Serum Gamma-glutamyltransferase Activity Research Articles

Clinicopathological and pedigree investigation of a novel spinocerebellar neurological disease in juvenile Quarter Horses in North America.

In 2020, a novel neurologic disease was observed in juvenile Quarter Horses (QHs) in North America. It was unknown if this was an aberrant manifestation of another previously described neurological disorder in foals, such as equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM). To describe the clinical findings, outcomes, and postmortem changes with Equine Juvenile Spinocerebellar Ataxia (EJSCA), differentiate the disease from other similar neurological disorders, and determine a mode of inheritance. Twelve neurologically affected QH foals and the dams. Genomic DNA was isolated and pedigrees were manually constructed. All foals (n = 12/12) had a history of acute onset of neurological deficits with no history of trauma. Neurological deficits were characterized by asymmetrical spinal ataxia, with pelvic limbs more severely affected than thoracic limbs. Clinicopathological abnormalities included high serum activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase and hyperglycemia. All foals became recumbent (median, 3 days: [0-18 days]), which necessitated humane euthanasia (n = 11/12, 92%; the remaining case was found dead). Histological evaluation at postmortem revealed dilated myelin sheaths and digestion chambers within the spinal cord, most prominently in the dorsal spinocerebellar tracts. Pedigree analysis revealed a likely autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. EJSCA is a uniformly fatal, rapidly progressive, likely autosomal recessive neurological disease of QHs <1 month of age in North America that is etiologically distinct from other clinically similar neurological disorders. Once the causative variant for EJSCA is validated, carriers can be identified through genetic testing to inform breeding decisions.

Effect of Exposure to Soot on Activities of Alanine Transaminase, Gamma Glutamyl Transferase and Lipase among Cooks in Nnewi

Exposure to soot can lead to hepatic and pancreatic dysfunction. This study determined serum alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and triacylglycerol lipase activities of cooks exposed to soot. Thirty (30) participants (cooks) were exposed to soot (test group), and thirty (30) participants not exposed to soot (control group) were recruited. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and informed consent from the participants was obtained. Alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and triacylglycerol lipase activities were determined using the spectrophotometric method while the Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using weight (kg)/height2 (m2). An Independent t-test was used for statistical analysis. The results showed that the mean serum activities of alanine transaminase (14.69±1.84), of cooks exposed to soot, were significantly higher compared with the control(12.83±0.94)(p&lt;0.05). The mean serum activities of gamma-glutamyl transferase (7.81±4.08), of cooks exposed to soot, were significantly higher when compared with the control (3.54±2.00)(p&lt;0.05). The mean serum activities of triacylglycerol lipase of cooks exposed to soot were significantly low compared with the control (p&lt;0.05), while there was no significant difference in the BMI, systolic pressure, and diastolic pressure levels respectively in the test group, compared to the control. This study observed higher serum activities of alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and low serum activity of triacylglycerol lipase among cooks exposed to soot, this suggests a predisposition to hepatic and pancreatic dysfunction in the cooks&#x0D; Keywords: Soot, alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lipase enzymes

Prevalence of portal vein and splanchnic venous thrombosis in dogs with chronic hepatitis.

Alterations in haemostasis have been described in dogs and humans with chronic hepatitis. Portal vein thrombosis is a recognised complication of chronic hepatitis in humans; however, its prevalence in dogs with chronic hepatitis has not been reported. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of, and describe clinical and laboratory data of dogs with chronic hepatitis and portal vein thrombosis and splanchnic venous thrombosis. Retrospective cross-sectional study. Medical records of dogs admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital between 2009 and 2019 were reviewed. Dogs were included if chronic hepatitis was histopathologically confirmed, and if diagnostic imaging or necropsy indicated the presence of thrombosis. Clinical and laboratory data (i.e. haematology, biochemistry, coagulation panels) were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to characterise dogs with and without thrombosis. Records from 136 dogs with chronic hepatitis were identified. Three of these dogs, 2.2% (95% confidence interval: 0.8 to 6.3%) all females, were diagnosed with portal vein thrombosis. Five dogs in total, (3.7%; 95% confidence interval: 1.6 to 8.3%), including three with portal vein thrombosis, all females, were diagnosed with splanchnic venous thrombosis. Dogs with portal vein and splanchnic venous thrombosis often had hyperbilirubinaemia, increased serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity, and decreased plasma antithrombin 3 activity. They also had relatively high alternative Child-Pugh scores for dogs (median 6 out of 13). Portal vein and splanchnic venous thrombosis are potentially serious complications that were identified in a relatively low proportion of dogs with chronic hepatitis.

Association between biochemical parameters and ultrasonographic measurement for the assessment of hepatic lipidosis in dairy cows

Hepatic lipidosis (HL) is a serious metabolic disorder that affects transient high-producing dairy cows. However, there are many laboratory methods could help in the assessment of HL in dairy cows, the definite diagnosis of the disease under field conditions remains a challenge because of the non-specificity of clinical parameters. The aim of the study was to investigate the utility of serum biomarkers, and ultrasonography (US) measurement to diagnose HL in dairy cows. Forty Holstein dairy cows underwent physical examination and were divided into three groups: non-HL, mild HL, and severe HL groups based on US findings, and the concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs). Ultrasound images showed hyperechoic lesions and increased pixel intensity (PI) values of liver echotexture in the HL groups. A significant increase was observed in mild and severe HL groups in the activity of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), BHBA, NEFAs, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) while the concentrations of triglyceride (TG), glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were significantly decreased. The classification accuracy was in the interest of NEFAs (cut off 0.62 mmol/L, sensitivity 82.6%, specificity 91.7%, and an AUC of 0.913) and BHBA (cut off 1.35 mmol/L, sensitivity 91.31%, specificity of 86.4%, and an AUC 0.812) as important diagnostic parameters. This study offers new insights into the importance of serum biochemical parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers especially, AST, NEFAs, BHBA, and GSH with the digital values of US images for prompt use of minimally invasive techniques to diagnose HL under farm conditions. HIGHLIGHTS Serum metabolites and oxidative stress indices could diagnose hepatic lipidosis in dairy cows NEFA and BHBA concentrations and ultrasound digital values can use as a non-invasive way to the classification of hepatic lipidosis degrees in cows under farm condition.

Evaluation of the hepatoprotective role of ethanolic Saussurea lappa root extract in female rats experimentally exposed to propylthiouracil

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is often used to produce experimental hypothyroidism. In general, PTU generates hepatotoxicity, albeit with dissimilar incidence rates of hepatotoxicity. This study examined the hepatoprotective effects of Saussurea lappa root ethanol extract on experimentally induced hepatotoxicity in female rats. For this study, 25 adult female albino rats were placed into five equal groups: control, PTU, post treated with S. lappa extract, co-administered PTU with S. lappa extract 300mg/kg, and post-treated with levothyroxine. Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity, total protein, thyroid hormones (T3, T4, and TSH), and oxidative stress parameters (catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, and lipid peroxidation levels) were measured. The liver tissue underwent histological examination. Current findings revealed that S.lappa ethanol root extract significantly improved hepatotoxicity as evidenced by reversal of various biochemical and histopathological changes in female rats. Current study has shown that this promising impact may be due to the antioxidant and free radical scavenging characteristics of S.lappa constituents.

Rutin and Hesperidin Revoke the Hepatotoxicity Induced by Paclitaxel in Male Wistar Rats via Their Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Activities.

Paclitaxel, one of the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs, is used to treat various cancers but it is exceedingly toxic when used long-term and can harm the liver. This study aimed to see if rutin, hesperidin, and their combination could protect male Wistar rats against paclitaxel (Taxol)-induced hepatotoxicity. Adult male Wistar rats were subdivided into 5 groups (each of six rats). The normal group was orally given the equivalent volume of vehicles for 6 weeks. The paclitaxel-administered control group received intraperitoneal injection of paclitaxel at a dose of 2 mg/Kg body weight twice a week for 6 weeks. Treated paclitaxel-administered groups were given paclitaxel similar to the paclitaxel-administered control group together with oral supplementation of rutin, hesperidin, and their combination at a dose of 10 mg/Kg body weight every other day for 6 weeks. The treatment of paclitaxel-administered rats with rutin and hesperidin significantly reduced paclitaxel-induced increases in serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities as well as total bilirubin level and liver lipid peroxidation. However, the levels of serum albumin, liver glutathione content, and the activities of liver superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase increased. Furthermore, paclitaxel-induced harmful hepatic histological changes (central vein and portal area blood vessel congestion, fatty changes, and moderate necrotic changes with focal nuclear pyknosis, focal mononuclear infiltration, and Kupffer cell proliferation) were remarkably enhanced by rutin and hesperidin treatments. Moreover, the elevated hepatic proapoptotic mediator (caspase-3) and pro-inflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-α) expressions were decreased by the three treatments in paclitaxel-administered rats. The cotreatment with rutin and hesperidin was the most effective in restoring the majority of liver function and histological integrity. Therefore, rutin, hesperidin, and their combination may exert hepatic protective effects in paclitaxel-administered rats by improving antioxidant defenses and inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis.

Investigation of high gamma-glutamyltransferase syndrome in California Thoroughbred racehorses.

Increases in serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity have been reported in Thoroughbred (TB) racehorses and associated with maladaptation to training but the underlying etiology remains unknown. Classify the etiology of high GGT syndrome in racing TBs by assessment of pancreatic enzymes, vitamin E concentrations, and both a candidate gene and whole genome association study. We hypothesized that a genetic variant resulting in antioxidant insufficiency or pancreatic dysfunction would be responsible for high GGT syndrome in TBs. A total of 138 California racing TBs. Amylase: n=31 affected (serum GGT activity ≥60 IU/L), n=52 control (serum GGT activity <40 IU/L). Lipase: n=19 affected, n=35 control. Serum α-tocopherol concentrations: n=32 affected, n=46 control. Genome-wide association study (GWAS): 36 affected, 58 control. Whole genome sequencing: n=5 affected, n=5 control. Biochemical and vitamin analytes were compared among cohorts. A GWAS was performed and a subset of TBs underwent whole genome sequencing to interrogate candidate genes and positional genetic regions. Serum lipase and amylase activity and α-tocopherol concentrations did not differ between groups. No genetic variants were identified in 2 candidate genes (UGT1A1 and GGT1) that associated with the phenotype. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) approached a suggestive association with the phenotype (P=2.15 × 10-5 ), defining a 100 kb region on chromosome 5 surrounding cluster of differentiation 1a (CD1A1), a transmembrane gene related to the major histocompatibility complex. An underlying genetic etiology may exist for high GGT syndrome in racing TBs, similar to genetic disorders in humans.

Clinical and diagnostic characteristics of the development of hepatocardial syndrome in black and white cows in the early lactation period.

It is known that during the early postpartum and lactation periods in dairy cows, metabolic disorders develop, that is, ketosis, which can lead to secondary damage to internal organs. Therefore, it is important to address the issues of changing the lactating cows' clinical, laboratory, and physiological parameters regarding the development of hepatocardial syndrome. This study aimed to provide clinical and diagnostic justification for developing hepatocardial syndrome in highly productive dairy cows. The study was conducted on 20 black and white cows in the early postpartum period (7-10 days after birth), with a milk production level of >4500 kg of milk during the previous lactation period, a positive result in the formol colloid sedimentary test, the presence of deafness and splitting of heart sounds, changes in the size, or increased pain sensitivity of the percussion field of the liver. Clinically healthy dairy cows in the early postpartum period were used as controls (n = 24). Clinical, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and biochemical parameters were also evaluated. Dairy cows with hepatocardial syndrome developed arterial hypertension and sinus tachycardia, which led to a significant decrease in PQ and QT intervals at ECG. A significant increase in the diastolic size of the interventricular septum, systolic size of the free wall of the left ventricle, and diastolic and systolic sizes of the left ventricle and a significant decrease in the shortening fraction of the left ventricular myocardium were observed in the cows due to the development of hepatocardial syndrome. The affected cows demonstrated a significant increase in serum activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, alkaline phosphatase, troponin, malondialdehyde, diene conjugates, and ceruloplasmin and a decrease in glucose concentration. In addition, they demonstrated decreased activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. Hepatocardial syndrome in dairy cows occurs due to ketosis, characterized by arterial hypertension, sinus tachycardia, a moderate decrease in myocardial contractility, oxidative stress, and cytolysis of cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes. Therefore, the control and prevention of the development of hepatocardial syndrome will make it possible to maintain the productive health and longevity of dairy cows.

Case-control exercise challenge study on the pathogenesis of high serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity in racehorses.

High serum γ-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) activity syndrome in racehorses has been associated with maladaption to exercise. Investigation of affected horses before and immediately after standard exercise may provide critical insight into the syndrome's pathophysiology. To investigate blood biomarker changes in actively competing racehorses with high GGT activity associated with an exercise challenge. Case-control study. High GGT case (age: 2-3 years) and normal GGT control (age: 2-7 years) pairs (3 Thoroughbred, 4 Standardbred pairs) at least 3months into their training/racing season were included. Horses with a recent history of high GGT activity (≥50 IU/L) without additional biochemical evidence of liver disease were identified by veterinarians. Horses were tested again in the week prior to a planned exercise challenge to confirm persistent increases in GGT activity. Controls from the same stable with similar training/racing intensity and serum GGT activity ≤36 IU/L were matched with each case. Blood samples were obtained immediately before, 15 and 120 min after exercise. Pre-exercise serum samples were analysed for baseline select serum chemistries, selenium and vitamin E concentrations. Cortisol concentration and markers of oxidative status were measured in serum or plasma for all time points. Individual serum bile acid and coenzyme Q10 concentrations, plasma lipid mediator (fatty acids, oxylipids, isoprostanes) concentrations and targeted metabolomics analyses were performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serum viral PCR for equine hepaci- and parvovirus was performed in each animal. Cases had higher baseline concentrations of total glutathione, taurocholic acid, cortisol and cholesterol concentrations and higher or lower concentrations of specific oxylipid and isoprostane mediators, but there were no case-dependent changes after exercise. Small sample size. Results indicated that glutathione metabolism was altered in high GGT horses. Enhanced glutathione recycling and mild cholestasis are possible explanations for the observed differences.

Longitudinal study of the effect of sporidesmin toxicity on lamb production and serum biochemistry in a flock of 46 Romney ewes using a standardised measure of liver damage

ABSTRACT Aims To evaluate the effect of sporidesmin toxicity on production outcomes and serum biochemistry analytes in mixed age Romney ewes, using a standardised measure of liver damage. Methods This was a prospective longitudinal study following 46 mixed age Romney ewes from sporidesmin intoxication in April 2019, to slaughter 8 months later. The ewes were blood-sampled up to eight times, with a panel of serum biochemistry tests performed on the final six samples. However, only gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity was measured in the first two samples collected at the end of sporidesmin intoxication and 2 weeks later. Body condition score, ewe weight and production data were also recorded. Using a standardised liver score, based on histology of liver samples collected at slaughter, ewes were assigned to one of three liver disease categories (LDC); low, middle, and high. These were then used as the outcome or predictor variables for statistical analyses. Finally, two separate decision tree models, using recursive partitioning (RP), were fitted to the biochemistry data and to the GGT data collected at FE outbreak, to predict ewes in the low LDC. Results There was no evidence of a difference for the effect of LDC on ewe weight (p = 0.86) with ewes, on average, gaining weight to weaning. Weaning percent, lamb rearing percent and ewe flock efficiency were lower in ewes with high LDC, and scanning-to-weaning lamb loss was significantly higher in sheep with high LDC (p = 0.02). Serum activities of GGT and glutamate dehydrogenase and concentration of globulin were significantly lower in sheep with low LDC than in sheep with middle or high LDC (p < 0.05). However, there was no evidence of a difference for the effect of LDC on other biochemistry variables (p > 0.05). The final RP model for the biochemistry data categorised ewes as low LDC if their GGT was <122 IU/L, 3 months after sporidesmin intoxication, or if their GGT was <514 IU/L, <18 days after sporidesmin intoxication. Conclusions and clinical relevance Sheep with gross and histological evidence of severe sporidesmin-induced liver damage were able to maintain or gain body weight, suggesting that sporidesmin intoxication alone is not causative of poor body condition. Similarly, many of the serum biochemistry tests were not associated with evidence of liver damage. Lamb production was reduced in ewes with evidence of severe liver damage and the decision tree model showed promise as a basis to select ewes for culling.

Studying the Anticancer Properties of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells against Hepatocellular Carcinoma Induced by N-Nitrosodiethylamine in Male Rats

This study was initiated to emphasize the possibility that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) could alleviate hepatocarcinogenesis in vivo. Forty rats were enrolled and distributed as follows; group 1 was set as a negative control, while all of groups 2, 3, and 4 were orally received N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) for hepatocellular carcinoma induction (HCC). Group 2 was left untreated, whereas groups 3 and 4 were orally treated with BM-MSCs and doxorubicin (DOX), respectively. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) activities were estimated. The study looked at serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), glypican-3 (GPC-3), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and suppressors of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3). The liver tissue sections were also examined histopathologically. Results: Serum AST, ALT, ALP, and γ-GT activity were all significantly higher in the HCC group, along with AFP, Gpc-3, and STAT3 levels associated with a significant reduction in SOCS3 level versus the negative control group. The current data indicated that BM-MSCs and DOX administration in HCC rats yielded a significant decline in serum levels of AFP, Gpc-3, and STAT3 along with significant enhancement in serum SOCS3 level. Histopathological examination revealed that treatment with BM-MSCs and DOX significantly reduced the disruption of hepatic tissue architecture caused by NDEA intoxication. Conclusion: The biochemical parameters and the structural organization of the liver were improved considerably in HCC groups treated with BM-MSCs or DOX. Finally, the current work demonstrated the anticancer activity of BM-MSCs against hepatocellular carcinoma in an experimental setting.

Sub-Chronic Exposure (90 Days) to Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) Induce Alterations in Hematology and Serum Biochemistry in Male Wistar Rats: Effect of Exogenous Melatonin Supplementation

Rapid increase in the use of metal-oxide nanoparticles in many industries increased the risk of toxicity to humans. In this regard, an experimental study was conducted in male Wistar rats to study the effect of repeated-dose sub-chronic oral exposure for 90 days to titanium dioxide nanoparticles on certain hematological and serum biochemical parameters and to evaluate the ameliorative potential of melatonin to overcome such alterations. The rats were divided randomly into four groups of fourteen each. Group-I served as vehicle control, Group-II received TiO2 NPs (100mg.kg-1); Group-III received treatment similar to that of Group-II along with melatonin @10mg.kg-1, while group-IV received only melatonin. Rats exposed to TiO2 NPs showed a significant increase in WBC count at 60days and 90 days intervals, whereas a significant decrease in RBC count, platelets count, and increase in percent granulocytes only at 90 days intervals. In addition, a significant increase in the activities of serum aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase was observed in rats exposed to TiO2 NPs. Melatonin supplementation significantly ameliorated some of these parameters on day 60 or 90 of the experimental period. Thus, melatonin can be a promising agent for therapeutic intervention to overcome titanium dioxide nanoparticles induce adverse effects after appropriate clinical studies.

IPARD supports positively affect hematological parameters, milk production, and welfare indicators of dairy cows

The study investigated body condition score (BCS), hematological parameters, metabolic profile indicators, total oxidant-antioxidant status, and milk yield (MY) of cows in non-funded (NF) and funded (F+) dairy farms by the European Union funds (under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance for Rural Development-IPARD) to support rural development. Sixty multiparous Holstein cows (110 to 209 days of lactation) from 3 NF and 3 F+ dairy farms were used in the experiment. Hematological parameters were within physiological limits in both dairy farms. Total erythrocyte count and percent hematocrit were higher in the F+ group. Serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) level and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity were higher in NF farms compared to the supported ones. The serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, glucose levels, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity were higher for the cows in F+ farms. The average daily MY and BCS of cows in NF and F+ dairy farms were 15.8 L and 2.83, and 24.4 L and 3.11, respectively (P&amp;lt;0.01). The total antioxidant status (TAS) of cows in NF farms was significantly lower than F+ farms, whereas total oxidant status (TOS) was significantly higher for cows in NF farms. In conclusion, the grant support is important in establishing a more capable, more efficient, and more suitable infrastructure for animal welfare, and positively affects the physiological health and efficiency of animals in these dairy farms.

MYO5B mutation causing cholestasis in the absence of Microvillous Inclusion Disease: a rare case report

Background and Aim: Gene mutations known to cause Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis (PFIC) 1, 2 and 3 have been long known. Newer variants, labelled PFIC 4, 5 and 6 have been described in recent literature. Myosin 5B (Myo5B) mutation is known to cause Microvillous Inclusion Disease (MVID) and has recently also been implicated in PFIC 6, a rare entity with only few documented case reports. We describe one such case report of a young girl presenting with cholestasis with normal serum Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) activity, without MVID, diagnosed to have PFIC 6.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase and cardiovascular events in patients with congenital heart disease.

Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity (GGT) seems to predict cardiovascular events in different populations. However, no data exist on patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Observational, analytic, prospective cohort study design involving CHD patients and a control population to determine the effect of GGT levels on survival. A total of 589 CHD patients (58% males, 29±14years old) and 2745matched control patients were followed up. A total of 69 (12%) CHD patients had a major acute cardiovascular event (MACE) during the follow-up time (6.1 [0.7-10.4] years). Patients with CHD and a GGT >60U/L were significantly older, more hypertensive and dyslipidemic, had a worse NYHA functional class and a greater anatomical complexity than CHD patients with a GGT ≤60U/L. The binary logistic regression analysis showed that age, a great CHD anatomical complexity, and having atrial fibrillation/flutter were the predictive factors of higher GGT levels (>60U/L). The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with CHD and a GGT concentration above 60UL showed the lowest probability of survival compared to that of CHD with GGT ≤60U/L and controls irrespective of their GGT concentrations (p<.001). Similarly, the multivariable Cox regression analysis found an independent association between higher GGT levels (>60U/L) and a worse prognosis (HR 2.44 [1.34-4.44], p=.003) among patients with CHD. Patients with CHD showed significant higher GGT levels than patients in the control group having those with higher GGT concentrations (>60U/L) the worst survival.

Association of PAF and its Metabolic Enzymes with GGT and the Fatty Liver Index in Healthy Volunteers.

Platelet-activating-factor (PAF) is a lipid inflammatory mediator implicated in liver disease. Its main biosynthetic enzymes are cytidine diphosphate (CDP)-choline: 1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol-cholinephosphotransferase (PAF-CPT) and acetyl-coenzyme A: lyso-PAF-acetyltransferases (Lyso-PAF-AT). At the same time, PAF acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2 ) degrade PAF. To explore the relation of PAF metabolism with liver diseases and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as reflected by the fatty liver index (FLI). In 106 healthy volunteers, PAF concentration, the activity of its metabolic enzymes and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured in whole blood, leukocytes and serum, respectively and the FLI was calculated. Partial correlations and linear regression models were used. In males, serum GGT activity was positively correlated with abdominal fat (as assessed by analysis of a manually defined region of interest in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), triacylglycerols, bound-PAF and Lp-PLA2 , while the FLI was positively correlated with Lp-PLA2 activity. In females, serum GGT activity was negatively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (age adjusted correlations, all p<0.05). Lp-PLA2 was a significant determinant of serum GGT activity in males after controlling for age, low- density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and abdominal fat. The addition of bound-PAF in the model significantly increased the explained variance of serum GGT activity (total variance explanation 30%). Bound-PAF and Lp-PLA2 activity predicted serum GGT activity while Lp-PLA2 was also related to FLI. Our findings shed light on the metabolic pathways linking Lp-PLA2 to other atherosclerosis and/or oxidative markers, such as HDL-C, LDL-C, GGT and FLI and underline the important role of PAF.

Comparison of methods to monitor dogs with hypercortisolism treated with trilostane.

BackgroundThe use of adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test as method to monitor efficacy of trilostane treatment of hypercortisolism (HC) in dogs has been questioned.ObjectivesTo evaluate and compare 12 methods with which to monitor efficacy of trilostane treatment in dogs with HC.AnimalsForty‐five client‐owned dogs with HC treated with trilostane q12h.MethodsProspective cross‐sectional observational study. The dogs were categorized as well‐controlled, undercontrolled, and unwell through a clinical score obtained from an owner questionnaire. The ability to correctly identify trilostane‐treatment control of dogs with HC with the following variables was evaluated: before trilostane serum cortisol (prepill), before‐ACTH serum cortisol, post‐ACTH serum cortisol, plasma endogenous ACTH concentrations, prepill/eACTH ratio, serum haptoglobin (Hp) concentration, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma‐glutamyl transferase (γGT) and alkaline phosphatase activity, urine specific gravity, and urinary cortisol : creatinine ratio.ResultsNinety‐four re‐evaluations of 44 dogs were included; 5 re‐evaluations of 5 unwell dogs were excluded. Haptoglobin was significantly associated with the clinical score (P < .001) and in the receiver operating characteristic analysis, Hp cutoff of 151 mg/dL correctly identified 90.0% of well‐controlled dogs (specificity) and 65.6% of undercontrolled dogs (sensitivity). Alanine aminotransferase (P = .01) and γGT (P = .009) were significantly higher in undercontrolled dogs. Cutoff of ALT and γGT greater than or equal to 86 U/L and 5.8 U/L, respectively, were significantly associated with poor control of HC by trilostane.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceOf all the 12 variables, Hp, and to a lesser degree ALT and γGT, could be considered additional tools to the clinical picture to identify well‐controlled and undercontrolled trilostane‐treated dogs.

Pattern of Alpha Fetoprotein and Activities of Liver Enzymes in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, which has become health problem of global interest, linked to renal disease. The study is to assess the activities of some liver enzymes and alpha fetoprotein level in type 2 diabetic patients. 81 participants comprised 38 diabetics and 43 controls were randomly recruited. Informed, oral and written consent was obtained from the participants. Ethical approval was obtained. 6mls of fasting blood samples were collected. Plasma glucose, alpha feto-protein (AFP) levels; serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) activities were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. The results showed significantly increased plasma glucose level in the diabetics than in controls (p=0.000), as well as in male diabetics than in female diabetics (p=0.048). But, the mean age, AFP, ALT, AST, ALP and GGT activities were the same in the diabetics and the controls; and in male and female diabetics at p&gt;0.05 in each case. Relatively strong positive significant correlation was observed between ALT Vs AST (r=0.566; p=0.000) and a weaker negative association exist between ALT Vs Age (r= -0.353; p=0.022) in diabetics but no associations were observed with other parameters studied. In conclusion the positive association between ALT and AST may reveal transaminase derangements in liver status of type 2 diabetic subjects studied.

Systemic implications of metallic foreign body syndrome in dairy cattle

This study aimed to evaluate the systemic implications of 37 cattle with traumatic reticulitis, evaluating clinical, laboratory, ultrasonographic and necroscopic changes. A clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic examination was performed, and the animals were distributed in reticuloperitonitis (GI; n=21) and reticulopericarditis (GII; n=16) traumatic, based on necropsy findings. Blood samples were taken for haematological tests, serum total protein, albumin, globulin, gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), creatinine, urea, cortisol, creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin-I (cTn-I), plasma glucose and L-lactate. The abdominocentesis was productive in eight GI (n=8) and seven GII (n=7) animals, allowing the evaluation of physical, cytological and biochemical characteristics of the peritoneal fluid as a total protein, albumin, GLDH, AST, GGT, glucose and L-lactate. Changes in behavior, appetite, dehydration and temperature were observed, most expressive in GII. Hematology showed neutrophilic leukocytosis with regenerative left shift and hyperfibrinogenemia in both groups. Increased globulin, L-lactate concentration and serum GGT, GLDH, CK and CK-MB activity were observed, as well as significant elevation of cTnI (p=0.0190) in GII. In the peritoneal fluid exudate was observed in both groups and a higher concentration of L-lactate in relation to plasma. Ultrasound revealed retocular, cardiac, hepatic and splenic abnormalities. The anatomopathological lesions confirmed the ultrasound findings of both groups. The understanding of the syndrome helps in the diagnosis, as well as the adoption of preventive measures, minimizing the economic impact caused to the dairy cattle breeding.

Hepatogenous photosensitisation in cows grazing turnips (Brassica rapa) in South Africa.

Holstein cows on a farm in the Humansdorp district, Eastern Cape province, South Africa, developed reddened, painful teat skin 3 days after grazing a mixed forage crop dominated by bulb turnip (Brassica rapa, Barkant cultivar). The crop was grazed 45 days after planting and 10% of the herd developed symptoms. More characteristic non-pigmented skin lesions started manifesting 1–2 days after the appearance of the teat lesions. Affected cows had elevated serum activities of gamma-glutamyl transferase, glutamate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase. These blood chemistry findings confirmed a secondary (hepatogenous) photosensitivity. As a result of the severity of the teat and skin lesions, seven cows were slaughtered and tissue samples from five of them were collected for histopathological examination. Liver lesions in cows that were culled 3 or more weeks after the onset of the outbreak showed oedematous concentric fibrosis around medium-sized bile ducts and inflammatory infiltrates in portal tracts. Characteristic lesions associated with other known hepatobiliary toxicities were not found. No new cases were reported 5 days after the cattle were removed from the turnips. The sudden introduction of the cows, without any period of transitioning or adaptation to grazing turnips, as well as the short latent period, clinical signs of photosensitisation, blood chemistry and histopathology, confirmed a diagnosis of Brassica-associated liver disease, a condition seen in New Zealand but not previously described in South Africa. Brassica forage crops are potentially toxic under certain conditions and farmers must be aware of these risks.