Serum Aspartate Transferase Research Articles

Modulation of liver metabolism and gut microbiota by Alhagi-honey alleviated heat stress-induced liver damage

Alhagi-honey (AH) is a well-established traditional ethnic medicine with advantageous effects against diarrhea and headaches. We aimed to explore the preventive effect of AH on liver damage induced by heat stress (HS) and its underlying mechanism. HS models were established by thermostat, and mice were treated at 39 ℃ for 10 h, lasting for 7 days. Hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining were used for histological observation, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used for ultrastructure examination of hepatocytes. Gut microbiota (GM) composition and liver metabolites were respectively analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing and non-targeted metabolome sequencing. AH pretreatment alleviated liver damage caused by heat stress in mice. The main manifestation was that AH alleviated serum aspartate transferase (AST) and aspartate transaminase (ALT). It was found that AH improved symptoms of hepatocyte damage. In addition, the relative abundance of f_Rikenellaceae, g_Incertae_Sedis and s_Staphylococcus_Orisratti, g_Lachnoclostridium, g_GCA-900066575, and s_Alistipes_inops were modified by AH and these bacterial genera showed association with 6 metabolites (2- (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) acetamide, 3-hydroxy-3-methylpentanedioic acid, PC (17:0/17:1), Y-L-Glutamy-L-glutamic acid, L-Isoleucine, 5-Methyluridine, 8,8-dimethyl-2-phenyl-4H,8H-pyrano [2, 3-h] chromen-4-one). The Pearson analysis also showed a strong correlation between these microbes and 2 risk indicators (AST and ALT) of liver damage. AH alleviated HS-induced liver damage by regulating liver metabolism and maintaining normal GM. It demonstrated that AH held potential as a prophylactic drug for the prevention of HS-induced liver damage.

Quadriceps recovery and pain relief in knee osteoarthritis rats by cog polydioxanone filament insertion.

Quadriceps muscles play a pivotal role in knee osteoarthritis (OA) progression and symptom manifestation, particularly pain. This research investigates the therapeutic effectiveness of muscle enhancement and support therapy (MEST), a recently developed device intended for intramuscular insertion of cog polydioxanone filaments, in quadriceps restoration to alleviate OA pain. Knee OA was induced in Sprague Dawley rats via monoiodoacetate injections. MEST or sham treatment was performed in OA or Naive rat quadriceps. Pain was assessed using paw withdrawal threshold and weight bearing. Quadriceps injury and recovery via MEST were evaluated using biomarkers, tissue morphology, muscle mass, contractile force and hindlimb torque. Satellite cell and macrophage activation, along with their activators, were also assessed. Data were compared at 1- and 3-weeks post-MEST treatment (M-W1 and M-W3). MEST treatment in OA rats caused muscle injury, indicated by elevated serum aspartate transferase and creatinine kinase levels, and local β-actin changes at M-W1. This injury triggered pro-inflammatory macrophage and satellite cell activation, accompanied by heightened interleukin-6 and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels. However, by M-W3, these processes gradually shifted toward inflammation resolution and muscle restoration. This was seen in anti-inflammatory macrophage phenotypes, sustained satellite cell activation and injury markers regressing to baseline. Quadriceps recovery in mass and strength from atrophy correlated with substantial OA pain reduction at M-W3. This study suggests that MEST-induced minor muscle injury triggers macrophage and satellite cell activation, leading to recovery of atrophied quadriceps and pain relief in OA rats.

Fungal plasma biomarkers in patients admitted for inpatient treatment of alcohol use disorder.

Fungal plasma biomarkers have not been studied in patients with unhealthy alcohol use and no apparent end-stage liver disease. We examined the prevalence of fungal plasma biomarkers, assessed by the presence of anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA; IgA and IgM), and its disease correlates in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). We performed logistic regression analyses to detect the association between clinical and laboratory characteristics and the presence of fungal plasma biomarkers. We included 395 patients (75.9% male, median age of 49 years, and median body mass index of 25.6) who drank a median of 150 g of alcohol daily and had a median duration of AUD of 20 years. ASCA IgA and IgG were present in 34.4% and 14.9%, respectively, and 9.9% had both ASCA IgA and ASCA IgG. The presence of ASCA IgA was associated with male sex (p < 0.01); values of serum aspartate transferase (AST) (p = 0.02), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (p < 0.01), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p < 0.01), and bilirubin in the highest quartile (p < 0.01); Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) values suggestive of advanced liver fibrosis (p < 0.01); and values of the macrophage activation factors sCD163 (p < 0.01) and sCD14 (p < 0.01), the cytokine IL-6 (p = 0.01), and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein in the highest quartile (p < 0.01). The presence of ASCA IgG was associated with omeprazole use (p = 0.04); values of AST (p = 0.04) and GGT (p = 0.04) in the highest quartile; FIB-4 values suggestive of advanced liver fibrosis (p < 0.01); and values of sCD163 (p < 0.01) in the highest quartile. The variables associated with the presence of both ASCA IgA and IgG were male sex (p = 0.04) and values of GGT (p = 0.04) and sCD163 in the highest quartile (p < 0.01). In AUD patients, the presence of fungal biomarkers in plasma was common and associated with FIB-4 values suggestive of advanced liver fibrosis and with markers of liver damage, monocyte activation, and microbial translocation, male gender, and omeprazole use. These findings suggest that the presence of plasma anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies could be used as a biomarker for an elevated risk of progressive liver disease in patients with AUD.

The impact of food restriction on liver enzyme levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The relationship between food restriction (FR) and liver enzyme levels, such as alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), has not yet been confirmed. A meta-analysis of research articles was conducted to investigate the association of FR and liver enzyme levels. The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were screened for articles published up to April 30, 2022. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement methodology was used to search for research articles. Publication bias was detected using Begg's test. Finally, 17 trials involving 1982 participants and that reported mean value, mean difference, and standard deviation were identified. Data were described as the weighted mean difference of body mass index, body weight, and standardized mean difference (SMD) of ALT, AST, and GGT. A reduction in ALT level was observed after a FR intervention (total SMD, -0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.68 to -0.05). GGT levels also were decreased in 4 studies (total SMD, -0.23; 95%CI, -0.33 to -0.14). According to subgroup analysis, serum AST levels decreased in the medium-term (between 5 wk and 6 mo) group (subtotal SMD, -0.48; 95%CI, -0.69 to -0.28). Existing evidence suggests that dietary restriction improves adult liver enzyme levels. The long-term maintenance of healthy liver enzyme levels, particularly in real-world applications, necessitates additional consideration.

Potential Probiotic Properties of Blautia producta Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Liver Injury.

Blautia is a genus of anaerobic microbe extensively present in the intestine and feces of mammals. This study aims to investigate the influence of Blautia producta to prevent lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) and elaborate on its hepatoprotective mechanisms. B. producta D4 and DSM2950 pretreatment decreased the activities of serum aspartate transferase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) in mice with LPS treatment significantly decreased the levels of inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and increased the activities of antioxidative superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Compared with the model group, B. producta D4 and B. producta DSM2950 pretreatment slightly increased the levels of cecal propionic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid (p > 0.05). Metagenomic analysis showed that B. producta D4 and DSM2950 pretreatment remarkably increased the relative abundance of [Eubacterium] xylanophilum group, Lachnospira, Ruminiclostridium, Ruminiclostridium 9, Coprococcus 2, Odoribacter, Roseburia, Alistipes, and Desulfovibrio in ALI mice, and their abundance is negatively related to the levels of inflammatory TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 as revealed by Spearman's correlation analysis. Moreover, transcription and immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that B. producta D4 and B. producta DSM2950 intervention remarkably suppressed the transcription and expression levels of hepatic Tlr4, MyD88, and caspase-3 (p < 0.05). These data indicated that B. producta may be a good candidate for probiotics in the prevention of ALI.

The Adaptive Characteristics of Cholesterol and Bile Acid Metabolism in Nile Tilapia Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Since high-fat diet (HFD) intake elevates liver cholesterol and enhanced cholesterol-bile acid flux alleviates its lipid deposition, we assumed that the promoted cholesterol-bile acid flux is an adaptive metabolism in fish when fed an HFD. The present study investigated the characteristic of cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after feeding an HFD (13% lipid level) for four and eight weeks. Visually healthy Nile tilapia fingerlings (average weight 3.50 ± 0.05 g) were randomly distributed into four treatments (4-week control diet or HFD and 8-week control diet or HFD). The liver lipid deposition and health statue, cholesterol/bile acid, and fatty acid metabolism were analyzed in fish after short-term and long-term HFD intake. The results showed that 4-week HFD feeding did not change serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transferase (AST) enzyme activities, along with comparable liver malondialdehyde (MDA) content. But higher serum ALT and AST enzyme activities and liver MDA content were observed in fish fed 8-week HFD. Intriguingly, remarkably accumulated total cholesterol (mainly cholesterol ester, CE) was observed in the liver of fish fed 4-week HFD, along with slightly elevated free fatty acids (FFAs) and comparable TG contents. Further molecular analysis in the liver showed that obvious accumulation of CE and total bile acids (TBAs) in fish fed 4-week HFD was mainly attributed to the enhancement of cholesterol synthesis, esterification, and bile acid synthesis. Furthermore, the increased protein expressions of acyl-CoA oxidase 1/2 (Acox1 and Acox2), which serve as peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) rate-limiting enzymes and play key roles in the transformation of cholesterol into bile acids, were found in fish after 4-week HFD intake. Notably, 8-week HFD intake remarkably elevated FFA content (about 1.7-fold increase), and unaltered TBAs were found in fish liver, accompanied by suppressed Acox2 protein level and cholesterol/bile acid synthesis. Therefore, the robust cholesterol-bile acid flux serves as an adaptive metabolism in Nile tilapia when fed a short-term HFD and is possibly via stimulating peroxisomal FAO. This finding enlightens our understanding on the adaptive characteristics of cholesterol metabolism in fish fed an HFD and provides a new possible treatment strategy against metabolic disease induced by HFD in aquatic animals.

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.

Utilization of Processed Kola Nut Husk Meal in Poultry Production: Effects on The Performance, Carcass, Biochemical Indicators, and Antioxidant Enzymes of Broiler Chickens

This study looked at the effects of processed kola nut husks meal (PKHM) utilization as a feed ingredient on broiler chicken in a 42-day feeding trial. Kola nut pod husks were processed into a PKHM using ash treatment and rumen liquor fermentation. Three experimental diets were developed at both the starter and finisher phases, with PKHM included at 0, 4, and 8%, and dubbed diets 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In a fully randomized design, 240 Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three treatments (10 birds per replicate). Except for the significantly improved (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio of broiler chickens fed diets 2 and 3 at the grower phase (22–42 days) and overall (0–42 days), the performance indices were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by PKHM dietary inclusion. Broiler chicken carcass characteristics and relative internal organ weights remained constant (P > 0.05) through diets. The serum glutathione concentration in broiler chickens fed an 8 percent PKHM inclusive diet increased significantly (P < 0.05) than those on the control diet and 4 percent PKHM inclusive diet. When broiler chickens fed an 8 percent PKHM inclusive diet were compared to those fed a control diet, the serum catalase concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.05). The total serum protein, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transferase, and cholesterol levels remained constant (P > 0.05) regardless of dietary treatment. Dietary PKHM inclusion of up to 8% enhanced improved feed efficiency and increased antioxidant enzyme concentration and did not affect the serum biochemical indices concentration.Graphical Abstract

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.

Biochemical Study of Some Parameters in Patients with B- Thalassemia in Karbala City

This study is intended to estimate some biochemical parameters in the adult men with ß- thalassemiamajor and compared with control group. Twenty Iraqi beta- thalassemia major (TM) patients are employedfrom thalassemia center in Karbala city at age of 15-25 years . The body mass index (BMI) of patients wascalculated by measuring weight and high of patients , and the concentration of platelets ,Total cholesterol(TC),Triglyceride(TG),Low density lipoprotein (LDL) ,high density lipoprotein(HDL), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate transferase (AST), Antidiuretic hormone (ADH),Growth hormone (GH),Triiodothyronine (T3) ,Thyroxin (T4), Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH),Testosterone hormone, Ureaand Creatinine were measured in thalassemic patients and compared with healthy control group. Theresults display that significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) in serum levels platelets, HDL, ADH, GH, TSH, T3, T4,Testosterone hormones and creatinine in patients with ß- thalassemia and showed significant rise (p&lt;0.05)in serum Tc, TG, LDL, ALT, AST and Urea levels in thalassemic group compared with healthy group .andthe results demonstration that significant lower in BMI in group of patients compared with control group.we can be concluded from the present study ,that iron overload state influence on some endocrine glandssecretions, liver and kidney functions.

The effects of dietary clinoptilolite and chitosan nanoparticles on growth, body composition, haemato-biochemical parameters, immune responses, and antioxidative status of Nile tilapia exposed to imidacloprid.

This study aimed at the evaluation of the mitigating effects of dietary zeolites (ZEO) and/or chitosan nanoparticle (ChNP) on imidacloprid (IMID)-induced toxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish (18.03 ± 0.01 g) were allocated into six groups; one fed on a basal diet (control) (CTR), and the other groups were fed diets supplemented with ChNPs (5 g kg-1) and/or ZEO (20 and 40 g kg-1) (ZEO20 and ZEO40) for 60 days. In the last 14 days of the experiment, all groups were exposed to a sub-lethal dose of IMID (½ of 96 h LC50 = 0.0545 μg L-1). Dietary ZEO20 significantly improved all growth parameters (P ˂ 0.05), while ChNPs had no significant effects. The crude protein of the fish body was significantly increased in all groups compared to the CTR (P ˂ 0.05). No significant impacts of ChNPs, ZEO, and their interaction (P > 0.05) were noticed on the moisture, dry matter, and ash percentages. Compared to the CTR, hematocrit values were significantly decreased (P ˂ 0.05) in ChNP and ZEO20 groups; meanwhile, their levels were significantly increased (P ˂ 0.05) in the ZEO40 group and all combined treatments. Fish fed diets with ChNPs and/or ZEO had significant increments in the MCV values (P ˂ 0.05). Moreover, fish fed diets supplemented with ChNPs or their combination with ZEO had the lowest glucose and alkaline phosphatase levels compared with the CTR. Serum aspartate transferase levels were significantly decreased in all treated groups (P ˂ 0.05) compared to the CTR. ChNPs alone or combined with ZEO significantly exhibited the highest lysozyme and nitro blue tetrazolium values (P ˂ 0.05). On the other hand, fish in the CTR group had the highest malondialdehyde and lowest nitric oxide levels compared to the other groups. Interestingly, the lowest IMID residues in fish fleshwere found in fish groups fed dietwith a combination of ZEO and ChNPs. Partial or complete protectionof the hepatic and splenic tissues were observed in fish group withcombined treatment with ChNPs and ZEO. In conclusion, the application of ZEO and/or ChNPs in Nile tilapia diets looks to be a leading approach to mitigate the toxic impacts of IMID.

Hepatic Injury in Neonates with Perinatal Asphyxia.

Background: Perinatal asphyxia (PA) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in which dramatic transient impairment in liver functions occurs in some patients. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the state of the liver in cases of Perinatal asphyxia and to assess the severity of hepatic impairment in relation to different grades of HIE. Patients and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 100 full-term newborns with perinatal asphyxia (Group I) and 50 healthy neonates served as controls (Group II). All biochemical parameters of liver function were measured on the 1st, 3rd, and 10th day after birth. These parameters include serum alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein, serum albumin, serum bilirubin (total and direct), and international normalized ratio (INR), in both cases and controls. Results: Among babies with PA, 25 (25%) had an Apgar score of 0 to 3 (severe PA), 43 (43%) had an Apgar score of 4 to 5 (moderate PA) and 32 (32%) had an Apgar score of 6 to 7 (mild PA) at 5 minutes of life. HIE was found in 39% among cases of PA and the remaining 61% were normal. Among babies with PA and HIE; 25.7% had stage I, 41% had stage II and 33.3% had stage III. Impaired liver function was reported in 48% of asphyxiated babies. On the first day of life, ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, PT, and INR were significantly higher in Group I compared to Group II. However, total protein and serum albumin were significantly lower in Group I compared to Group II. ALT and AST showed a positive correlation with the severity of HIE. On the third day of life, LDH rises as the stage of HIE progressed from stage 0 to stage 3. The difference in LDH among most stages of HIE was statistically significant. Conclusion: Liver enzymes can be used as an easy early diagnostic marker to differentiate between babies with asphyxia and those without asphyxia. Also, liver enzymes can be used for the detection of the severity of PA.

The Gamma-glutamyl Transpeptidase to Platelet Ratio (GPR) Predict Significant Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis in Chronic Egyptian HCV Patients

Background and aim: Non- invasive parameters of liver fibrosis are being widely incorporated and adopted in clinical practice, of them, 2 ratios APRI and FIB-4 were proposed and applied. The gamma-glutamyl transferase -to- platelet ratio (GPR) was developed and investigated as available test that is useful in predicting liver fibrosis stages in chronic HBV patients. We aimed to estimate the diagnostic performance of GPR compared to APRI in assessing different fibrosis stages estimated by ultrasound based Transient Elastography in chronic HCV Egyptian patients. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 90 treatment-naive chronic HCV patients. Fibrosis stages were assessed by Transient Elastography. Serum aspartate transferase, alanine transferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and platelets were estimated. APRI and GPR formulas were calculated. Results: GPR was significantly different with fibrosis stage (p value F3) from non-significant fibrosis (< F3) was significant with GPR AUC was 0.97 while APRI AUC was 0.86. GPR at cutoff point 0.31 has sensitivity 92 %, specificity 88%, PPV 86 % and NPV 91 %. While, APRI at cutoff 0.26 has sensitivity 81 % and specificity 78 %. Conclusion: The GPR represents a simple, non-invasive, inexpensive model for assessment of liver fibrosis. The GPR is a more accurate model than APRI to stage liver fibrosis in chronic HCV patients in Egypt.

Excess serum uric acid is associated with metabolic syndrome in obese adolescent patients

PurposeObesity is a significant cause of morbidity in adolescents. Excess serum uric acid (SUA) has been associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) among adults. We evaluated the relationship among SUA and markers of insulin resistance (IR) and low-grade inflammation in obese adolescents with and without MS.MethodsThe study was a retrospective chart review of obese patients seen in the LeBonheur Endocrine clinic seen in clinic between September 2016 and December 2017. MS was defined as according to the International Diabetes Federation. Body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body composition, fasting lipids, glucose, high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum uric acid (SUA), HbA1c, alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), insulin and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were extracted from the charts of the 100 obese adolescents (57% female).ResultsHyperuricemia (SUA >357 umol/L) was present in 41.8% of entire cohort without significant ethnic/racial and/or gender differences. Adolescents with HUA had higher FM, SBP, HbA1c, insulin and HOMA-IR (p < 0.05). While SUA was positively correlated with FM, SBP, HOMA-IR and HbA1c, and triglyceride:HDL-C ratio (TG:HDL-C) (p < 0.05). MS was identified in 32.8% of cohort. MS showed significantly higher FM, SBP, DBP, SUA, ALT, insulin, HOMA-IR, and TG:HDL-c ratio than non-MS subgroup (p < 0.05). FM was positively correlated with SUA, HOMA-IR and hsCRP (p < 0.01).ConclusionsIn our study, those with hyperuricemia (HUA) showed elevated markers of metabolic syndrome including BP, serum glucoses, IR and triglycerides. In our cohort, SUA appears to correlate with MS comorbidities.

TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF THE ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUG (NEVIRAPINE) ON MALE ALBINO RATS: A GENETIC &amp; HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY

ABSTRACT Nevirapine (NVP) is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used in the treatment of HIV infections. It has been reported that NVP has a toxic effect on the liver, kidney and male reproductive system. This study was designed to assess the NVP toxic effects on these tissues (liver, kidney and testis) and its possible genotoxic and mutagenic effects. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups (10 rats each): (A) negative control group, (B) positive control group received 1ml/ day of corn oil, (C) NVP1 treated group received 3.6mg (loading dose) of the drug for 2 weeks and (D) NVP2 treated group received the loading dose of the drug for 2 weeks then 7.2 mg (maintenance dose) for 2 weeks more. The results of present study revealed the followings: NVP did not alter the body weight gain or kidney weight, but it increased liver weight in (group C) and decreased testis weight in (group D). NVP caused a high significant increase of liver function tests (serum aspartate transferase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin), a high significant decrease in hormonal levels of testes (testosterone, FSH and LH) and no significant difference on kidney function tests (urea and creatinine). Histopathological changes in liver and testis in NVP-treated groups were observed as compared to control groups. Comet assay showed that NVP caused a highly significant damage in blood cells in a dose dependent fashion. This result suggests for the first time that this drug might induce genotoxicity in the whole blood. In conclusion, oral exposure of adult albino rats to NVP at a human therapeutic dose daily for 4 weeks leads to toxic effects on liver and damaging effect on male reproductive system in addition to the genotoxicity.

Effect of hesperetin on systemic inflammation and hepatic injury after blunt chest trauma in rats

ABSTRACTWe investigated the protective effect of hesperetin on hepatic damage after blunt chest trauma in rats using histological and biochemical methods. We used 18 adult male rats in three groups of six: control, chest trauma and chest trauma + hesperetin. Chest trauma was caused by dropping a metal cylinder onto the right hemithorax. Hesperetin, 100 mg/kg, was administered orally for 7 days. At the end of the seventh day, liver tissue samples were obtained. Serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β), alanine aminotransferase (AST), aspartate transferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme activities were measured in blood samples taken from the heart. The general structure of liver tissue was investigated using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Nuclear factor kappa beta (Nf-κβ) expression in liver tissue was determined by the indirect immunohistochemical method. Apoptosis was determined using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method. Decreased TNF-α, AST and ALT enzyme activity, fewer histopathological changes and lower Nf-kB expression were observed in the hesperetin treated group compared to the chest trauma group. We also found reduced hepatic apoptosis in the chest trauma + hesperetin group compared to the chest trauma group. Hesperetine inhibits liver damage by reducing proinflammatory cytokines and by suppressing Nf-κβ activity in a blunt chest trauma model in rats.

Diosmin protects against acrylamide-induced toxicity in rats: Roles of oxidative stress and inflammation

Acrylamide (ACR) is a toxic substance produced by oxidative stress. The recent study focused on stimulation of ACR through ROS intracellular production thereby playing a crucial aspect in the process of toxicity. This is positioned on a relevant research and study on the antioxidant characteristics of diosmin. This research was shown to examine the shielded effect of diosmin against ACR toxicity. Forty rats (male) were grouped in five categories. The control category was given normal saline followed by the second category which was given diosmin (100 mg/kg b.wt oral administered). The next category was given ACR (30 mg/kg b.wt orally) every day for 14 days. The fourth and fifth groups were supplemented by acrylamide (30 mg/kg b.wt) after diosmin given orally (at 50 or 100 mg/kg b.wt for 7days). Upon examination of the specimens over a period of the given time frame, it was found that acrylamide intoxication remarkably rising levels of serum (aspartate transferase, alanine transferase, ALP, urea, creatinine, interleukin 1 beta ,and interleukin 6. Besides, it increased the brain, hepatic and renal lipid peroxidation, at the same time, weakening the antioxidant biomarkers accumulation and activities. The introduction of diosmin also alleviated the serum aspartate transferase, alanine transferase, APL, urea, creatinine, as well as plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1-beta and interleukin-6. Further to this, both diosmin doses remarkably lowered the levels of MAD in the tissues and nitric oxide which further increased the glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, in contrast to the ACR-injected group. Based on these findings, administered diosmin standardized the modified serum framework, halted the peroxidation, and magnified the accumulation and working effects of the biomarker antioxidants in the brain, hepatic and renal tissues of the rats in the current dose-dependent research. Therefore, these findings show that diosmin has a protective reaction in defiance to the toxicity produced by acrylamide through the free radical scavengers along with potent antioxidant occurrences.

Influence of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone on Liver Enzymes Levels in Serum of Thyroid Disorder Iraqi Patients

Thyroid hormones are essential element in body growth and influence the formation of many enzymatic proteins. These hormones regulate and have a major role in controlling the metabolism of the entire body. They also play an important role in the normal hepatic function. Thyroid diseases are linked with liver enzymes levels irregularities, cholestatic jaundice resulted from low bilirubin level and bile excretion, hepatic lipid homeostasis, viral hepatitis, an increase in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transferase and alkaline phosphatase. Thyroid stimulating hormone and serum liver enzymes were analyzed using standard kits. Results showed that hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism patients had an elevation in the levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transferase and alanine aminotransferase when compared to controls. However, the values were higher in hyperthyroidism patients. This work aims to study the effect of thyroid stimulating hormone on the level of liver enzymes in a group of local Iraqi patients with thyroid disorder.

Haemogram and Serum Biochemical Values of Four Indigenous Species of Monkeys in South West Nigeria.

Haematological and serum biochemical values are useful guides and biomarkers in health and diseases for reaching a diagnosis, estimating disease prognosis and monitoring treatment progress, in mammals. Reference ranges for some parameters differ among species of mammals and between sexes within a species. There is dearth of information on standard reference value for blood parameters for Nigerian indigenous monkeys. Whole blood and serum samples obtained from 50 apparently healthy adult monkeys in both captivity and from the wild in southwest Nigeria were subjected to haematology and serum biochemistry to obtain preliminary reference values for haematological and serum biochemical analytes for Cercocebus sebaeus (Green monkey), Cercopithecus mona (Mona monkey), Erythrocebus patas (Patas monkey) and Papio anubis (Anubis baboon). Numerical data were summarized as mean and standard deviation and subjected to statistical analysis; Student t test and analysis of variance, to compare values of blood parameters obtained between species and gender. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. The hematocrit of male animals were significantly higher than that of females (P=0.01) in all the 4 species studied but there was no significant difference in other blood parameters such as total white blood cell and the differential counts, platelet count, serum aspartate transferase, alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, total plasma protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations between the sexes. Generally, there was no significant difference between total white blood cell and the differential counts, hematocrit, red cell count, haemoglobin concentration, platelet count, serum aspartate transferase, alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, total plasma protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations among the monkey species.