non-carcinogenic in mice and rats. The Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were determined and found to be higher in the ethanolic extract than in the aqueous extract of the flower. Antidiabetic activity of orally administered aqueous and alcoholic extracts (200 mg/kg body weight) was evaluated against the high-fat diet fed with a low dose of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Treatment of these extracts significantly (p&lt;0.001) reduced the blood glucose level and lipid profile in induced-diabetic rats without affecting their liver and kidney functions. It was also shown that the liver and pancreatic tissues of animals treated with extracts had enhanced histopathologic architecture. The findings of the study revealed that the flowers of R. alba are a safe herbal remedy for controlling diabetes.

Seronegative Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Case Report.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic rheumatologic childhood disorder of unknown etiology usually presenting with peripheral arthritis. Usually involving the small joints symmetrically, polyarticular JIA is characterized by involvement of 5 or more peripheral joints and is further categorized depending on RA Factor positivity. We aim to report a case of seronegative polyarticular JIA to increase awareness regarding this disease. A 15-year-old boy presented with 3-month history of bilateral symmetrical joint pains, swelling and morning stiffness lasting 3-4 hours. For his ankle and knee pain, he had consulted a local doctor who suspected Rheumatic Fever and started penicillin and analgesics resulting in minimal improvement. He was a student but was unable to attend school in last 2 months due to this illness and had become bed-bound for last 2 weeks. On examination, there was swelling and tenderness of ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints bilaterally. On investigation, ESR, CRP and serum ferritin were raised with normal complete blood count, urinalysis, liver and renal function tests, ASO test, blood and urine cultures, TSH, serum CPK and serum aldolase. Echocardiography did not reveal any abnormalities. His ANA, RA factor and Anti-CCP antibodies were negative. He was diagnosed with Seronegative Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and started on oral prednisolone and methotrexate. Currently the patient is asymptomatic on methotrexate 20mg/week. Our patient with symmetrical polyarthritis had negative ANA, RA Factor and Anti-CCP antibodies leading to a diagnosis of seronegative polyarticular JIA. Early screening and prompt management of JIA is required to improve prognosis and reduce risk of disability. The differential diagnosis of childhood joint pains is wide and variable including diseases of autoimmune, cardiac and haematological systems. For diagnosis of JIA, arthritis persisting for more than 6 weeks with onset of symptoms prior to 16 years of age is required with exclusion of secondary causes of joint inflammation. Keywords: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, ANA, RA Factor, Anti-CCP antibodies, Methotrexate.

Guardians of Liver Health: Unveiling the Resilient Shield of Antioxidant Vitamins (C, E) Against Glyphosate-Induced Havoc in Experimental Rats

Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, has gained popularity due to its broad-spectrum effects and use in genetically modified, glyphosate-resistant crops. Recent data, however, points to possible adverse effects of glyphosate and herbicides based on glyphosate, such as genotoxic and cytotoxic effects, elevated stress levels, disturbance of the hormones such as estrogen pathway and possible associations with specific cancer types. This has raised concerns about the widespread use of glyphosate and its impact on human health and the environment. The objective of this study was to determine whether antioxidants vitamin C and E could shield experimental rats' livers from the damaging effects of glyphosate. Animals were grouped as Group I-control, 30 days of oral glyphosate-treated rats as Group II, and Rats that received simultaneous glyphosate treatment and oral administration of vitamins C and E were for 30 days as Group III. We used the user's manual to figure out the fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, the histomorphology of liver tissue using H&amp;E staining, and the liver and kidney function tests using Diatek Greiner kits. The study revealed that prolonged exposure to glyphosate can alter the SREBPI and HNF1 pathways, leading to diabetes. As an herbicide, glyphosate can cause harmful changes in vital organs, leading to diabetes and other disorders.

Toxicological effects of two major types of potash used as food additives in Nigeria: Biochemical, hematological, and histopathological analysis of major organs in Wistar rats

Trona or natron, often called potash, are evaporites, which are natural salts used unregulated in Nigeria as food additives, particularly to soften hard beans or tenderize tough cow meat, and for medical purposes. A 90-day sub-chronic toxicological study was conducted on Wistar rats weighing 120-140g to investigate the effects of consumption of these natural salts on hematological, histological and biochemical parameters. The experimental design involved 30 rats (n=10), considering attrition of two rats per group. The animals were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was administered potash type A, group 2 administered potash type B while group 3(control) received only food and water. Standard methods were used to analyze all parameters. All results were presented as mean ± SD, with p-values &lt; 0.05 considered significant. Each potash type has LD50s exceeding 5000mg/kg. Potash types significantly increased AST and ALT levels (p&lt;0.05) in liver function measures compared to the control group. In both potash types, creatinine levels were considerably higher (p&lt;0.05) than the control, but Urea levels were not statistically different (p&gt;0.05). Sample A (Trona) reduced RBCs, Hb, and PCV more than sample B (natron) in rats. Both types had WBCs and Platelets that were similar to controls (p&gt;0.05). Effects of potash on four electrolytes :Na+, K+, Cl- and HCO3- shows that potash type B contained elevated (p&lt;0.05) levels of sodium than type A. Our results indicate that chronic consumption of each potash type or even both types, might expose users to hypernatremia, electrolyte imbalance, hematological problems, liver and kidney failures.

Effect of Diosmin on mTOR/Akt Signaling Molecules in NDEA-induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Experimental Rats

Background: Diosmin is a natural compound with a wide range of biological activity, e.g., it improves lymphatic drainage, supports microcirculation, and increases venous tone, and venous elasticity, hence, it is applied in the pharmacotherapy of chronic venous disorders (CVD). This work aims to analyze the effect of diosmin on mTOR and Akt-signaling molecules in NDEA-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in experimental rats. Materials and Methods: Healthy adult rats were split into four groups randomly. Each group consisted of 6 animals. Group I: Control, Group II: NDEA-induced hepatocellular carcinogenic rats, Group III: Cancer-bearing animals treated with diosmin (200 mg) orally for 28 days. Group IV: Control animals treated with diosmin (200 mg) alone for 28 days. Liver function markers (ALP and AST) were measured by biochemical analysis while mTOR and Akt mRNA expression were analyzed by q-PCR analysis. Results: ALP and AST concentration in the serum and mRNA expression of the transcription factor, mTOR were found to be upregulated in HCC bearing rats but Akt mRNA expression was reduced. However, a 200 mg dose of diosmin controls the altered levels of liver function markers and signalling molecules. Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that diosmin may be one of the pharmacological and therapeutic natural compounds against hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methanolic Leaf Extract of Andrographis paniculata Mitigates Aspirin Induced Ulcerogenic and Biochemical Changes in Wistar Rats

This study was aimed at evaluating the ameliorative effect of methanol extract of Andrographis paniculata by aspirin induced ulcerogenic and biochemical changes in wistar albino rats. This study was measured by the following parameters; Total protein, Total Bilirubin, Albumin and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). Fifty rats (weighing about 150-250g) were evenly distributed into 5 groups of 10 rats each. Group 1 (Normal control) and group 2 (Positive control) received normal saline (10ml/kg), group 3 and 4 received 200mg/kg body weight and 400mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively and group 5 (standard) received 30mg/kg body weight omeprazole orally for 7 days. On day 7, groups 2,3,4 and 5 were fasted for 24 hours and on the 8th day the animal were induced with 200mg/kg body weight of aspirin orally. The animals were euthanized on the 9th day using chloroform anaesthesia. Blood was collected by puncturing the heart to perform a liver function assay. A portion of the liver and gastrointestinal tract of the rats were removed and preserved in 10% formalin for histological studies. The liver was also homogenised to conduct a lipid peroxidation assay. The study discovered that serum total protein, serum albumin and SOD activities in the positive control were significantly decreased (p&lt;0.05) and total bilirubin was significantly increased when compared to normal control. However, pretreatment with Andrographis paniculata (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) in groups 3 and 4 respectively, significantly increased the levels of SOD activities, serum total protein, albumin and significantly decreased the level of total bilirubin compared to the positive control group. Treatment with omeprazole at dose 30mg/kg body weight also caused a significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) in total bilirubin level and an increase in total protein, albumin and SOD compared to the positive control. These findings are confirmed by the histopathological results obtained. The results of the present study indic

Role of ABCC2 gene polymorphism on deferasirox hepatic toxicity in thalassemia patients

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between ABCC2 gene polymorphism (G&gt;A, rs 8187710) and (C&gt;T, rs 717620) and hepatotoxicity in thalassemia patient treated deferasirox . Methods: The present work included a cross sectional study, 100 patients suffering iron overload and thalassemia out of 650 patients in (thalassemia center) and 100 healthy patients to compare the parameters of liver function tests of thalassemia patients with healthy group. The allele specific polymerase chain reaction technique (pcr) was used to detect the (G&gt;A, rs 8187710) and (C&gt;T, rs 717620 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Results : 58 patients with rs 8187710 who are wild (GG) and 32 patients hetero(GA)and 56 patients with rs 717620 who wild (CC) and 31 hetero (CT) are exposed to hepatotoxicity than patients with homo groups Conclusion: According to the results of the currents study, the (G&gt;A, rs 8187710) and (C&gt;T, rs 717620) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was associated with hepatotoxicity in patients treated deferasirox.

Kupffer cell diversity maintains liver function in alcohol-associated liver disease.

Liver macrophages are heterogeneous and play an important role in alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) but there is limited understanding of the functions of specific macrophage subsets in the disease. We used a Western Diet Alcohol (WDA) mouse model of ALD to examine the hepatic myeloid cell compartment by scRNA seq and targeted Kupffer cell (KC) ablation to understand the diversity and function of liver macrophages in ALD. In the WDA liver, KCs and infiltrating monocytes/macrophages (IMs) each represented about 50% of the myeloid pool. Five major KC clusters all expressed genes associated with receptor mediated endocytosis and lipid metabolism, but most were predicted to be non-inflammatory and antifibrotic with one minor KC cluster having a pro-inflammatory and extracellular matrix degradation gene signature. IM clusters, in contrast, were predicted to be pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic. In vivo diphtheria toxin based selective KC ablation during alcohol exposure resulted in a liver failure phenotype with increases in PT/INR and bilirubin, loss of differentiated hepatocyte gene expression, and an increase in expression of hepatocyte progenitor markers such as EpCAM, CK-7 and Igf2bp3. Gene set enrichment analysis of whole liver RNAseq from the KC ablated WDA mice showed a similar pattern as seen in human alcoholic hepatitis. In this ALD model, KCs are anti-inflammatory and are critical for maintenance of hepatocyte differentiation. IMs are largely pro-inflammatory and contribute more to liver fibrosis. Future targeting of specific macrophage subsets may provide new approaches to treatment of liver failure and fibrosis in ALD.

ANALISIS KADAR SERUM GLUTAMIC PIRUVIC TRANSAMINASE DAN SERUM GLUTAMIC OXALOACETIC TRANSAMINASE PADA PASIEN TUBERKULOSIS YANG MENJALANI PENGOBATAN OBAT ANTI TUBERKULOSIS

Introduction: Since 1995, Indonesia began to adopt the Directly Observed Treatment Shortcourse Chemotherapy (DOTS) system in controlling tuberculosis. The main drugs recommended in this system are Antituberculosis Drugs (OAT) consisting of Isoniazid (H), Rifampicin (R), Pyrazinamide (Z), and Ethambutol (E). The use of Anti-Tuberculosis Drugs can cause side effects which are still other problems, such as liver damage which is characterized by an increase in transaminase enzymes. Therefore, monitoring liver function is very important. The routine examination carried out is a serum transaminase examination, namely SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT). Therefore, monitoring liver function is very important. The routine examination carried out is a serum transaminase examination, namely SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT). Objective: the aim of this study is to determine whether there is a difference between SGOT and SGPT levels before and after treatment with Antituberculosis Drugs . Method: The research design was cross-sectional analytic using secondary data from examination results of SGOT and SGPT levels from adult tuberculosis sufferers who were undergoing treatment at Cileungsi Regional Hospital, totaling 70 people. The research was conducted from January to August 2023. Results: There was an increase in SGOT levels by 104%, namely from 21.61 IU/L before treatment to 43.47 IU/L and SGPT levels increased by 107%, namely from 16.41 IU/L before treatment to 34.47 IU /L.. The Wilcoxon test showed a significant difference of 0.000 (p &lt;0.05) for SGOT and SGPT levels before and after treatment.. Conclusion: there is a significant difference between SGOT and SGPT levels before and after treatment with antituberculosis drugs.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of acute liver failure in neonates: a retrospective cohort in China.

Neonatal acute liver failure (NALF), as a rare disease with high mortality, has limited relevant literature reports in China. We attempted to analyze a NALF cohort to improve the prognosis of this disease. We included all patients diagnosed with NALF at our institution between 2016 and 2021 and retrospectively reviewed their electronic records. NALF was defined as an INR ≥ 2.0 due to liver disease 28days after birth. Comparisons were made according to etiology and outcome. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival. Fifty-eight patients were included in this study. Etiologies included hypoxic/ischemic injury (29.3%), infection (27.6%), gestational alloimmune liver disease with neonatal hemochromatosis (GALD-NH) (10.3%), inherited metabolic diseases (5.2%), hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (1.7%), other etiologies (12.1%), and unidentified causes (13.8%). Enteroviruses constituted 87.5% of the viral infections, whereas herpes simplex virus accounted for no infections. The median INR was significantly lower in the infection group than in the GALD-NH group (P < 0.05 for multiple comparisons). At the last follow-up, none of the patients had undergone liver transplantation, and the overall mortality rate was 50%. Liver function completely recovered in 31% of the patients, all of whom survived. The overall median survival time was 48days; 26days for hypoxic/ischemic injury and 43days for GALD-NH. The incidence of cholestasis was significantly greater among surviving patients (P = 0.018). Conclusion: Hypoxic/ischemic injury and infection are the predominant etiologies of NALF in China. The overall prognosis of NALF is poor, but its short-term prognosis is determined by the etiology. What is Known: • Neonatal acute liver failure (NALF) is a rare disorder with limited cohort studies, especially in China. • Gestational alloimmune liver disease, viral infections (especially herpes simplex virus), metabolic diseases and ischemic insults are common etiologies of NALF, which are significantly different from other populations. • There are no reliable biochemical markers to predict the outcome of NALF. What is New: • In this first report on a Chinese NALF cohort, we demonstrate that hypoxic/ischemic injury and infection (excluding herpes simplex virus) are the predominant etiologies of NALF. • The overall prognosis of NALF is poor, and its etiology determines the short-term outcome.

Biochemical changes associated with H. pylori infection in humans

Since its first isolation, H. pylori, a Gram-negative flagellated bacterium, has been the subject of intensive research because of its widespread dissemination and associations with several disorders. The bacterium is proven to be a causative factor for a number of gastric diseases, such as gastritis, gastric adenocarcinoma, and MALT-lymphoma. While H. pylori infection has been reported to be linked to several extra-gastric diseases, this study investigated extra-gastric manifestation of H. pylori using specific biomarkers in humans. The GERDs questionnaire was used to randomly chose 150 (one hundred and fifty) participants, of which 75 (seventy five) were found to be H. pylori positive and another 75 (seventy five) were chosen as negative controls. Samples were gathered, and biochemical characteristics were examined. The study revealed a significant (p&lt;0.05) reduction in the levels of oxidative stress markers, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), vitamin C (vit C) and no significant difference was observed in malondialdehyde (MDA) and Total iron concentrations, although with a mean increase and reduction respectively. For the lipid profile biomarker results were statistically (p&lt;0.05) significant for triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein(LDLc) while no significant difference was observed in total cholesterol (TC) and high density lipoprotein (HDLc). Kidney function assessment revealed a statistical (p &gt; 0.05) no significant different with sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-) and bicarbonate (HCO2-) concentrations while there was a significant difference in urea and creatinine concentrations when compared with the control subjects. In the liver function parameters, a statistical (p&lt;0.05) significant difference was observed with the aminotransferases (ALT, AST, ALP) and conjugated bilirubin while total bilirubin had a no significant difference when compared with the control subjects. A correlation coefficient analysis of parameter in H. pylori positive subjects were significantly adjusted (p&lt;0.05) for TG, total cholesterol, aminotransferases and bilirubin. The aim of the study was to investigate the biochemical changes of H. pylori infection in humans using specific biomarkers.