Serum Alanine Transferase Research Articles

The effect of aqueous extract of Iranian oak (Quercus brantii) on antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress in beta-thalassemia patients: Randomized controlled trial

Background and AimFrequent administration of blood in β- thalassemia patients can lead to over-loaded iron, a reduction in the levels of antioxidant activities in the body, and oxidative stress. This study was done to evaluate the antioxidant and protective effect of aqueous oak (Quercus brantii) extract supplementation on these patients. MethodsThis clinical trial was performed on 60 major β thalassemia patients dividing them into intervention and control groups. In addition to taking desferrioxamine (DFO), the control and intervention groups received respectively placebo capsule supplementation and aqueous Quercus extract capsules (300 mg/day) for 3 months. Serum lipid profiles (LDL-c, HDL-c, triglyceride), Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Glucose, Uric acid, urea nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine, LFT (Liver Function Tests) such as SGOT, SGPT, ALP, Total bilirubin, Direct bilirubin, ferritin, MDA and carbonyl protein (CO) levels were measured before and after the period. In addition, the activity of catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was measured in the red blood cell. Furthermore, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of aqueous Quercus were recorded to standardize capsule formulation. ResultsMean serum MDA, and protein CO, significantly decreased in the intervention group with β-TM after 3 months of treatment with Quercus extract. In addition, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme and Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) significantly increased in comparison with the control group. Changes in serum creatinine, BUN, and alanine transferase were not significant. In the study, Quercus extract capsules contain 48/56 mg gallic acid / g (dry extract) total phenol, 58/6 mg / g (dry extract), and flavonoids of 63/8 μg/ml antioxidant power which by GC/MS analysis has been measured. At the end of the study, serum MDA decreased from 48.65 ± 8.74 to 43.94 ± 10.39 μ mol/l after administration of oak extract and protein CO dropped from 2.44 ± 0.38 to 1.2 ± 0.31 nmol DNPH/mg protein after administration of the oak extract. At the end of the study serum, TAC increased in patients interventional group from 907 ± 319 to 977 ± 327μmol FeSO4/l compared to the control group 916 ± 275 to 905.233 ± 233 μmol FeSO4/l with placebo, and SOD increased from 1577 ±325 to 2079 ±554 U/l (compared to 1687 ± 323 U/l with placebo). The treatment effect of Quercus was measured using a mixed-effects model of variance analysis for changes in MDA, protein CO, TAC, and SOD, with significant effects being demonstrated for each laboratory parameter (P=0.15, P=0.001, P=0.02, and P < 0.003, respectively). ConclusionsAqueous Quercus extract, due to its high antioxidant potential, reduced MDA, serum carbonyl protein, and increased superoxide dismutase activity effectively decreased serum OS and enhanced serum antioxidant capacity in patients with β-thalassemia major. oak given as an adjuvant therapy to standard iron chelators may provide an improvement in the OS measurements obtained in these patients. Registration informationThis study was submitted, evaluated, and approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT: http://www.irct.ir; IRCT2015101411819N4), which was established for national medical schools in Iran.

The Modulation of Phospho-Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase and Phospho-Protein Kinase B Signaling Pathways plus Activity of Macrophage-Stimulating Protein Contribute to the Protective Effect of Stachydrine on Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury.

Stachydrine, a prominent bioactive alkaloid derived from Leonurus heterophyllus, is a significant herb in traditional medicine. It has been noted for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. Consequently, we conducted a study of its hepatoprotective effect and the fundamental mechanisms involved in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury, utilizing a mouse model. Mice were intraperitoneally administered a hepatotoxic dose of APAP (300 mg/kg). Thirty minutes after APAP administration, mice were treated with different concentrations of stachydrine (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg). Animals were sacrificed 16 h after APAP injection for serum and liver tissue assays. APAP overdose significantly elevated the serum alanine transferase levels, hepatic pro-inflammatory cytokines, malondialdehyde activity, phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phospho-protein kinase B (AKT), and macrophage-stimulating protein expression. Stachydrine treatment significantly decreased these parameters in mice with APAP-induced liver damage. Our results suggest that stachydrine may be a promising beneficial target in the prevention of APAP-induced liver damage through attenuation of the inflammatory response, inhibition of the ERK and AKT pathways, and expression of macrophage-stimulating proteins.

BrdU does not induce hepatocellular damage in experimental Wistar rats

Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) is used in studies related to cell proliferation and neurogenesis. The multiple intraperitoneal injections of this molecule could favor liver function profile changes. In this study, we evaluate the systemic and hepatocellular impact of BrdU in male adult Wistar rats in 30 %-partial hepatectomy (PHx) model. The rats received BrdU 50 mg/Kg by intraperitoneal injection at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 16 days after 30 %-PH. The rats were distributed into four groups as follows, control, sham, PHx/BrdU(-) and PHx/BrdU(+). On day 16, we evaluated hepatocellular nuclei and analyzed histopathological features by haematoxylin-eosin stain and apoptotic profile was qualified by caspase-3 presence. The systemic effect was evaluated by liver markers such as alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AP), bilirubin, total proteins and serum albumin content. The statistical analysis consisted of a student t-test and one-way ANOVA. BrdU did not induce apoptosis or hepatocellular damage in male rats. Multiple administrations of BrdU in male rats did not induce significant decrease body weight, but increased serum ALT and LDH levels were found. Our results show that the BrdU does not produce hepatocellular damage.

Gracilaria chorda subcritical water ameliorates hepatic lipid accumulation and regulates glucose homeostasis in a hepatic steatosis cell model and obese C57BL/6J mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceRed seaweed, known as Rhodophyta, has a long history of use in traditional Asian medicine, including Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. It is believed to have cooling and detoxification properties. Red seaweed species, such as Gracilaria, have been used in traditional remedies to address various conditions, such as inflammation, thyroid disorders, and digestive issues. Aim of the studyObesity is a risk factor of hepatic steatosis, a hallmark of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that affects nearly 25% of the worldwide population. Gracilaria chorda (GC) contains bioactive peptides that may be applicable in the prevention of metabolic syndrome diseases. This study investigated the effects of GC subcritical water extract at 210 °C (GCSW210) on preventing liver injury and lipid and glucose dysregulation in an oleic acid (OA)-induced hepatic steatosis cell model (HepG2) and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese animal model (C57BL/6J mice). Materials and methodsHuman hepatoma HepG2 cells were exposed to 0.1 mM OA for 24 h to induce hepatic steatosis and C57BL/6J mice were fed a HFD for 13 weeks. For lipid accumulation, triglyceride (TG) content was measured in both models, along with free fatty acid (FFA), plasma glucose, and insulin levels in HFD-fed mice. Protein expression of master regulators of adipogenesis and lipogenesis, as well as cholesterol and mitochondrial biosynthesis, was studied via western blotting in hepatic steatosis-induced in vitro and in vivo models. In addition, protein expression of the insulin signaling cascade in skeletal muscle tissues of HFD-fed mice was studied. ResultsGCSW210 significantly decreased lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells exposed to OA and suppressed the expression of lipogenic factors, such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c and fatty acid synthase. In addition, GCSW210 abrogated transcription factors related to cholesterol biosynthesis, such as SREBP-2 and low-density lipoprotein receptor. Similarly, FFA, TG, serum glutamic acid, aspartate transaminase, alanine transferase, plasma glucose, and insulin levels were also significantly reduced in GCSW210-treated HFD-fed mice, which were comparable to the positive control mice treated with Garcinia cambogia extract. Additionally, GCSW210 enhanced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase in the hepatic tissues of HFD-fed mice. Moreover, GCSW210 treatment improved insulin signal transduction by reducing insulin receptor substrate 1 Ser307 phosphorylation and elevated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B and glucose transporter type 4 protein expression in muscle tissue. 5-Hdroxymethylfufural (5-HMF) was confirmed to be active substances isolated from GCSW210 through LC-PDA and LC-MS. ConclusionsGCSW210 significantly regulated glucose metabolism, alleviated insulin resistance (IR) induced by high fatty acid synthesis and lipid accumulation, and elevated de novo lipogenesis by activating AMPK phosphorylation in both the liver and muscle tissues of HFD-fed mice. GCSW210 may be a potential functional food for preventing HFD-induced metabolic diseases, such as IR, NAFLD, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Pyrrolizidine plant extracts as diagnostic biochemical markers on therapeutic consequences

The consumption of cereals and bakery products contaminated with seeds of species containing Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) has been involved in mass poisonings in rural areas of Afghanistan, India, South Africa and the former USSR. Poisoning can manifest as acute or subacute veno-occlusive disease with specific symptoms such as persistent hepatomegaly, leading to cirrhosis or shown to have genotoxic, mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic effects. Several such toxicity testing of PAs have been done in cultured animal cells with reference to mice model, to better understand the pathway of metabolic impairement. Also the pluripotent proprty of mice bone marrow cells show better analyzing capacity of differentiated cell lineages. Therefore this pre-analytic review aims to focus the risk evaluation methods of PA exposure on current knowledge and recent advances of metabolic pathways of different PAs. In addition, this review provides perspectives of precision toxicity assessment strategies and biomarker development for the risk control of human intoxication by PAs with eventual categorization of pyrrole-protein adducts like serum Alanine Transferase (ALT), Glutathione transferase (GSH-T), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) in different cell lineages grown by lab-based cell culture techniques.

Noninvasive assessment of paediatric hepatic steatosis by using attenuation imaging.

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of attenuation imaging (ATI) with an ultrasound scanner (US) in the detection of paediatric hepatic steatosis. Ninety-four prospectively enrolled children were classified into normal weight and overweight/obese (OW/OB) groups according to body mass index (BMI). US findings, including hepatic steatosis grade and ATI value, were examined by two radiologists. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were obtained, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) scores, including the Framingham steatosis index (FSI) and hepatic steatosis index (HSI), were calculated. After screening, 49 OW/OB and 40 normal weight children aged 10-18years old (55 males and 34 females) participated in this study. The ATI value was significantly higher in the OW/OB group than in the normal weight group and showed a significant positive correlation with BMI, serum alanine transferase (ALT), uric acid, and NAFLD scores (p < 0.05). In the multiple linear regression adjusted for age, sex, BMI, ALT, uric acid, and HSI, ATI showed a significant positive association with BMI and ALT (p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed a very good ability of ATI to predict hepatic steatosis. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of interobserver variability was 0.92, and the ICCs of intraobserver variability were 0.96 and 0.93 (p < 0.05). According to the two-level Bayesian latent class model analysis, the diagnostic performance of ATI showed the best performance for predicting hepatic steatosis among other known noninvasive NAFLD predictors. This study suggests that ATI is an objective and possible surrogate screening test for detecting hepatic steatosis in paediatric patients with obesity. Using ATI as a quantitative tool in hepatic steatosis allows clinicians to estimate the extent of the condition and track changes over time. This is helpful for monitoring disease progression and guiding treatment decisions, especially in paediatric practice. • Attenuation imaging is a noninvasive US-based method for the quantification of hepatic steatosis. • Attenuation imaging values were significantly higher in the OW/OB and steatosis groups than in the normal weight and no steatosis groups, respectively, with a meaningful correlation with known clinical indicators of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. • Attenuation imaging performs better than other noninvasive predictive models used to diagnose hepatic steatosis.

Evaluation of Serum Ferritin, Creatinine and Liver Enzymes in Patients with ß- thalassemia After Administration of Deferasirox

Background: Iron overload is the most common complication of ß- thalassemia thatcauses morbidity and mortality in children so chelating drugs are essentials forpreventing such complication. Oral deferasirox has a good safety and tolerance tomaintain ferritin level in non-toxic levels that affect heart and liver. Patients andmethods: A cohort retro - prospective study of eighty five patients 45 male(53%), 40female (47%), age from 2-18 years old, with ß-thalassemia who receiving deferasiroxin thalassemia center in Kirkuk city north of Iraq from the first of March to the end ofOctober 2016; that assessed by interview questionnaire, previous documents in thecenter and laboratory investigations for serum creatinine, serum ferritin and liverenzymes. Results: Adverse effects were shown in eight patients (9.4%), each of two(25%) had abdominal pain, increase appetite, and hair loss consecutively, allergy andnervousness in each one patient(12.5%) serum ferritin was decreased below thebaseline in 47 (55.3%), serum creatinine was elevated above the baseline in 22(25.8%) within normal levels, Elevated serum alanine transferase in 16 (18.8%), totalserum bilirubin was elevated in 14(16.6%) of all children; while serum aspartatetransferase elevated in 22(25.8%) of the normal eventually serum alkalinephosphatase was elevated in 22(25.8%). Conclusion: Deferasirox is well tolerated asan iron chelating with suitable dose and long duration has less adverse effects and canbe adjusted by dose modification.

Evaluation of the Correlation Between Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha, Transforming Growth Factor-Beta, Interleukin-10 and Alanine Aminotransferase Levels and Liver Histological Activity in Naive Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

Objective: In this study serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), transforming growth factor beta (TGF- beta), interleukin-10 (IL–10) and alanine transferase (ALT) levels were measured in naive chronic hepatitis C patients and healthy control group. The relationship between the values and the histological activity of the liver was evaluated to make predictions about liver histology without the need for biopsy. Methods: A total of 86 individuals including 43 patients and 43 controls participated in the study. Serum AST, ALT, TNF-alpha, TGF- beta and IL–10 values were analyzed in patient and control groups. The correlation between liver fibrosis degree (stage) and histological activity index (HAI) scores and the IL–10, TNF-alpha, IL-10, TGF-BETA values of the case and control group was evaluated. Results: A very strong correlation was found between HAI and TNF-alpha (rho=0965). A significant relation was found between HAI and TGF-beta (rho=0.446) and statistical correlation was not found between HAI and IL-10. A significant relation was found between HAI and serum ALT values in the patient group. Conclusion: Liver biopsy is an invasive procedure with complications which may have severe results. There is a need for biochemical or radiological markers which extrapolate to liver biopsy. In our study, measurement of serum cytokine and ALT values was observed as a noninvasive method which can help to meet this need.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and complications in type 1 and type 2 diabetes: A Mendelian randomization study.

To investigate the potential causal relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and complications in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to appraise after controlling for the confounding factors. Genetic instrument variables for NAFLD surrogated by chronically elevated serum alanine transferase were derived from a recent genome-wide association study. Diabetes-related complications, including diabetic ketoacidosis, nephropathy and retinopathy, were included as outcomes. Four complementary MR methods were used to test reliability. Genetically instrumented NAFLD showed a suggestive causal association with ketoacidosis in T1D (odds ratio [OR]: 1.574; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.076, 2.302; P=.019; false discovery rate [FDR]=0.096) and a significant causal association with early-stage kidney disease in T1D (OR: 1.249; 95% CI: 1.089, 1.432; P=1.457 × 10-3 , FDR=0.015). Sensitivity analysis indicated low heterogeneity, low pleiotropy and high reliability of the causal estimates. However, the MR analyses failed to show a causal association between NAFLD and T1D retinopathy, T2D ketoacidosis, nephropathy and retinopathy. This study supports a causal effect of genetically driven chronic serum alanine aminotransferase-associated NAFLD on early-stage kidney disease in T1D and a suggestive causal effect on ketoacidosis in T1D. However, MR studies did not provide enough evidence to suggest that NAFLD independently increases the risk of retinopathy in T1D and of ketoacidosis, nephropathy and retinopathy in T2D.

Effect of Novel Gastro-Duodenal Flow Restrictor on Relative Weight Loss and Glucose Levels in a Porcine Model: A Pilot Randomized Study.

Endoscopic bariatric and metabolic therapies are promising for obesity. We developed a novel gastro-duodenal flow restrictor (G-DFR) device for relative weight loss and lowering of glucose level and evaluated its safety and efficacy in a porcine model. The G-DFR comprised self-expandable gastro-duodenal partially covered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) metal stent distally attached to a PTFE skirt. Eleven juvenile pigs were randomized into the evaluation of migration (n = 3), mid-term efficacy (n = 5), and control (n = 3) groups. Five pigs showed G-DFR migration at 2, 4, 7, and 10 weeks after placement in the migration and mid-term efficacy group. Compared to the control group, the mid-term efficacy group showed up to 55.4% relative weight loss in 12 weeks. Compared to the case group, the control group showed higher mean ghrelin hormone level from 6 to 12 weeks. Glucose level was significantly lower in the efficacy group than in the control group after 6 weeks. Serum alanine transferase levels and histological collagen deposition were lower in the liver of the case group than in the control group. Although it did not demonstrate consistent performance with respect to migration, a well-positioned G-DFR in the pyloroduodenal portion may lead to relative weight loss, lowering of glucose levels, and improved hepatic parameters.

SCREENING OF NEROLI OIL ON PARACETAMOL INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN RATS

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Neroli oil against Paracetamol induced liver injury in Wistar rats. Methods: Changes in the serum biomarker enzymes, namely, alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, and albumin were estimated. Oxidative stress parameter such as MDA, SOD, GSH, and catalase levels was also estimated along with the liver weight and volume. Results: Neroli oil showed significant reduction in all elevated biochemical parameters (namely, ALT, AST, ALP, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, and total cholesterol), and significant increase in reduced level of albumin. Oil showed significant increase in GSH and catalase level and decreased in LPO level. Histopathological determinations confirmed biochemical findings. Conclusion: Neroli oil showed a significant hepatoprotective effect against Paracetamol induced hepatic damage as depicted by its protective activity on functional, physical, biochemical, antioxidant, and histological changes in liver.

Investigation and follow up of patients under “hospital A” receiving home parenteral nutrition with liver function test (LFT) derangement

Investigations to help identify the cause of abnormal routine serum LFTs (Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alanine Transferase (ALT) and Bilirubin) may be sub-optimal in patients on home parenteral nutrition (HPN), despite the risk of patients developing intestinal failure associated liver disease.1 Suboptimal investigation and follow-up of patients may lead to a delay in multivisceral transplant referral and be associated with adverse outcomes.

The Relationship of Hyperferritinemia to Metabolism and Chronic Complications in Type 2 Diabetes.

AimElevated serum ferritin has been found to be closely related to type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to explore the relationship of high serum ferritin to metabolism and chronic complications in type 2 diabetes.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study. A total of 330 type 2 diabetes patients who visited an endocrine clinic were included for the analysis. Serum ferritin and metabolic parameters were recorded. The prevalence of chronic diabetic complications was evaluated. Based on serum ferritin, participants were divided into hyperferritinemia and normal-ferritin groups. Metabolic parameters and prevalence of chronic diabetic complications were compared. The relationship between hyperferritinemia and chronic diabetic complications was explored with multivariate logistic regression models. Data were statistically analyzed by sex.ResultsCompared with the normal-ferritin group, the hyperferritinemia group showed higher levels of the serum inflammatory marker CRP and higher prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and coronary heart disease (CHD), regardless of sex (p<0.05). Moreover, male patients with hyperferritinemia had increased serum triglyceride, alanine transferase, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase, urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid and higher prevalence of microalbuminuria (p<0.01). After controlling for demographics and metabolic profiles, hyperferritinemia remained an independent risk factor of DR (male OR 3.957, 95% CI 1.559–10.041, p=0.004; female OR 2.474, 95% CI 1.127–5.430, p=0.024) and CHD (male OR 2.607, 95% CI 1.087–6.257, p=0.032; female OR 2.293, 95% CI 1.031–5.096, p=0.042).ConclusionThis study found that hyperferritinemia was associated with increased CRP and higher prevalence of DR and CHD in type 2 diabetes. In men, high serum ferritin was also associated with dyslipidemia, hepatic dysfunction, and microalbuminuria.

Prophylactic Use of Fluconazole in Very Premature Infants.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and fungal sensitivity of prophylactic fluconazole use in very premature infants.Methods: We performed a retrospective historical comparative analysis of 196 very premature infants (113 in the prophylaxis group and 83 in the rescue group). The incidence of nosocomial fungal infection (NCFI) and pathogenic fungi, their drug sensitivity, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of fluconazole were compared between the two groups. We also analyzed differences in short-term adverse outcomes, such as drug-induced liver or renal function disruption, fungal-attributable death, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), between the groups. The effects of the prophylactic fluconazole strategy on NCFI and short-term adverse outcomes were assessed by multivariate logistic regression.Results: Candida albicans (46.7%) and Candida glabrata (43.3%) were the main culprit pathogens causing NCFI. The incidence of NCFI was significantly lower in the prophylaxis group than in the rescue group (15.9 vs. 45.8%, P < 0.001). However, fewer fungi were completely sensitive to fluconazole (40 vs. 85%, P < 0.05) and the MIC of fluconazole was higher [16.0 (3.5 ~ 16.0) vs. 3.0 (1.0 ~ 8.0) μg/ml, P < 0.001] in the prophylaxis group than in the rescue group. Compared with the rescue group, the prophylaxis group had a lower risk of NCFI (adjusted OR 0.25; 95% CI 0.11, 0.55). Additionally, the prophylaxis group had significantly lower risks of combined outcomes (one or more complications, such as BPD, ROP needing interventions, PVL/IVH (grade > 2), NEC stage ≥2, and fungal-attributable death) (adjusted OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.21, 0.92). There was no significant difference in serum alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), creatinine (Cr), or direct bilirubin (DBIL) levels between the two groups.Conclusions: Fluconazole prophylaxis reduced NCFI and improved combined clinical outcomes in very premature infants, with no increased risks of serious short-term adverse side effects; however, the MIC of fluconazole showed significant increases. Therefore, further optimization of preventive strategies is necessary to maintain the sensitivity of fluconazole against fungal isolates.

Hepatoprotective effects of methanolic extract of green tea against Thioacetamide-Induced liver injury in Sprague Dawley rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSince ancient times, herbal medicines have been applied in the treatment of cancer. Tea, derivative from the dried leaves of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze plant is the most popular beverage globally after water and is available in various forms. Green tea has been expansively investigated for its beneficial properties of cancer prevention and therapy. The goal of the research: The current study was conducted to evaluate the hepaprotective character of methanolic green tea extract and its mechanism of action contrary to thioacetamide (TAA)-produced liver fibrosis of Sprague Dawley rats. Materials and MethodsThirty rodents were equally placed in 5 clusters including normal control, TAA group as a positive control, silymarin as standard drug control, and treatment groups consisting of high dose and a low dose Camellia sinensis. Rats in experimental clusters by mouth fed with C. sinensis at 250 mg/kg or 500 mg/kg daily for 2 months. After 60 days, all rats were sacrificed. Blood specimens were gathered for liver biochemical examination. Livers of all groups were dissected out and subjected to histopathological examination through the Hematoxylin and Eosin stain, Masson trichrome, and immunohistochemistry stains (PCNA). Liver tissue homogenate was also analyzed for antioxidant activity parameters. ResultsGross morphological examination showed a regular liver architecture in C. sinensis fed collections compared to the TAA sets. Histology of rat’s liver fed with C. sinensis showed an important decrease in the liver index with hepatic cells propagation, mild cellular injury, and immunostaining showed significant down-expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). TAA produced liver fibrosis through a significant increase in serum alanine transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin. Total protein and albumin also decreased in the TAA group. Moreover, the reduction of antioxidant enzyme activity including superoxide dismutase and catalase as well as the increase in malondialdehyde was detected in the TAA control group. Meanwhile, an abnormal level of liver biochemical parameters was restored closer to the normal levels in serum of the C. sinensis-fed clusters. In addition, C. sinensis fed assemblies showed elevated antioxidative enzymes activity with a reduction in malondialdehyde level comparable to the levels in silymarin-treated rats. ConclusionsGreen tea potentially inhibited the progression of liver cirrhosis, down -regulation of PCNA proliferation, prevented oxidation of hepatocytes, recovered SOD and CAT enzymes, condensed MDA and reduced cellular inflammation.

The dynamic changes in the pattern of liver function tests in pregnant obese women.

Obesity is an important problem in healthcare regarding gestating women. The objective of the present study was to highlight the impact that obesity has on the hepatic function in pregnant women by comparing the functional tests used in current practice. In addition, the aim was to identify possible predictors of liver damage by analyzing specific anthropometric data. The present study was descriptive, observational, retrospective, and based on the observation sheets found in the database of the Institute for the Health of the Mother and Child, the Obstetrics Gynecology Department of Polizu Hospital. Patients who presented for consultation in each trimester of pregnancy were included in the study. Demographic data taken into account included age, body mass index (BMI), provenance environment, anthropometric data: Abdominal circumference and the complete set of paraclinical data from which we extracted these specific liver tests: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), direct bilirubin (BD), serum albumin and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). The present study included 157 patients divided into two groups, distributed as follows: Group A: 66 obese pregnant women (BMI >25 kg/m2) and group B: 91 patients with normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m2). Measurement of serum ALT and AST were the most useful tests for routine diagnosis of liver disease. The effects of pregnancy on serum levels of ALT and AST are controversial. In some studies, there was a slight increase in ALT and AST during the second and third trimesters, a fact confirmed by our study, albeit the result was not statistically significant Most published studies claim that serum ALT and AST levels do not change during pregnancy. In conclusion, obesity during pregnancy does not drastically influence liver function. However, patients with greater abdominal circumference are prone to developing minor hepatic cytolysis syndrome during the gestation period. The liver functional tests described in the aforementioned groups agree with the results provided by the specialized studies.

Association of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Subfractions with Insulin Resistance in Nigerians with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: There are conflicting reports on the relationship of each of the two subfractions of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) with insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Information on the relationship between HDL-C subfractions and insulin resistance in Nigerian patients with T2DM is not available in the literature. Aim: The aim of this article is to determine the association between subfractions of HDL-C and insulin resistance in Nigerian patients with T2DM. Materials and Methods: Patients with T2DM who were being managed by the Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism unit of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, South-East Nigeria were recruited for this study, whereas individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) were recruited from Nnewi town. The study was carried out within a 5-month period. History was taken and physical examination was done on study participants. Fasting venous samples were collected for plasma glucose, plasma total HDL-C, plasma HDL-C phenotypes, serum C-peptide, serum creatinine, and serum alanine transferase estimation. Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA2-IRC-peptide) score was determined using plasma glucose and serum C-peptide concentrations. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical software. Results: A total of 616 participants consisting of 400 participants with T2DM and 216 participants with NGT were recruited for the study. Difference in age, sex, and blood pressure was not statistically significant between participants with T2DM and those with NGT. There were statistically significant differences in body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, C-peptide, HOMA-IR, total HDL-C, and HDL-C subfractions between subjects with T2DM and those with NGT. There was a significant negative correlation between HOMA-IR score and each of HDL2-C (r s= −0.513, P &lt; 0.01), HDL3-C (r s= −0.471, P &lt; 0.01), and HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratio (r s= −0.416, P &lt; 0.01) in subjects with T2DM. Total HDL-C (odds ratio (OR)=3, P = 0.02), HDL2-C (OR=3.87, P = 0.01), and HDL3-C (OR=2.54, P = 0.02) were significant predictors of insulin resistance in individuals with T2DM after univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Conclusion: This study showed a negative correlation between insulin resistance and each of the HDL-C subfractions in Nigerian patients with T2DM with HDL2-C having the strongest correlation with HOMA-IR score.

Effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on serum Alanine Transferase and Aspartate Transferase levels in middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: People with type2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are at amplified chance of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Objective: To observe the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation Alanine Transferase (ALT) and Aspartate Transferase (AST) in middle age patients with type 2 DM. Methods: A prospective interventional study in 2017, recruited 52 type 2 diabetic patients of both sexes aged 40 to 50 years. Among them, 27 patients were given fish oil capsule orally (omega 3 fatty acid 2g/day) for consecutive 12 weeks and 25 patients without supplementation were selected as control also studied after 12 weeks. Serum ALT and AST of all patients were estimated by enzymatic colorimetric method at baseline and after 12 weeks. For statistical analysis, Paired Student’s ‘t’ test and Unpaired Student’s ‘t’ test were performed. Results: In this study ALT and AST significantly decreased in patients supplemented with omega-3 fatty acid after 12 weeks, ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate transaminase) were decreased in diabetic patients after supplementation with omega- 3 fatty acid in comparison to control group. Conclusion: It can be concluded that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was effective to reduce ALT and AST levels in diabetic patients and it may be helpful to minimize the risk of fatty liver in type-2 DM. J Bngladesh Soc Physiol 2021;16(1): 39-43

Ferulic acid attenuates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation through inhibition of the ROCK/NF-κB signaling pathways

Ferulic acid (FA) is a natural polyphenol compound existing in many plants. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of FA on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) induced by high-cholesterol and high-fat diet (HCHF) and its possible mechanism. Rats were fed HCHF for 12 weeks to establish NASH model. FA improved liver coefficients and had no effect on body weight changes. FA could reduce serum alanine transferase (ALT) and aspartate transferase (AST) activities. FA attenuated the increase of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels caused by NASH, improved the liver pathological damage induced by NASH, and inhibited the progression of liver fibrosis. FA prevented the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and attenuated the decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Meanwhile, FA significantly restored the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In addition, we also found that FA inhibited the activity of ROCK and the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway in the liver of NASH rats. Overall, FA has a hepatoprotective anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects in NASH rats, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of ROCK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Ameliorative role of inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors against sodium arsenite-induced renal and hepatic dysfunction in rats

Arsenic exposure causes immense health distress by increasing risk of cardiovascular abnormalities, diabetes mellitus, neurotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. The present study explored the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitors against sodium arsenite-induced renal and hepatic dysfunction in rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to arsenic toxicity by administering sodium arsenite (5 mg/kg/day, oral) for 4 weeks. The iNOS inhibitors, S-methylisothiourea (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg, i.p.) were given one hour before sodium arsenite administration in rats for 4 weeks. Sodium arsenite led rise in serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, electrolytes (potassium, fractional excretion of sodium), microproteinuria, and decreased creatinine clearance (p < 0.001) indicated renal dysfunction in rats. Arsenic-intoxication resulted in significant oxidative stress in rat kidneys, which was measured in terms of increase in lipid peroxides, superoxide anion generation and decrease in reduced glutathione (p < 0.001) levels. A threefold increase in renal hydroxyproline level in arsenic intoxicated rats indicated fibrosis. Hematoxylin–eosin staining indicated tubular damage, whereas picrosirius red staining highlighted collagen deposition in rat kidneys. S-methylisothiourea and aminoguanidine improved renal function and attenuated arsenic led renal oxidative stress, fibrosis, and decreased the kidney injury score. Additionally, arsenite-intoxication resulted in significant rise in hepatic parameters (serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin (p < 0.001) along with multi-fold increase in oxidative stress, fibrosis and liver injury score in rats, which was significantly (p < 0.001) attenuated by concurrent administration of iNOS inhibitors). Hence, it is concluded that iNOS inhibitors attenuate sodium arsenite-induced renal and hepatic dysfunction in rats.