Serum Liver Enzymes Research Articles

Therapeutics of L. Lanceolata and V. Doniana on Alcohol Induced Hepatic Pathology

Additive and stimulative properties of alcohol encourage large intake. Notwithstanding, chronic alcohol consumption causes severe hepatic damage, that alters normal biological function of the liver. The aim of this research was to assess the effects of Lophira lanceolata and Vitex doniana extracts on alcohol induced hepatotoxicity using rat model by examining liver serum enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP), lipid peroxidation level, antioxidant enzyme activity and haematological parameters. Thirty Wister rats weighing 70 to 120g were placed in six groups of fives per group. The negative control and treatment groups were familiarized with alcohol (42%) in drinking water before oral administration of 42% consumable alcohol (v/v, 1ml/100g body weight) for nine days. Afterward, the treatment groups were administered 600mg/kg body weight extracts of Lophira lanceolata, Vitex doniana and Vitamin C (as standard drug). Body weight and behavioural characters were monitored during the period. It was observed that, rats in the negative and treatment groups showed significant depletion in weight and negative changes in behaviour. Furthermore, biochemical assessment revealed significant elevated levels of liver serum enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) activity, total and direct bilirubin, MDA, SOD and CAT while GSH and haematological parameters were significantly depleted at p<0.05. However, the treated groups revealed significant reduction in the liver enzymes, MDA, SOD and CAT while GSH activity and haematological parameters were significantly increased. In conclusion, both extracts have ameliorative and antioxidant properties that could mitigates chronic alcohol hepatotoxicity.

Acute and sub-chronic toxicological profile of Musa cavendishii (Musaceae) Lamb peel extracts in New Zealand rabbit

Musa cavendishii (banana) peel is a waste product of human daily consumable fruit used traditionally in the management of ulceration and scar. This study evaluates the toxic effects of its peel in New-Zealand rabbits after topical administration. Acute and sub-chronic toxicity study of the peel extracts were carried out in 116 randomly selected rabbits using methods described by Organization of Economic Corporation and Development (OECD) 402 (2017) and 410 (2018), respectively. Changes in body and relative organ weight, hematology, serum liver and renal enzyme were investigated. Vital body organs were also processed for histopathology to observe any alteration from normal architecture. No mortality was observed during the acute toxicity with no changes in body and relative organ weight of the organs tested when compared with the control. After 28 days of topical administration of the extracts, even at the highest dose (1500 mg/kg) of the aqueous extract, the histoarchitexture of the skin’s epidermis and dermis, and other biochemical markers of the rabbits were normal. However, mild adipocyte infiltration, glandular hyperplasia and distortions in the renal parameters were seen in the hexane, ethylacetate and methanol extracts portions at the highest dose (1500 mg/kg) after 28 days topical administration. The study indicates that M. cavendishii peel is not capable of causing toxic effects in rabbits. However, it’s prolong use at higher doses may result in some harmful effects.

Effect of high-sucrose diet on liver enzymes and serum protein levels of Wistar albino rats

A global change in dietary habits has led to the introduction of sweeteners in foods. This study investigated the effect of concentrations of sucrose on liver enzymes and serum protein levels in Wistar rats. Thirty-five (35) Wistar rats were equally randomized into seven groups and fed with a rat diet mixed with sucrose at concentrations of 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% w/w, while the control group was fed on a normal diet without sucrose. Their blood samples were analyzed for total protein, albumin, ALT, AST, ALK phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (ƔGT) levels. The results indicated that there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in AST (16.00-82.00 µ/L), ALT (44.00-90.80 µ/L), ALK Phos (44.00-90.80 µ/L), and a corresponding decrease in total proteins (69.80-61.39 g/L), albumin (36.00-34.00 g/L) and ƔGT (493.00-191.00 µ/L) levels as the concentration of sucrose increased. Rats fed with sucrose diets had higher levels of AST (39.27 µ/L), ALT (14.50 µ/L), and ALK Phos (68.47 µ/L) than rats fed with normal diets. Therefore, high doses of sucrose can cause increases in serum liver enzymes and total proteins that are suggestive of liver necrosis. Hence, by decreasing the concentrations of sucrose, the liver may be protected.

Rare Variant in Metallothionein 1E Increases the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in a Chinese Population.

To uncover novel targets for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) by investigating rare variants with large effects in monogenic forms of the disease. We performed whole-exome sequencing in a family with diabetes. We validated the identified gene using Sanger sequencing in additional families and diabetes- and community-based cohorts. Wild-type and variant gene transgenic mouse models were used to study the gene function. Our analysis revealed a rare variant of the metallothionein 1E (MT1E) gene, p.C36Y, in a three-generation family with diabetes. This risk allele was associated with T2D or prediabetes in a community-based cohort. MT1E p.C36 carriers had higher HbA1c levels and greater BMI than those carrying the wild-type allele. Mice with forced expression of MT1E p.C36Y demonstrated increased weight gain, elevated postchallenge serum glucose and liver enzyme levels, and hepatic steatosis, similar to the phenotypes observed in human carriers of MT1E p.C36Y. In contrast, mice with forced expression of MT1E p.C36C displayed reduced weight and lower serum glucose and serum triglyceride levels. Forced expression of wild-type and variant MT1E demonstrated differential expression of genes related to lipid metabolism. Our results suggest that MT1E could be a promising target for drug development, because forced expression of MT1E p.C36C stabilized glucose metabolism and reduced body weight, whereas MT1E p.C36Y expression had the opposite effect. These findings highlight the importance of considering the impact of rare variants in the development of new T2D treatments.

Correlation of Plasma Cell Percentage and Monoclonal Gammapathies with Biochemical Parameters in Multiple Myeloma Patients: A Retrospective Study

Background: Multiple myeloma is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to the production of non-functional intact immunoglobulin chains. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the correlation between plasma cell percentage (below 60% and above 60%) in different types of monoclonal gammapathies (IgA, IgG) and various biochemical parameters.Methods: This analysis was conducted at the Division of Biochemistry in the Malabar Cancer Centre, a tertiary care cancer center in Kerala, India. A total of 89 patient case reports were reviewed, and complete treatment data were available for 60 patients. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between plasma cell percentage (below 60% and above 60%) in different types of monoclonal gammapathies (IgA, IgG) and various biochemical parameters. Results: The majority of the patients enrolled in the study were above 60 years of age, and more men were included than women. Among the parameters studied, a significant increase in plasma protein level was observed in the group with a plasma cell percentage below 60% and IgG type monoclonal gammapathy (P value = 0.014, p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant elevation in WBC count in patients with plasma cell percentage below 60% and IgG type MM when compared to IgA type MM patients (p = 0.023, p < 0.05). However, no significant changes were observed in plasma protein level, liver enzyme activity, renal function, serum electrolytes, CBC, and calcium level between patients with plasma cell percentages above and below 60% in multiple myeloma. Conclusion: This study found that only a few biochemical and hematological parameters showed significant deviations between plasma cell percentages above and below 60% in different types of monoclonal gammapathies in multiple myeloma patients.

Effect of Nigella sativa Seed Supplementation on Hematology, Acid-base Parameters, and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Nubian Goat Fed an Aflatoxin Contaminated Diet

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Nigella sativa (NS) seed supplementation on hematology, acid-base parameters, and serum biochemical parameters in Nubian goats fed an Aflatoxin-contaminated diet. In a completely randomized design, 20 growing male goats (aged 8-9 months; 11±0.5 kg) were allocated to five treatments (4 goats/treatment). The control group (G1) received a basal diet. The treatment groups received the same diet contaminated with 150 ppb Aflatoxin (G2), and other treatments received an Aflatoxin-contaminated diet supplemented with different levels of crushed NS seeds 2% (G3), 4% (G4), and 6% (G5). Blood samples were collected after 40 day feeding period to determine blood pH, glucose, hematological and biochemical parameters. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the significant differences among the treatments. Hemoglobin concentration (Hb), total erythrocytes count (TEC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), serum total protein (TP), and globulins (GB) were significantly (P≤0.05) decreased by Aflatoxin-contaminated diet, whereas total leukocytes count (TLC) increased (P≤0.05). Supplementing NS seeds to an Aflatoxin-contaminated diet significantly (P≤0.05) increased Hb, TEC, TP, and GB. Lipid profile and serum liver enzymes were significantly (P≤0.05) increased by an Aflatoxin-contaminated diet. Supplementing NS seeds to an Aflatoxin-contaminated diet caused a decrease (P≤0.05) in lipid profile and serum liver enzymes. Supplementing NS seeds to an Aflatoxin-contaminated diet resulted in a good performance and improved physiological status, the superior effect to an Aflatoxin-contaminated diet supplemented with 6% NS seeds. The study recommended supplementing 6% NS seeds to goat diets to reduce suspected Aflatoxin contamination. Further investigations are needed to assess the protective effect of NS seeds in other animal species fed on Aflatoxin-contaminated diets.

PNPLA3 rs738409 polymorphism and kidney dysfunction: an association beyond nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?

This commentary is primarily devoted to a recent observational study by Mantovani and colleagues (Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2023; 57: 1093-102) examining the adverse effect of the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein-3 (PNPLA3 ) rs738409 G allele on the kidney function in a cohort of 1,144 middle-aged Italian individuals with metabolic dysfunction. In this study, the authors found that the PNPLA3 rs738409 G allele was significantly associated with lower levels of estimated glomerular filtrate rate (eGFR), even after adjusting for not only common anthropometric and cardiometabolic risk factors but also ethnicity, serum liver enzymes, use of drugs against dyslipidemia and chronic kidney disease polygenic risk score. Additionally, in a subgroup of 144 patients followed for a median of 17 months, the authors also found that the PNPLA3 rs738409 G allele was independently associated with a faster eGFR decline. Commenting on the cohort study by Mantovani et al ., we also summarized the rapidly expanding evidence linking the PNPLA3 rs738409 variant with the risk of kidney disease. Furthermore, we discussed the potential research implications of these findings.

Serum Bile Acids Concentrations and Liver Enzyme Activities after Low-Dose Trilostane in Dogs with Hyperadrenocorticism.

Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) often leads to vacuolar hepatopathy. The impact of trilostane treatment on serum total bile acids (SBAs) concentrations in dogs with HAC remains unknown. This study investigated SBAs concentrations in healthy dogs and those with HAC following trilostane therapy. Ten healthy dogs and fifteen dogs with HAC were prospectively enrolled. A biochemistry profile and pre- and post-prandial SBAs concentrations were determined in each dog. Dogs with HAC were reassessed at 1 and 3 months after the initiation of trilostane treatment. Dogs with HAC had significantly higher serum ALT, ALP, and GGT activities, and cholesterol, triglyceride, and pre-prandial SBAs concentrations compared to healthy dogs. After 3 months of trilostane treatment, polyuria/polydipsia and polyphagia were completely resolved in 42.8% and 35.7%, respectively. Significant improvements in serum ALT and ALP activities and cholesterol concentrations were observed within 1-3 months of trilostane treatment. However, pre- and post-prandial SBAs concentrations did not significantly decrease. These findings suggest that treatment with low-dose trilostane for 3 months appears to reduce serum liver enzyme activities, but not SBAs concentrations. Further investigation is warranted to explore the effects of low-dose trilostane treatment on SBAs concentrations for a longer duration or after achieving appropriate post-ACTH cortisol levels.

Effectiveness of curcumin nanoparticles in rat liver fibrosis caused by thioacetamide.

Although curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective qualities, its low absorption limits its medicinal uses. Before examining how curcumin influenced rats' liver fibrosis when thioacetamide (TAA) was produced, the current study employed nanoparticles (NPs) to improve curcumin bioavailability. Sixty mature rats were separated into six groups (Group 1, control; Group 2, curcumin; Group 3, curcumin nanoparticles; Group 4, TAA; Group 5, TAA + curcumin; Group 6, TAA + curcumin NPs). TAA administration caused considerable increases in serum liver enzymes associated with a remarkable depletion in the levels of albumin and total protein relative to the control. In addition, a significant elevation in malonaldehyde (MDA) level with a significant depletion in the antioxidant enzymes activity was detected. Also, TAA had a significant effect on the inflammation markers represented by the elevation in tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) and DNA damage. Administration of curcumin or curcumin NPs in TAA-intoxicated rats significantly (p < .001, p < .0001) alleviates liver injury by correcting antioxidant status, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress. The results of comparing TAA-intoxicated rats treated with curcumin NPs to TAA-intoxicated rats treated with bulk curcumin revealed that the ameliorative effect of nanocurcumin was stronger. These observations concluded that nanoparticle formulation can increase curcumin bioavailability and solubility, enhancing its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficiency, resulting in greater potential against thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Pattern of Serum Liver Enzymes in the Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Pattern of Serum Liver Enzymes in the Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The Influence of Exposure to Pesticides on Plasma Cholinesterase Levels and Hepatic, and Renal Functions among Farmers in Khan Yunis Governorate, Palestine

Background: An increase in acute intoxication signs/symptoms indicates a serious public health problem among farmers who use organophosphate (OP) pesticides. This study aimed to assess the health effects of OP pesticides on farm workers who deal with pesticides in Khan Yunis Governorate, Palestine. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study started in March and finished in September 2021 on a total of 120 randomly selected farmers, out of them 60 subjects that used pesticides (cases group) for six months or more. The other 60 were not exposed to pesticides (controls group), aged between 20-50 years old. Sociodemographic data, health-related data, and working-related data habits of the study population were taken by interview questionnaire. Biochemical evaluations were carried out. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS 22. Results: The prevalence of abnormal plasma cholinesterase (PChE) activity among the cases group due to chemical poisoning was significantly higher as compared to those in the control group (p ≤ 0.05). The case group has higher levels of serum liver enzymes (AST, ALT, &amp; ALP) when compared with the control group (p ≤ 0.05 for all). The kidney function indicators (creatinine and urea) were significantly higher among the cases group as compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.05 for all). The occurrence of headaches is associated with abnormal PCHE activity among farmers who on pesticides. Conclusion: The decrease in PCHE activity and increase in serum AST, ALT, ALP, urea &amp; creatinine that were observed among farmers who were on pesticides-using in the current study indicate the adverse and toxic effects of pesticides on the liver and kidney functions among them, so these observations should be of interest to health and environmental policymakers in Palestine.

Pharmacotherapeutic effect of methanolic and ethanolic extract of Spinacia oleracea L. leaves on glycemic and lipidemic indexes of alloxan-induced diabetic mice

With the various side effects associated with synthetic medicines for treating diabetes, there is a need to develop herbal remedies as an alternative. Although Spinacia oleracea L. leaves are used to treat various health conditions, including diabetes, there is little research to validate its antidiabetic properties. This study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Spinacia oleracea L. leaves against alloxan-induced hyperglycemia in mice. Hyperglycemia was induced by an injection of alloxan monohydrate 80mg/kg bw. (i.p.). After 72 hours, mice with Blood Glucose Levels above 11.0 mmol/L were selected for the investigation. Both methanolic and ethanolic extracts at 200 mg/kg bw. doses were observed to have antidiabetic effect for 21 consecutive days. Blood Glucose Level was monitored after 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 days and compared with Glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg b.wt.). Serum lipid profile [total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein] and liver enzymes such as SGPT, and SGOT were also determined. Oral administration of both extracts showed significant (P &lt; 0.05) antihyperglycemic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The diabetic mice had significant (P &lt; 0.01) reduction in blood glucose; serum liver enzyme level (SGPT and SGOT) and lipid profile were compared with normal mice.

Involvement of TLR4 in Acute Hepatitis Associated with Airway Infection of Murine γ-Herpesvirus 68.

Extrahepatic viral infections are often accompanied by acute hepatitis, as evidenced by elevated serum liver enzymes and intrasinusoidal infiltration of CD8+ T cells, without direct infection of the liver. An example is infectious mononucleosis caused by primary infection with EBV. Previously, we demonstrated that airway infection of mice with murine γ-herpesvirus 68 (MHV68), a murine model of EBV, caused liver inflammation with elevated serum liver enzymes and intrahepatic infiltration of IFN-γ-producing CD8+ T cells and NK cells. Mechanistically, the expression of the CXCR3-ligand chemokines, which are commonly induced by IFN-γ and attract IFN-γ-producing Th1-type cells via CXCR3, was upregulated in the liver. Importantly, the liver inflammation was suppressed by oral neomycin, an intestine-impermeable aminoglycoside, suggesting an involvement of some products from the intestinal microbiota. In this study, we showed that the liver inflammation and the expression of the CXCR3-ligand chemokines in the liver were effectively ameliorated by i.p. administration of anti-TLR4 mAb or C34, a TLR4 blocker, as well as in TLR4-deficient mice. Conversely, intrarectal inoculation of Escherichia coli as an extraintestinal source of LPS aggravated liver inflammation in MHV68-infected mice with increased expression of the CXCR3-ligand chemokines in the liver. In contrast, the lung inflammation in MHV68-infected mice was not affected by oral neomycin, i.p. administration of C34, or TLR4 deficiency. Collectively, the LPS-TLR4 pathway plays a pivotal role in the liver inflammation of MHV68-infected mice at least in part by upregulating the CXCR3-ligand chemokines in the liver.

Co-delivery of pirfenidone and siRNA in ZIF-based nanoparticles for dual inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation in liver fibrotic therapy

Hepatic fibrosis, as a destructive liver disease, occurs due to activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) producing excessive extracellular matrix deposition. If left untreated, it could further deteriorate into cirrhosis and hepatoma with high morbidity and mortality. Currently, to break the dilemma of poor targeting efficiency on HSCs and limited effect of monotherapy, it is urgent to explore a precise and efficient treatment against liver fibrosis. In the present work, a novel multifunctional nanoplatform based on vitamin A (VA) modified zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles was designed for co-delivery of chemical drug (Pirfenidone) and genetic drug (TGF-β1 siRNA) to achieve HSCs targeting mediated synergistic chemo-gene therapy against liver fibrosis. With the large specific surface area and acid-responsive degradation characteristics, ZIF-8 nanoparticles have great advantages to achieve high loading efficiency of Pirfenidone and enable acid-reactive drug release. After complexing siRNA, the prepared chemo-gene drug co-delivered nanocomplex (GP@ZIF-VL) proved excellent serum stability and effectively protected siRNA from degradation. Importantly, in vitro cell uptake and in vivo biodistribution demonstrated that VA functionalization markedly enhanced the delivery efficiency of GP@ZIF-VL nanocomplex into HSCs. As expected, GP@ZIF-VL significantly reduced extracellular matrix deposition and ameliorated hepatic fibrosis, as evidenced by decreased levels of liver enzymes in serum and a reduction in the hydroxyproline content in liver tissue. Therefore, GP@ZIF-VL nanocomplex displayed a bright future on the treatment of liver fibrosis with HSCs-targeting mediated chemo-gene synergetic therapy.

Interferon-γ priming enhances the therapeutic effects of menstrual blood-derived stromal cells in a mouse liver ischemia-reperfusion model.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used in liver transplantation and have certain effects in alleviating liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and regulating immune rejection. However, some studies have indicated that the effects of MSCs are not very significant. Therefore, approaches that enable MSCs to exert significant and stable therapeutic effects are worth further study. To enhance the therapeutic potential of human menstrual blood-derived stromal cells (MenSCs) in the mouse liver ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) model via interferon-γ (IFN-γ) priming. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry to evaluate the safety of IFN-γ priming, and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) levels were measured by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and ELISA to evaluate the efficacy of IFN-γ priming. In vivo, the liver I/R model was established in male C57/BL mice, hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining was performed and serum liver enzyme levels were measured to assess the degree of liver injury, and regulatory T cell (Treg) numbers in spleens were determined by flow cytometry to assess immune tolerance potential. Metabolomics analysis was conducted to elucidate the potential mechanism underlying the regulatory effects of primed MenSCs. In vitro, we established a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model and analyzed apoptosis by flow cytometry to investigate the mechanism through which primed MenSCs inhibit apoptosis. Transmission electron microscopy, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were used to analyze autophagy levels. IFN-γ-primed MenSCs secreted higher levels of IDO, attenuated liver injury, and increased Treg numbers in the mouse spleens to greater degrees than untreated MenSCs. Metabolomics and autophagy analyses proved that primed MenSCs more strongly induced autophagy in the mouse livers. In the H/R model, autophagy inhibitors increased the level of H/R-induced apoptosis, indicating that autophagy exerted protective effects. In addition, primed MenSCs decreased the level of H/R-induced apoptosis via IDO and autophagy. Further rescue experiments proved that IDO enhanced the protective autophagy by inhibiting the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and activating the AMPK pathway. IFN-γ-primed MenSCs exerted better therapeutic effects in the liver I/R model by secreting higher IDO levels. MenSCs and IDO activated the AMPK-mTOR-autophagy axis to reduce IRI, and IDO increased Treg numbers in the spleen and enhanced the MenSC-mediated induction of immune tolerance. Our study suggests that IFN-γ-primed MenSCs may be a novel and superior MSC product for liver transplantation in the future.

Alogliptin exhibits multifaceted effects in thioacetamide-insulted rats: A novel approach to combating hepatic inflammation and fibrogenesis

Hepatic fibrosis arising from chronic liver injury is characterized by dysregulated healing, including hepatic stellate cell activation and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. Administration of the hepatotoxin thioacetamide (TAA) induces liver injury coupled to fibrogenesis in rodents, mimicking aspects of human disease. Alogliptin is a highly selective inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 with purported antifibrotic actions. We investigated the protective effects of alogliptin against TAA-mediated hepatic fibrosis in rats. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal injections of TAA (150 mg/kg) twice weekly for 6 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. A subset of rats also received daily oral alogliptin (20 mg/kg). At 6 weeks, liver injury and fibrosis were assessed by histology, hydroxyproline content, serum liver enzymes, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and genes related to inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. TAA elicited necroinflammation, oxidative stress, upregulation of pro-fibrogenic mediators, increased hydroxyproline content, and excessive collagen deposition, indicating hepatic fibrosis. The administration of Alogliptin led to notable enhancements in liver histology, an extension in survival time, a decrease in hydroxyproline levels and the expression of fibrogenic genes, a reduction in inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, and mitigation of hepatocellular apoptosis in rats subjected to TAA treatment. Alogliptin displayed potent antifibrotic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties in this model of toxic liver damage, likely by impeding NFκB while enhanced Nrf2 DNA binding activity which together modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, myofibroblast activation, and apoptosis. These results highlight the potential therapeutic value of alogliptin offering hope for improved treatment of hepatic fibrosis.

Unlocking the anti-diabetic potential of Gymnema sylvestre, Trigonella foenum-graecum, and their combination thereof: Anin-vivo evaluation.

The current study aimed to explore the anti-diabetic effect of aqueous extracts of Gymnema sylvestre, Trigonella foenum-graecum and mixture of both the plants in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. A total of 30 rabbits were grouped into six equal groups as: normal control, diabetic control, diabetic treated with 300 mg/kg body weight (bw) G. sylvestre, diabetic treated with 300 mg/kg bw T. foenum-graecum, diabetic treated with 300 mg/kg bw mixture of both the plants and diabetic treated with 500 mg/kg bw metformin for 4 weeks. Diabetes was induced to all the study group animals except normal control by intravenous administration of alloxan monohydrate (80 mg/kg bw). Blood glucose was measured by glucometer and other biochemical parameters were determined through various kit methods. Serum insulin was measured through ELISA kit method. Results showed that both the plants and metformin significantly (p < .05) decreased the fasting blood glucose. Hypoglycemic activity of aqueous extract of G. sylvestre and metformin was found slightly higher than aqueous extract of T. foenum-graecum and the mixture of both the plants. However, a significant (p < .05) rise in insulin secretion was observed in studied plants extract treated rabbits. Serum urea, creatinine, and liver enzymes were found reduced significantly (p < .05) in treated rabbits whereas packed cell volume was also returned to normal in treated animals as compared to control group. The study concluded that G. sylvestre and T. foenum-graecum extracts have comparable effects with metformin in normalizing the blood glucose level and have more pronounced effect than metformin in restoring the serum biochemical parameters to normal levels. Hence, these plants may be the good alternative medicine in managing the diabetes mellitus.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Augmentation and the Liver Phenotype of Adults With Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Genotype Pi∗ZZ)

α1-Antitrypsin (AAT) is a major protease inhibitor produced by hepatocytes. The most relevant AAT mutation giving rise to AAT deficiency (AATD), the 'Pi∗Z' variant, causes harmful AAT protein accumulation in the liver, shortage of AAT in the systemic circulation, and thereby predisposes to liver and lung injury. Although intravenous AAT augmentation constitutes an established treatment of AATD-associated lung disease, its impact on the liver is unknown. Liver-related parameters were assessed in a multinational cohort of 760 adults with severe AATD (Pi∗ZZ genotype) and available liver phenotyping, of whom 344 received augmentation therapy and 416 did not. Liver fibrosis was evaluated noninvasively via the serum test AST-to-platelet ratio index and via transient elastography-based liver stiffness measurement. Histologic parameters were compared in 15 Pi∗ZZ adults with and 35 without augmentation. Compared with nonaugmented subjects, augmented Pi∗ZZ individuals displayed lower serum liver enzyme levels (AST 71% vs 75% upper limit of normal, P < .001; bilirubin 49% vs 58% upper limit of normal, P= .019) and lower surrogate markers of fibrosis (AST-to-platelet ratio index 0.34 vs 0.38, P < .001; liver stiffness measurement 6.5 vs 7.2 kPa, P= .005). Among biopsied participants, augmented individuals had less pronounced liver fibrosis and less inflammatory foci but no differences in AAT accumulation were noted. The first evaluation of AAT augmentation on the Pi∗ZZ-related liver disease indicates liver safety of a widely used treatment for AATD-associated lung disease. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the beneficial effects and to demonstrate the potential efficacy of exogenous AAT in patients with Pi∗ZZ-associated liver disease.

Estimation of Serum Minerals, Total Protein and Liver Enzymes in HIV Patients Receiving Haart in Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Aims: This study was aimed to estimate serum minerals level (calcium, zinc, phosphorus), total protein and liver enzymes (ALT and AST) in patients taking HAART at Federal Medical Centre Keffi, Nasarawa state. Nigeria.&#x0D; Study design: This study engaged a cross-sectional study design to investigate the liver enzyme alterations and the level of serum minerals in patients taking HAART when compare with treatment naïve (Pre-HAART) controls.&#x0D; Place and duration of the study: The study was conducted in Federal Medical Center Keffi, Nasarawa State-Nigeria. Data collection spanned a specific duration from December, 2022 to March, 2023.&#x0D; Method: A total of 143 subjects were involved in the study of which were 59 HIV positive patients on HAART, 34 Pre-HAART patients and 50 healthy subjects served as controls. 5ml venous blood sample was collected after taking aseptic precaution from the study subjects into plain vacuum tubes; sample was left for 30 minutes at room temperature and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 4 minutes. Sero-negativity of the control (healthy patients) was confirmed by HIV TRI-DOT test. Serum total calcium, serum phosphorus, serum zinc. Total proteins were estimated using spectrophotometer while AST and ALT were estimated by colorimetric method.&#x0D; Result: The study indicated that both pre-HAART and HAART patients showed significantly higher (P&lt;.05) AST and ALT activities compared to sero-negative patients. Pre-HAART patients had lower Zinc (11.22±4.86) and TP (43.18±22.52) levels than sero-negative patients, with Zinc (16.58±4.20) and TP (65.47±12.79). In contrast, HAART patients experienced a significant increase (P&lt;.005) in Zinc (14.29±3.41) and TP (61.56±18.87) levels compared to pre-HAART patients (11.22±4.86) and (43.18±2.52). No significant difference in serum calcium level in all groups. Patients on HAART and sero-negative patients displayed normal Phosphorus level which is significantly higher in pre-HAART patients.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study concluded that the serum level of ALT and AST were increased in HIV positive patients on HAART and pre-HAART patients. HAART improved level of serum zinc and total protein.

Association between different patterns of shift work and liver function tests: A cross-sectional analysis of Shahedieh PERSIAN cohort data, Iran, 2020.

Recent studies suggest that shift work may cause liver dysfunction. This study aimed to examine the relationship between different patterns of shift work and elevated level of liver enzymes. In this cross-sectional study, 1910 workers aged 35 to 70 years were selected with simple random sampling from 9978 participants of the recruitment phase of Shahedieh PERSIAN cohort study. Level of serum liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT) and ALT/AST ratio was compared between shift workers and non-shift workers, and among employees working in different patterns of shift work. Data were analyzed by SPSS (version 21.0) using Student's T test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, Kruskal Wallis test, and logistic regression. Among 1347 males (71%) and 563 females (29%) with a mean age of 40.4±7.4 years, 469 were shift workers. Fixed evening type shift was the most common (30.3%) and fixed night-shift was the least common (0.9%) type of shift work. The mean blood levels of liver enzymes was not significantly different between shift workers and non-shift workers. In comparison between different patterns of shift work, the mean serum level of GGT was significantly higher in individuals with slow rotating shifts than those with fixed evening shifts, rapid rotating, split and fixed 24 hour shifts (p≤0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors only elevated AST was significantly higher in shift workers. There was only a significant association between shift work and elevated AST, and no relationship was found with ALT, ALP, GGT, and ALT/AST ratio.