Serum Alkaline Research Articles

Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level Is Negatively Associated with Fatigue in Elderly Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is frequently observed in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients and is associated with fracture, muscle weakness, malnutrition, etc.; however, relationships of CKD-MBD markers and fatigue are not well established. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 244 MHD patients (89 elders) from July to September 2021 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University. CKD-MBD markers and other clinical data were collected from medical records. Fatigue in the past week was measured by Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology-Hemodialysis (SONG-HD) fatigue measure; fatigue at the end of hemodialysis was measured by numeric rating scale (NRS). Spearman correlation, linear regression, and robust linear regression were. Results: In all MHD patients, lg[25(OH)D] (nmol/L) was negatively correlated with SONG-HD score (β = −1.503, 95% CI: −2.826 to 0.18, p = 0.026) and NRS score (β = −1.532, p = 0.04) in multiple regression models adjusting for sex, age, and all CKD-MBD characters; but no correlations were found on univariate regression or in other multiple regression models. Interaction effects between age ≥65 years and lg(25[OH]D [nmol/L]) in terms of fatigue scores were significant based on multiple linear regressions (SONG-HD score β = −3.613, p for interaction = 0.006; NRS score β = −3.943, p for interaction = 0.008). Compared with non-elderly patients, elderly patients were with higher ACCI scores (7 [6, 8] vs. 4 [3, 5], p < 0.001), higher SONG-HD scores (3 [2, 6] vs. 2 [1, 3], p < 0.001), higher NRS score (4 [2, 7] vs. 3 [1, 5], p < 0.001), lower serum phosphate levels (1.65 [1.29, 2.10] vs. 1.87 [1.55, 2.26] mmol/L, p = 0.002), and lower serum iPTH levels (160.6 [90.46, 306.45] vs. 282.2 [139, 445.7] pg/mL, p < 0.001). There were no differences in serum calcium, alkaline serum, or 25(OH)D levels between the two groups. In elderly patients, lg[25(OH)D] was negatively correlated with SONG-HD score (β = −3.323, p = 0.010) and NRS score (β = −3.521, p = 0.006) on univariate linear regressions. Following adjustment for sex, age, and all CKD-MBD characters, lg[25(OH)D] was negatively correlated with SONG-HD scores (multiple linear regression β = −4.012, p = 0.004; multiple robust regression β = −4.012, p = 0.003) or NRS scores (multiple linear regression β = −4.104, p = 0.002; multiple robust regression β = −4.104, p = 0.001). There were no significant correlations between fatigue scores and other CKD-MBD markers (calcium, phosphate, lgiPTH, alkaline phosphatase) in elderly MHD patients, on either univariate linear regressions or multiple regressions. Conclusion: Serum 25(OH)D level is negatively associated with fatigue in elderly MHD patients.

Liver function markers predict cardiovascular and renal outcomes in the CANVAS Program

BackgroundRaised liver function tests (LFTs) have been correlated with multiple metabolic abnormalities and variably associated with cardiorenal outcomes. We sought to systematically test the relationship between LFT levels within the accepted range and major cardiorenal outcomes in a large clinical trial in type 2 diabetes, and the possible impact of placebo-controlled canagliflozin treatment.MethodsWe measured serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartic aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (γGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin concentrations in 10,142 patients, at baseline and repeatedly over follow-up. The relation of LFTs to first hospitalized heart failure (HHF), cardiovascular (CV) and all-cause mortality, and progression of renal impairment was investigated using multivariate proportional-hazards models.ResultsIn univariate association, ALT was reciprocally predictive, and ALP was positively predictive, of all adjudicated outcomes; γGT also was directly associated with CV—but not renal—outcomes. In multivariate models including all 5 LFTs and 19 potential clinical confounders, ALT was independently associated with lower, and γGT with higher, CV outcomes risk. Canagliflozin treatment significantly reduced ALT, AST, and γGT over time. In a fully adjusted model including updated LFT levels and treatment, γGT was independently associated with CV and all-cause mortality, ALP with renal dysfunction progression, and canagliflozin treatment with significant reduction in HHF and renal risk.ConclusionsHigher γGT levels are top LFT markers of risk of HHF and death in patients with diabetes and high CV risk, while ALT are protective. Canagliflozin lowers the risk of HHF and renal damage independently of LFTs and potential confounders.

Effects of Galactomannan Oligosaccharides on Growth Performance, Mycotoxin Detoxification, Serum Biochemistry, and Hematology of Goats Fed Mycotoxins-Contaminated Diets.

This study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of mycotoxin adsorbent galactomannan oligosaccharides (GMOS) on growth performance, fermentation parameters, mycotoxins residues, serum biochemistry and oxidative stress parameters of the goats. The in vitro test indicated that 0.05% GMOS outperformed yeast cell wall (YCW) and montmorillonite (MMT) in aflatoxins absorption. Then 20 3-month-old Xiangdong black goats (15.0 ± 1.9 kg) were randomly divided into two dietary treatments for the animal test. The control group (CON group) was fed a multi-mycotoxins contaminated diet, whereas the experimental group (GMOS group) received multi-mycotoxins contaminated diet plus 0.05% GMOS. The trail lasted for 60 days, with 12 days of adaptation period and 48 days of formal experiment period. There were no treatment effects (P > 0.10) on growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity and activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The concentrations of zearalenone in the rumen were lower (P < 0.05) in the GMOS group. GMOS significantly reduced (P < 0.05) propionate concentration in the cecum, resulting in a rise (P < 0.01) in acetate/propionate ratio in GMOS as compared to CON. Goats of GMOS exhibited considerably greater (P < 0.05) levels of creatine kinase but lower (P = 0.02) levels of creatinine than CON. Compared with CON, GMOS supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.05) platelet count (PLT), platelet volume distribution width (PDW), and platelet hematocrit (PCT), while decreased (P < 0.05) albumin content (ALB). The 0.05% GMOS protected goats in ruminal fermentation parameters, mycotoxins residues and serum biochemistry. Moreover, GMOS had no adverse effect on goat health. To our knowledge, this is the first report of GMOS in small ruminants. These findings suggested the feasibility of dietary GMOS as a health-maintaining addictive in goat diets.

Evaluation of safety and anti-obesity effects of DWP16001 in naturally obese dogs

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity effects of DWP16001, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2 inhibitor), in naturally obese dogs. A total of 20 dogs were divided into four equal groups: one obese control (OC group), and three treated groups; DWP0.2 group, DWP0.5 group, and DWP1 group. OC group fed with food for maintenance and treated groups were fed with food for maintenance with 0.2 mg/kg DWP16001, 0.5 mg/kg DWP16001 and 1 mg/kg DWP16001, respectively. The food for maintenance was provided to dogs as 2 RER (Resting energy requirement) in kcal and DWP16001-supplemented food was administered once a day for 8 weeks.ResultsBody condition score, body weight, and fat thickness were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in the DWP0.2 group compared with the OC group, respectively without affecting the food consumption. At the 10th week the food consumption rate was 101.35 ± 2.56, 166.59 ± 4.72, 98.47 ± 1.44 and 123.15 ± 2.45% compared with initial food consumption rate. Body fat percentage, chest and waist circumference, blood glucose, and insulin were reduced compared to OC group but not significantly different from those of the OC group during experimental period. Serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine phosphokinase, and creatinine were significantly reduced in DWP0.2 group on 8 weeks. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides were reduced but not significantly. No specific adverse effects were observed throughout the experiment, and hematological parameters were unchanged. The results indicate that DWP16001 was not harmful to the dogs in our study and might have anti-obesity effects in naturally obese dogs.ConclusionsThe above results and discussion suggest that DWP16001 is safe and might have anti-obesity effects in naturally obese dogs.

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.

MO572: Effects of Ketoanalogues on the Evolution of Bone Mineral Metabolism in Patients With Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS There is a mounting volume of evidence on the efficacy of ketoanalogues associated with low protein diets, concerning the nephroprotective effects in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). The important number of capsules daily ingested associated with their important calcium content would potentially affect the bone mineral metabolism of this group of patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of ketoanalogues on the evolution of the bone mineral metabolism parameters in patients with advanced CKD. METHOD This is a prospective non-randomized controlled comparative study of two groups of patients. The results are shown as mean ± ESM. The first group (intervention) (20 patients, 12/8 M/F, mean age 71.9 ± 2.9, 10 with diabetes) was treated with ketoanalogues associated with a low protein diet and the control group (17 patients, 9/8 M/F, mean age 68.2 ± 3.3, 8 with diabetes) had a conventional follow-up of CKD. We studied the evolution of the body weight, renal function (glomerular filtration rate measured by the CKD-EPI formula in mL/min/1.73 m2), 24 h proteinuria, salt and protein consumption, serum albumin, serum prealbumin, alkaline reserve, serum phosphate levels, serum parathormone levels and calcium levels corrected for serum albumin at baseline as well as 6, 12 and 24 months post-inclusion. We performed a T-test for independent groups in order to study the differences between the two groups in every time point of the study. P-values &amp;lt; 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS The results are shown in the Table 1. There were no differences between the two groups at baseline. There was a significant nephroprotective effect of the ketoanalogues after 12 and 24 months. Alkaline reserve and serum calcium levels were significantly higher in the intervention group after 6, 12 and 24 months. Serum phosphate and serum parathormone levels were significantly higher in the control group 6 months, 1 and 2 years after the baseline. All patients were treated with the appropriate agents for the correction of the perturbed study parameters. During the 2-year follow-up, four patients from the study group (two pre-emptive renal transplantations, one death from oncologic causes and one start of dialysis) and eight patients from the control group (three deaths and five dialysis initiations) quitted the study. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the treatment with ketoanalogues and low protein diet has a significantly positive impact on the bone mineral metabolism of the patients with advanced CKD. It is unknown whether this is due to the high calcium content of the capsules or from the fact that the renal function is better preserved in the intervention group

Influence of duration of menopause on bone turnover markers in post-menopausal women

Introduction and Aim: Osteoporosis is common among women following 10 years of cessation of menstruation, due to bone loss accelerated by menopause. The study was done to evaluate the effect of duration of menopause on bone turnover markers (BTMs). Materials and Methods: The study involved 100 postmenopausal women; 50 osteoporotic and 50 non-osteoporotic. Comparison and correlation of serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum osteocalcin (sOC) and urinary hydroxyproline (uHP) were done based on duration of menopause. Comparison of biochemical parameters was done using Independent t-test and ANOVA test for two groups and more than two groups respectively. Correlation was done using Pearson’s correlation test. Statistical significance was considered at p&lt;0.05. Results: The sOC significantly declined and uHP levels increased between quartiles of duration of menopause among study participants. (p&lt;0.001). However, in those without fractures, sOC and uHP were higher in those with &lt;7 years since menopause (YSM) and then plateaued after 8 YSM. The percentage of osteoporotic women having &gt;15 YSM was 82%. Duration of menopause correlated better with sOC (r=-0.633) than uHP (r=0.575) (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Osteoporotic fractures were higher in more than 15 YSM. There was no difference in both sOC and uHP in those with fractures, proving non-significance of screening these markers once the fractures have occurred. As sOC correlates better with duration of menopause, monitoring of sOC in early years of menopause is required to prevent osteoporotic fractures and associated burden through prophylactic treatment.

Association of acute hepatitis B and acute myopathy: a case report

BackgroundHepatitis B virus infection is a global public health problem. Although hepatitis B virus primarily affects hepatocytes, it sometimes develops disease manifestations outside the liver, such as myopathy, which is commonly caused by chronic hepatitis B.Case presentationThis case report describes a 57-year-old Iranian woman admitted to the hospital with jaundice, fever, body itching, abdominal pain, progressive muscle weakness, icteric sclera, right upper quadrant pain, and decreased muscle force. Examination on the first day of admission revealed that the patient was negative for hepatitis D antibody, positive for hepatitis B core (IgM) antibody, positive for hepatitis B surface antigen, and negative for hepatitis B e antibody but positive for hepatitis B e antigen. Moreover, she showed high levels of hepatitis B virus DNA viral load, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase, and electromyography/nerve conduction velocity showed acute myopathic process.ConclusionsInterestingly, myopathy symptoms improved after improving hepatitis symptoms and decreasing hepatitis B viral load, suggesting a close association between hepatitis B infection and myopathy.

Longitudinal relationship of liver injury with inflammation biomarkers in COVID-19 hospitalized patients using a joint modeling approach

The mechanisms underlying liver disease in patients with COVID-19 are not entirely known. The aim is to investigate, by means of novel statistical techniques, the changes over time in the relationship between inflammation markers and liver damage markers in relation to survival in COVID-19. The study included 221 consecutive patients admitted to the hospital during the first COVID-19 wave in Spain. Generalized additive mixed models were used to investigate the influence of time and inflammation markers on liver damage markers in relation to survival. Joint modeling regression was used to evaluate the temporal correlations between inflammation markers (serum C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6, plasma D-dimer, and blood lymphocyte count) and liver damage markers, after adjusting for age, sex, and therapy. The patients who died showed a significant elevation in serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase levels over time. Conversely, a decrease in serum AST levels was observed in the survivors, who showed a negative correlation between inflammation markers and liver damage markers (CRP with serum AST, alanine transaminase [ALT], and gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT]; and D-dimer with AST and ALT) after a week of hospitalization. Conversely, most correlations were positive in the patients who died, except lymphocyte count, which was negatively correlated with AST, GGT, and alkaline phosphatase. These correlations were attenuated with age. The patients who died during COVID-19 infection displayed a significant elevation of liver damage markers, which is correlated with inflammation markers over time. These results are consistent with the role of systemic inflammation in liver damage during COVID-19.

Recent Update on Serum Alkaline and Acid Phosphatases in Pre- and Postoperative Breast Cancer Patients

Background: Breast carcinoma in females is an ever-growing malaise with significant mortality and morbidity. In resource-poor settings, the need for a cost-effective and reliable diagnostic tool is of utmost importance.&#x0D; Methods: In the present study, 54 histopathologically proven breast cancer patients were investigated for their pre- and postoperative serum ALP and ACP levels.&#x0D; Results: A total of 34 cases (belonging to the age interval of 40–60 years) exhibited a significant drop in serum ALP level after surgery (P = 0.002). Although the serum ACP also showed a postoperative decline, it was not as significant as that of serum ALP.&#x0D; Conclusion: The role of serum ALP and ACP in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring/surveillance of breast carcinoma cannot be underestimated particularly in third-world countries lacking in medical infrastructure or resource-poor settings.

Hydroxy Selenomethionine Alleviates Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Disorder of Pigs Induced by Dietary Oxidative Stress via Relieving the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress.

This study used 40 castrated male pigs to determine the protective effects of a new selenium molecule (hydroxy selenomethionine, OH-SeMet) on dietary oxidative stress (DOS) induced hepatic lipid metabolism disorder, and corresponding response of selenotranscriptome. The pigs were randomly grouped into 5 dietary treatments and fed a basal diet formulated with either normal corn and oils or oxidized diet in which the normal corn and oils were replaced by aged corn and oxidized oils, and supplemented with OH-SeMet at 0.0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 mg Se/kg for a period of 16 weeks (n = 8). The results showed that DOS induced liver damage, increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, decreased serum triacylglycerol (TG) level, suppressed antioxidant capacity in the liver, and changed lipid metabolism enzyme activity, thus causing lipid metabolism disorder in the liver. The DOS-induced lipid metabolism disorder was accompanied with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, changes in lipid metabolism-related genes and selenotranscriptome in the liver. Dietary Se supplementation partially alleviated the negative impact of DOS on the lipid metabolism. These improvements were accompanied by increases in Se concentration, liver index, anti-oxidative capacity, selenotranscriptome especially 11 selenoprotein-encoding genes, and protein abundance of GPX1, GPX4 and SelS in the liver, as well as the decrease in SelF abundance. The Se supplementation also alleviated ER stress, restored liver lipid metabolism enzyme activity, increased the mRNA expression of lipid synthesis-related genes, and decreased the mRNA levels of lipidolysis-related genes. In conclusion, the dietary Se supplementation restored antioxidant capacity and mitigated ER stress induced by DOS, thus resisting hepatic lipid metabolism disorders that are associated with regulation of selenotranscriptome.

AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY PERFORMED TO COMPARE THE HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF ALOE VERA AND SILYMARIN IN CARBON TETRA CHLORIDE (CCL4)-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN ALBINO RABBITS

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the hepatoprotective activity of Aloe vera and Silymarin in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rabbits. Methods: The study was conducted on 18 healthy albino rabbits of either sex weighing 1.5–2.0 kg, divided into three groups. Hepatotoxicity was induced in rabbits by administering CCl4(0.05 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Alcoholic extracts of leaves of A. vera and Silymarin were administered orally for 20 days from day 1 to day 20 in the doses of 100mg/kg/day with the help of a syringe in groups II and III respectively. Results: Group I: There was an increase in the level of serum transaminase (p&lt;0.001), serum alkaline phosphatase (p&lt;0.001), serum bilirubin (p&lt;0.001), and a decrease in serum albumin (p&lt;0.001) due to hepatotoxic effect of CCl4 when compared to day 0 of the same group. Group II: A. vera extract was found to reduce the level of aspartate transaminase (p&lt;0.0001), alanine transaminase (p&lt;0.0001), serum alkaline phosphatase (p&lt;0.0001), serum bilirubin (p&lt;0.0001), and increase in serum albumin (p&lt;0.0001). Group III: Silymarin was found to reduce the level of aspartate transaminase (p&lt;0.0001), alanine transaminase (p&lt;0.0001), serum alkaline phosphatase (p&lt;0.0001), serum bilirubin (p&lt;0.0001), and increase in serum albumin (p&lt;0.0001). The findings of Group II and Group III were found to be statistically highly significant when compared with Group I. On histopathology, Group II showed maximum reduction in fatty changes compared to Group III. Conclusions: A. vera extract and Silymarin both showed a decline in hepatotoxic effects induced by CCl4. Comparatively, A. vera exhibited higher protection in restoration of liver function and regeneration of liver cells than Silymarin.

Evaluation of serum calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels during long bone fracture repair in dogs stabilized with string of pearls plating technique

The present study was conducted to evaluate biochemical parameters like serum calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase during long bones fracture healing in six dogs, which were stabilized with string of pearls (SOP) plate. Statistical analysis revealed no significant variation (P&lt;0.05) in these parameters during the entire period of healing and the values were within the normal range.

Therapeutic Mechanism of Chinese Medicine on the Healing of Early and Middle Fractures in Rabbits Under the Expression Level of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (BMP-2) in Bone Tissue

In order to explore the therapeutic mechanism of Chinese medicine on the healing of rabbits early and middle fractures, a rabbit fracture model was established in this study. The study was divided into several groups, i.e., treatment group (TG) (fed with Chinese medicine Capsule) and control group (CG) (fed with normal saline (NS)). The materials were collected at 1, 3, and 5 weeks after the start of the experiment for analysis. The experiment content included: callus Hematoxylin-Eosin staining (HE staining); Bone Morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) protein level detection; Type I and type II bone collagen (BC) detection; and serum biochemical factors detection. The experimental results showed that the formation of callus in the TG was better than in the CG; the BMP-2 protein expression level in the TG was higher than in the CG, and there were statistically significant differences (SSDs); the type I and type II BC levels in the TG were higher than the CG, there were SSDs; the levels of serum calcium (SC), phosphorus ion (PI), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the TG were also higher than in the CG, and there were SSDs.

Optimization and Evaluation of Piperine Loaded Herbosomes for their Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Potential

Piperine is classified as a class II drug in the biopharmaceutical classification system due to its low aqueous solubility. As a result, piperine herbosomes were created to improve the dissolution rate and in vivo liver protecting activity of piperine and physico-chemical characteristics were used to confirm herbosome formation. The piperine-herbosome formulation revealed spherical particle size of all formulations from P1-P10 and found142.4 ± 0.98 nm for best piperine-herbosome formulation (P2) and a PDI value of 0.237, indicating a homogeneous population of piperine loaded vesicles. In vitro drug release rate and percent entrapment efficiency were determined for all formulations P1-P25 and found to be 95.306 ± 0.21 and 97.306 ± 0.65 in 12 h, respectively for best piperine-herbosome formulation (P2). It exemplifies the complex’s long-term releasing capability. This information suggests that it may have a longer retention time inside the body, extending the duration of effect. The antioxidant potential of pure piperine was determined using the DPPH scavenging method, with an IC50 value of 107.59 ± 0.11 g/mL compared to a formulation with an IC50 value of 93.926 ± 0.03 g/mL. Swiss albino mice of either sex were utilized for the evaluation of hepatoprotective activity. On the 8th day, the hepatotoxicity was caused by giving a single oral dosage of CCl4 (0.5 mL) and the parameters were evaluated on the 9th day. This formulation has the best optimized based on drug content and drug entrapment. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin were among the biochemical markers measured. In comparison to normal control (161 ± 0.31 IU/L, 52.78 ± 0.28 IU/L, 121.12 ± 0.14 IU/L and 0.633 ± 1.44 IU/L) and P2 formulation (163.23 ± 0.49 IU/L, 66.9 ± 0.05 IU/L, 128.3 ± 1.15 IU/L and 0.645 ± 0.67 IU/L respectively).

Histopathological evaluation of amino acid capped silver nanoconjugates in albino mice

Various molecules may modify the surface chemistry of commonly used nanomaterials (NMs), resulting in the synthesis of novel and safer NMs. The current study was delineated to evaluate the in vivo toxicity profiling of the silver nanoconjugates (AgNCs) conjugated with different amino acids. The L-glycine capped-AgNCs exhibited toxicity and caused tissue damage, while L-cystine- and L-tyrosine-capped AgNCs showed protective effects against cadmium-induced toxicity. L-cystine-capped AgNCs performed well as compared to other amino-acid AgNCs. The level of serum creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase and blood urea increased (p &lt; 0.05) in G2, G3 and G5 in comparison to G1 (control group), while an increase in bilirubin for G2 was statistically non-significant (p &gt; 0.05). The ALT and AST elevated (p &lt; 0.05) in G4; however, other serological parameters in G4 and G6 did not show any noticeable change in their values. Histological analysis showed disturbed and deformed cellular structures in liver and kidney tissues of G2, G3 and G5. However, G4 and G6 samples demonstrated minute changes in comparison to G1. It is concluded that L-cystine- and L-tyrosine-capped AgNCs exhibited protective effects and should be tested further for developing safer nanoconjugates for biomedical uses.

Hypercortisolism in patients with cholestasis is associated with disease severity

BackgroundCholestasis might lead to an impairment of adrenal function as suggested by in vitro and in vivo data as well as by clinical findings. Bile acid and adrenal steroid metabolism not only share the receptors farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (TGR5), but supraphysiological bile acid levels were found to stimulate steroidogenesis independent of FXR and TGR5. Our previous experimental findings revealed that mice fed bile acids or subjected to common bile duct ligation develop hypercortisolemia. We thus aimed to assess adrenal gland function in patients with cholestasis.MethodsAdrenal gland function was assessed in 36 patients with cholestasis and in 32 patients without cholestasis by measuring total serum cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), as well as the increase of cortisol 20 and 30 min after administration of 1 µg of ACTH. Bile acid levels and bile acid pool composition were determined by high-resolution mass spectrometry.ResultsPatients with cholestasis per definition had markedly elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase (AP), bilirubin and serum bile acids. Baseline cortisol and maximum cortisol after ACTH stimulation were significantly higher in patients with cholestasis compared to controls. Increase of cortisol after ACTH stimulation and ACTH did not differ. In the cholestasis group, baseline cortisol correlated with bilirubin but not with AP, total serum bile acids and levels of conjugated and unconjugated bile acid species. Patients with duration of cholestasis < 6 months (n = 30) had significantly higher baseline cortisol levels than those with long standing cholestasis (> 6 months), together with higher bilirubin levels.ConclusionsWe find no evidence of adrenal insufficiency in non-cirrhotic patients with cholestasis. In contrast, patients with cholestasis show hypercortisolism associated with disease severity as mirrored by levels of bilirubin. Lack of ACTH increase in cholestasis suggests a direct effect of cholestasis on adrenals and not on the pituitary gland. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of cortisol elevation in patients with cholestasis and its clinical significance.

Protective Effect of Chichorium Intybus (Kasni) Roots on Hepatotoxocity Induced By Pyrazinamide in Male Mice

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is major health issue across the world. Yearly 2 million deaths are reported from this disease. Pakistan has been ranked in the top six countries that are bearing the major brunt of TB. Aim: To observe hepatoprotective role of aqueous extract of kasni (Chichorium intybus) roots on hepatotoxicity caused by Pyrazinamide in male BALB/c mice. Study Design: Randomized control Trial. Methodology: Healthy male albino Balb/C mice, fifty six in number were selected randomly and further grouped into four groups (n=14 mice). Group A labelled as control group and maintained on rodent diet with no medication. Group B was labelled as disease control group and only pyrazinamide was administered to mice in this group in dose (500mg/kg BW). Groups C and D designated as exploratory groups. Both group C &amp; D were administered a combination of Anti TB drug, pyrazinamide along with aqueous extract preparations of Kasni roots in low (200mg/kg) &amp; high doses (400mg/kg) respectively. Baseline blood samples were drawn at day zero. Results: Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) were improved in group C &amp; D given aqueous extract of Chicorium intybus roots. Conclusion: It was concluded that high doses of aqueous extract preparations of kasni (Chichorium intybus) roots showed more improvements of serum markers in drug induced hepatotoxicity than low doses of aqueous preparations. Keywords: Chichorium intybus, Hepatoprotective, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP),

In vitro Antiradical activity and Hepatoprotective potential of Herbal extract from Medicinal plants of Rosaceae family

The experimental study was designed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic fruit extract of Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai. and Prunus avium Linn. in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Pharmacognostic evaluation of fruits and their extracts was carried out according to the WHO quality control of herbal drugs. The antiradical activity of ethanol extracts of P. pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai and P. avium L. was determined by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide free radical scavenging assay. The Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into seven equal groups (n = 5). Group I was treated as normal control. Group II received 0.2% carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) in olive oil (8 mL/kg, i.p) on 14th day; Groups III as standard control contained silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o) as standard drug once daily for 14 days. Group IV and V were given P. pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai extract (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o. in olive oil) for fourteen days; Group VI and VII received P. avium Linn. extract (200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. in olive oil) for fourteen days. Group III to VII animals were treated with 0.2% CCl4 in olive oil (8mL/kg, i.p) on the 14th day after the administration (1 hour) of the standard drug and test samples. Histopathological analysis and measurement of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), total albumin (TA) and total bilirubin (TB) were performed. Ethanol extract of P.avium L. demonstrated stronger antioxidant and higher total phenolic as well as total flavonoid content than P. pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai. Both the extracts EEPP and EEPA (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly normalized the CCl4-elevated levels of ALT, AST and ALP. P. pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai and P. avium L. are the edible seasonal fruits that possessed an appreciable amount of phenolic and flavonoid components and could provide considerable protection against CCl4 hepatotoxicity in rodents that may be related to its antioxidant properties and also useful in preventing several degenerative and life threatening diseases.

Effectiveness of Physical Activity and Finger Millet-Based Food Supplement on Biochemical Parameters and Bone Mineral Density among Premenopausal Women.

The effectiveness of physical activity and finger millet-based food supplement on biochemical parameters and bone mineral density (BMD) among premenopausal women were studied. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and BMD of 720 women (30–40 years) were analyzed. From them, 150 women with low BMD (t-score, −1 to −2.5) and low calcium (<9.0 mg/dL) were randomized to control and experimental groups, equally. The experimental group was given 5 days per week physical activity, for 3 months, and a diet supplement of finger millet-based sweet balls (ragi laddu), 3 days per week for 3 months. The above parameters were measured as the posttest. Physical activity was assessed by the General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire. A 24 h recall assessment was carried out for the diet supplement, and self-reported activity checklist was maintained for physical activity. Among 720 women, 163 (22.6%) showed BMD, t-score < −1.0, and calcium <9.0 mg/dL (p < 0.001). The serum phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were also low (p < 0.001). After the supplementation to the experimental group, all the biochemical parameters, BMD, and physical activity score showed significant improvement in the posttest (p < 0.001). This study showed significantly low BMD and calcium among premenopausal women. Physical activity and finger millet supplement improved the calcium level and BMD.