Serum Gamma-glutamyltransferase Activity Research Articles

Modulatory role of betulinic acid in N-nitrosodimethylamine-induced hepatorenal toxicity in male Wistar rats.

N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a toxicant found in foods and drinking water. Several synthetic agents used in alleviation of NDMA toxicity have been associated with serious side effects. Therefore, a safe and less toxic agent is desirable. In this study, betulinic acid (BA), a triterpenoid antioxidant, is proposed as a better and alternative agent to modulate NDMA-induced toxicity. Twenty-four Wistar rats were assigned into four groups of six rats each and treated with normal saline (control), BA (25 mg/kg), NDMA (5 mg/kg) and (BA + NDMA). BA was given by oral gavage for 14 consecutive days, while NDMA was administered intraperitoneally on days 7 and 12. Results showed that administration of NDMA significantly ( p < 0.05) elevated the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase by 51%, 48% and 81%, respectively. Also, NDMA intoxication significantly ( p < 0.05) increased the levels of serum urea and creatinine by 64% and 82%, respectively, and decreased urinary creatinine by 67%. In addition, administration of NDMA significantly ( p < 0.05) increased the levels of hepatic and renal DNA fragmentation by 44% and 61%, respectively, relative to control. The number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (mnPCEs) in NDMA-treated rats (11.1 ± 2.6 mnPCE/1000PCE) was significantly higher than control (4.3 ± 1.1 mnPCE/1000 PCE). Immunohistochemistry revealed strong expressions of Bcl-2 and nuclear p53 in NDMA-intoxicated rats. Interestingly, pretreatment with BA significantly ( p < 0.05) ameliorated NDMA-induced changes in serum biochemical indices, mnPCEs, DNA fragmentation and expressions of Bcl-2 and p53 proteins. These findings suggest that BA protects against NDMA-induced toxicity via anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic activities.

Transferência de imunidade passiva e proteinograma sérico em bezerros das raças Crioula Lageana variedade Mocha e Aberdeen Angus (Red Angus) nos primeiros seis meses de vida

Resumo: A raça Crioula Lageana apresenta-se como uma alternativa para a pecuária moderna, devido a sua grande variabilidade genética, rusticidade e adaptação às condições ambientais do Planalto Catarinense. Estas características podem influenciar importantes eventos fisiológicos, os quais deveriam ser investigados, pois podem auxiliar no desenvolvimento de futuros programas de melhoramento animal. Sabe-se que a falha da transferência de imunidade passiva (TIP) constitui um importante fator para a elevação dos índices de mortalidade neonatal na espécie bovina. Desta forma, torna-se indispensável à avaliação dos aspectos relacionados à TIP em bezerros da raça Crioula Lageana variedade mocha e a sua comparação com outras raças de corte criadas no Planalto Serrano Catarinense. Com o objetivo de avaliar e comparar a TIP e o proteinograma sérico foram selecionados dois grupos experimentais compostos por 11 bezerros da raça Crioula Lageana variedade mocha e 14 bezerros da raça Aberdeen Angus (Red Angus). Amostras de sangue foram colhidas por meio da venopunção jugular para a mensuração da proteína total sérica (PTS), eletroforese das proteínas séricas em gel de agarose, atividade da gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT) e concentração de imunoglobulinas G (IgG) por meio do método de turvação pelo sulfato de zinco nos períodos entre 24 e 36 horas, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 e 180 dias de vida. A análise estatística dos dados foi realizada por meio da análise de variância de medidas repetidas (ANOVA), teste de Tukey para a comparação entre médias (P&lt;0,05) e correlação entre as variáveis. Ao analisar os valores de PTS, globulinas, gamaglobulinas, IgG e atividade sérica de GGT ao nascimento (24 a 36 horas) pode se afirmar que houve adequada TIP não havendo diferença significativa entre as raças, exceto para a atividade sérica da GGT. Observaram-se variações fisiológicas na curva de proteínas séricas do nascimento até os 180 dias de idade. Forte correlação positiva foi observada entre os valores de gamaglobulina e IgG (r=0,814 para CL e r=0,877 para AA), PTS (r=0,783 para CL e r=0,947 para AA), globulinas (r=0,945 para CL e r=0,985 para AA), evidenciando que estas variáveis foram bons indicadores da TIP em bezerros ao segundo dia de vida (24-36 horas). A correlação entre gamaglobulinas e atividade da GGT foi fracamente positiva (r=0,251) para bovinos da raça Crioula Lageana variedade mocha e fortemente positiva (r=0,815) para a raça Aberdeen Angus (Red Angus), o qual foi admitido a grande variação nos valores da GGT após 24 horas de vida do bezerro. Não houve diferença na TIP entre as raças Crioula Lageana variedade mocha e Aberdeen Angus (Red Angus), ocorrendo de maneira bem-sucedida em ambas as raças. Pode-se sugerir que a raça Crioula Lageana variedade mocha seja mais tardia na síntese ativa de anticorpos, ressaltando a precocidade dos taurinos evidenciada na raça Aberdeen Angus (Red Angus).

Mutations in the nuclear bile acid receptor FXR cause progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis.

Neonatal cholestasis is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis. Mutations in several different genes can cause progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, but known genes cannot account for all familial cases. Here we report four individuals from two unrelated families with neonatal cholestasis and mutations in NR1H4, which encodes the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a bile acid-activated nuclear hormone receptor that regulates bile acid metabolism. Clinical features of severe, persistent NR1H4-related cholestasis include neonatal onset with rapid progression to end-stage liver disease, vitamin K-independent coagulopathy, low-to-normal serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity, elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein and undetectable liver bile salt export pump (ABCB11) expression. Our findings demonstrate a pivotal function for FXR in bile acid homeostasis and liver protection.

Passive Transfer of Immunity and Serum Proteinogram during the First 35 Days of Age in Nelore Calves Conceived Naturally or Through In Vitro Fertilization

Background: Some reports indicate that calves produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF) may have excessive birth weights, increasing the rates of dystocia. Prolonged labor can cause the birth of lethargic calves that slowly ingest colostrum; this may compromise the intestinal absorption of immunoglobulins. Although the number of beef calves produced by IVF is high in Brazil, there have been few physiological studies examining the neonatal period in such cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the passive transfer of immunity, and characterize the variation in serum protein concentrations, in Nelore calves up to 35 days of age, comparing naturally conceived calves with those conceived by IVF.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Forty healthy newborn Nelore calves were randomly selected and allocated into two groups (n = 20) according to their method of conception (natural versus IVF), and each group was composed of ten males and ten females. All calves were born and raised on the same farm, and kept with their mothers on extensive management condition. Blood samples were collected between 24 and 36 h after birth, and at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days of age. Total protein (TP) concentration in serum was measured by the biuret method, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) serum activity was measured by the kinetic method. Concentrations of serum albumin, as well as alpha 1-, alpha 2-, beta, and gamma globulins were measured by agarose gel electrophoresis. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration was estimated by the zinc sulfate turbidity test. The effects of sex, age, and conception method, on aforementioned serum parameters, were tested by repeated measures ANOVA. Sex of calves did not affect the studied variables (P &gt; 0.05) and there was no interaction between the age and the conception method (P &gt; 0.05). Naturally conceived calves presented higher TP and IgG concentrations (P &lt; 0.05), and lower concentrations of alpha 1- and alpha 2-globulins (P &lt; 0.05), than that of those conceived by IVF. Age exerted greater influence on the serum parameters in the two groups. Serum concentrations of TP (P &lt; 0.05), beta globulin (P &lt; 0.05), gamma globulin (P &lt; 0.001), IgG (P &lt; 0.01), and globulins (P &lt; 0.001), as well as serum activity of GGT (P &lt; 0.0001) were high at 24 to 36 h after birth, and decreased with age. Albumin concentration, however, increased (P &lt; 0.01) in the first weeks of life. The variation in alfa 2-globulin concentration was discrete (P &lt; 0.05), and the serum concentration of alfa 1-globulin did not change (P &gt; 0.05) with age. These patterns of variation related to age were observed in both groups with no apparent distinctions. Based on values obtained at 24 to 36 h after birth, it can be asserted that the passive transfer of immunity was successful in both groups, despite the differences in total protein and IgG concentrations.Discussion: The age-related variations in serum proteinogram components over the first 35 days of age may be considered physiological; and were consistent with previous studies in healthy Nelore calves. These were characterized by gradual decreases in TP, gamma globulins, IgG, and globulin concentrations, as well as GGT activity, and by increase in albumin concentration. The results do not corroborate the suspicion that calves conceived by IVF are more prone to failure of passive transfer. It can be concluded that Nelore newborn calves conceived through IVF, having standard weight at birth, do not have physiological differences related to serum protein concentrations when compared to calves conceived by natural methods.

“Ratio of AST/ALT and serum gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity in chronic alcoholics and acute viral hepatitis”

Background:. Liver enzymes AST, ALT, Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (γ-GT), ALP activity in serum is assayed in Controls, Chronic alcoholics and Acute viral hepatitis and controls. Analysis was done to find the comparative level of liver associated enzymes among chronic alcholics and viral hepatitis. Materials and Methods: Fifty-one chronic male alcoholics aged between 30-60 years, and thirty six patients with viral hepatitis who were admitted to the medicine ward, were the subjects. Forty Eight Age-matched, normal, healthy controls were also included in the study. GGT, ALT, AST and ALP were assayed in the clinical biochemistry laboratory using auto analyser by kit method Results: Chronic alcoholics (n=51) subjects shows increased in serum levels of GGT (185.42±58.32), ALT (83.43±32.48), AST (139.29±64.34), ALP (173.42±31.62), as compared to controls which was statistically significant. In Acute Viral hepatitis (n=36), all enzymes levels were statistically increased significant as compared to controls. But the levels of GGT (108.47±31.54) & ALT (293.43±54.62) were more significant in viral hepatitis as compared to controls and chronic alcoholics. Ratio of AST/ALT was significantly increased (1.66) as compared to controls (0.92). But the ratio of AST/ALT was more significantly decreased (0.49) in acute viral hepatitis as compared to chronic alcoholics Conclusion: Serum GGT and the ratio of AST/ALT increased much more in chronic alcoholics than viral hepatitis. In Viral hepatitis the GGT increased but not more than in chronic alcoholics, while level of ALT most significant in viral hepatitis.

Safety Evaluation of Aqueous Extract of Garcinia Kola Seeds in Male Wistar Rats

Background: Garcinia kola seed is consumed indiscriminately in Nigeria without recourse to its potential toxicity. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the toxicity of the aqueous extract of G. kola seeds on selected tissues of male rats. Methods: Thirty male rats (215.00 ± 18.58 g) were assigned into four groups: A, B, C and D which received 0.5 ml of distilled water, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively, once daily for 7 days. Biochemical indices of organ damage and toxicity were determined using standard methods. Results: The extract significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased the testes-body weight ratio, activities of testicular alkaline phosphatase (ALP), heart, testes and serum gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity, serum concentrations of uric acid, K+, creatinine and PO43-. The liver-body weight ratio, activities of kidney and serum ALP, liver, heart and serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (ALT and AST), serum and testicular acid phosphatase (ACP), concentrations of serum albumin, globulin, urea, Na+ , HCO3-, conjugated and total bilirubin were reduced. The heart- and kidney-body weight ratios and liver ALP were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) altered. Conclusion: The treatment related alterations in the present study indicates that the aqueous extract of G. kola seeds at the doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight caused functional toxicity to the organs of the animals and thus not safe as an oral remedy.

Hypolipidemic effects of soy yogurt fortified with antioxidant rich vegetable oil on albino mice fed high cholesterol diet

Soy yogurt containing specific antioxidants such as oryzanol by adding rice bran oil and specific lignans such as sesamin and sesamolin from sesame oil that exhibited lipid peroxidation was developed with the use of mixtures of yogurt starter culture and edible soy flour (meal) instead of using whole soy bean seed. The aim of this study was to investigate the cholesterol-lowering properties of rice bran oil and sesame oil containing soy yogurt. In order to examine the effects on hypercholesterolemia in Swiss albino male mice with administration of 1.25% cholesterol, soy yogurt (control) and rice bran oil-sesame oil incorporated soy yogurt with doses of 3.0 and 2.5 g kg-1 body weight was given orally daily for 8 weeks respectively. Changes in the content of functional components (antioxidants, lipid profile and proximate composition) and microbiological characteristics (microbial cell counts) of soy yogurt (control) and rice bran oil-sesame oil incorporated soy yogurt were also examined. In hypercholesterolemia, mice fed with rice bran oil-sesame oil incorporated soy yogurt showed a favourable effect in reducing blood cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-c cholesterol, caused a significant decrease in lowering the atherogenic index when compared with regular chow diet only. In hypercholesterolemia, consumption of bio-fortified soy yogurt significantly improved the HDL-c in serum, super oxide dismutase and catalase level in liver homogenate and significantly declined the serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase activities. Treatment with rice bran oil-sesame oil incorporated soy yogurt with yogurt starter culture ameliorates lipid peroxidation in liver. The results indicated that the addition of oil(s) improved physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of soy yogurt and enabled a novel technological approach for making antioxidants and lignans fortified soy yogurt which had anti-atherogenic, hypolipidemic and improved liver function effects.

Relationship between Serum Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT) Activity and Indices of Iron Metabolism with Bone-Mineral Parameters in Orthogeriatric Patients

Purpose: To examine serum levels of GGT activity and biomarkers of iron metabolism in relation to parameters of bone and mineral metabolism in elderly patients with and without osteoporotic bone fractures in the absence of overt liver diseases. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 416 older (>60 years) patients (168 subjects with hip fracture, 89 with other fractures of the peripheral skeleton and 160 without any fracture; mean age 78.9 ± 8.7 years; 282 women) we simultaneously measured serum levels of two bone formation markers (osteocalcin, OC; procollagen type 1 Nterminal propeptide, P1NP), bone resorption marker (β- isomerised carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen, βCTX), their ratios (PINP/OC, PINP/βCTX, OC/βCTX), 25(OH) vitamin D, PTH, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, GGT activity, other liver function tests and indices of iron metabolism (serum ferritin, iron, transferrin and transferrin saturation [TSAT]). Results: Multivariate regression analyses demonstrated significant bidirectional links between P1NP and GGT, P1NP/OC ratio and GGT, P1NP and TSAT, OC and ferritin, GGT and ferritin. GGT, ferritin and TSAT were independent indicators of βCTX, while ferritin and TSAT were also independent predictors of the P1NP/OC ratio, and TSAT was an independent predictor of the P1NP/βCTX ratio. In multivariate regression, P1NP, βCTX, P1NP/βCTX ratio, ferritin, magnesium and age were independent indicators of fracture. Conclusions: The study highlighted the bidirectional links between serum GGT activity, indices of iron and bone metabolism and the role of GGT and iron homeostasis in maintaining bone health and identified indicators for osteoporotic fractures. The GGT- and iron-related factors contributing to bone integrity warrant further investigations.

Biochemical markers to the protective effects of Fructus Piperis Longi extract on Hepatic encephalopathy in rats

The present study was designed to elucidate the protective effect of subsequent pretreatment withFructus Piperis Longi extract in liver and brain tissue of experimental rats exposed to Hepaticencephalopathy induced by intraperitoneal administration of TAA. Plf extract (50 mg/kg) was force-fedto rats every day, 7 days before administration of Thioacetamide. Thioacetamide 200 mg/kg wasintraperitoneally administered to rats twice per week for four weeks. Administration of Plfext wasextended during Thioacetamide. After 4 weeks, animals were sacrificed. Biochemical parameters inserum and homogenized liver and brain were tested. A significant increase in serum transglutaminase,alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase activity and plasma ammonia, a significantdecrease in serum albumin and total protein was recorded in the liver of Thioacetamide-treated rats.Significant increases in liver and brain lipid peroxides associated to significant decreases of liver andbrain reduced glutathione concentration and catalase activities were also recorded. Administration ofPlfext treatment reduced the severity of liver fibrosis and oxidative damage which was substantiated byimprovement of liver function detected by a decrease in serum aspartate amino transaminase, alanineaminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase activities and increase in totalprotein and Albumin. It was concluded that treatment of the ethanolic extract of Fructus Piperis Longienhance Liver and brain parameter and enhanced antioxidant activities of liver and brain.

ABCB4 mutations in adult patients with cholestatic liver disease: impact and phenotypic expression.

The ABCB4 gene encodes the MDR3 protein. Mutations of this gene cause progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3) in children, but their clinical relevance in adults remains ill defined. The study of a well-characterized adult patient series may contribute to refining the genetic data regarding cholangiopathies of unknown origin. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of ABCB4 mutations on clinical expression of cholestasis in adult patients. We consecutively evaluated 2602 subjects with hepatobiliary disease. Biochemical evidence of a chronic cholestatic profile (CCP) with elevated serum gamma-glutamyltransferase activity or diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and juvenile cholelithiasis (JC) were inclusion criteria. The personal/family history of additional cholestatic liver disease (PFH-CLD), which includes ICP, JC, or hormone-induced cholestasis, was investigated. Mutation screening of ABCB4 was carried out in 90 patients with idiopathic chronic cholestasis (ICC), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), ICP, and JC. Eighty patients had CCP. PSC and ICC patients with PFH-CLD had earlier onset of disease than those without it (p = 0.003 and p = 0.023, respectively). The mutation frequency ranged from 50% (ICP, JC) to 17.6% (PBC). Among CCP patients, presence or absence of PFH-CLD was associated with ABCB4 mutations in 26.8 vs 5.1% (p = 0.013), respectively; in the subset of ICC and PSC patients, the corresponding figures were 44.4 vs 0% (p = 0.012) and 28.6 vs 8.7% (p = 0.173). Cholangiopathies attributable to highly penetrant ABCB4 mutant alleles are identifiable in a substantial proportion of adults that generally have PFH-CLD. In PSC and ICC phenotypes, patients with MDR3 deficiency have early onset of disease.

Trends and physiology of common serum biochemistries in children aged 0–18 years

The aim of this study was to visually present and discuss in detail the physiological trends of 22 serum biochemistries in children aged 0-18.A data-mining, LMS (lambda, mu, and sigma) approach was employed to derive the smoothed continuous serum biochemistry centile charts, after application of stringent outlier exclusion criteria.Serum sodium and calculated osmolality are low in early life and rise with age due to maturing kidney and body water redistribution. Urea, creatinine and uric acid is high at birth, declines to reach a trough by 1 month of age and gradually rises again thereafter. Serum bicarbonate falls initially during the neonatal and toddler period, then rises with declining respiratory rate, further increasing sodium and suppressing chloride. Potassium, calcium and phosphate are required for somatic growth and are actively accrued during periods of rapid growth. Albumin increases until puberty while globulin rises to age 10 as a result of increased hepatic synthetic capacity and maturing immunity. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity peaks during bone growth spurts in infancy and adolescence due to osteoblast leakage, while creatinine increases with muscle mass. Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities are high at birth and decline with age. Serum alanine aminotransferase activity is low at birth and is induced by increased gluconeogenesis. Serum bilirubin increases continuously with age, mirroring haemoglobin concentration. Serum total cholesterol declines more markedly in boys than girls during puberty due to the combined effects of free testosterone (lowering high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in boys) and oestradiol (lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in boys and girls).It is important to understand trends and biological variation when interpreting results since partitioned reference intervals may mask this information.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase is associated with sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in community-dwelling older adults: results from the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2010-2011.

Although elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity (GGT) has been linked with metabolic risk factors for sarcopenia, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, adiposity, and insulin resistance, whether GGT independently associated with sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity has not yet been investigated. We analyzed cross-sectional data of 3,193 community-dwelling adults (42.2% men, age 63.4 ± 8.7) aged ≥50 years from the Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2010-2011. Sarcopenia was defined as a calculated value of the appendicular skeletal muscle mass divided by body weight (ASM/Wt, %) <1 standard deviation below the sex-specific mean for healthy young adults. Sarcopenic obesity was defined as sarcopenia combined with a waist circumference ≥90 cm for men and ≥85 cm for women. The prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity increased stepwise from the lowest to highest GGT quintiles (sarcopenia, 20.2-39.7%; sarcopenic obesity, 7.5-27.3%; P for trend, <0.001). Serum GGT activity was associated negatively with ASM and positively with waist circumference. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, participants in the highest GGT quintile had a 2.3-fold increased risk of sarcopenia and 3.4-fold risk of sarcopenic obesity versus those in the lowest quintile, whereas each single-unit increase in natural log-GGT associated independently with a 35% increased risk of sarcopenia and 62% increased risk of sarcopenic obesity after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and other confounders. Elevated serum GGT activity was independently associated with sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in community-dwelling older adults.

Nitrate-induced Biochemical and Histopathological Changes in the Liver of Rats: Ameliorative Effect of Hyparrhenia hirta

ObjectiveThe present study investigated the protective role of Hyparrhenia hirta (H. hirta) against sodium nitrate (NaNO3)-induced hepatoxicity. MethodsMale Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: a control group and two treated groups during 50 d with NaNO3 administered either alone in drinking water or co-administered with H. hirta. ResultsNaNO3 treatment induced a significant increase in serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride while serum total protein level decreased significantly. Transaminases and lactate deshydrogenase activities in serum were elevated indicating hepatic cells' damage after treatment with NaNO3. The hyperbilirubinemia and the increased serum gamma glutamyl transferase activities suggested the presence of cholestasis in NaNO3 exposed rats. In parallel, a significant increase in malondialdehyde level along with a concomitant decrease in total glutathione content and superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were observed in the liver after NaNO3 treatment. Furthermore, nitrate caused a significant induction of DNA fragmentation. These modifications in NaNO3-treated rats corresponded histologically with hepatocellular necrosis and mononuclear cells infiltration. H. hirta supplementation showed a remarkable amelioration of the abnormalities cited above. ConclusionThe results concluded that the treatment with H. hirta had a significant role in protecting the animals from nitrate-induced liver dysfunction.

B-Gamma-glutamyltransferase activity in human vulnerable carotid plaques

Objective: The atherosclerotic plaque that is vulnerable to rupture and to superimposed thrombosis is mainly represented by a thin-cap fibroatheroma with or without ulceration/thrombosis and inflammatory infiltrates. Total serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity is an independent predictor for cardiovascular events. Four GGT fractions have been identified in plasma and only one of them (b-GGT) in atherosclerotic plaques, but the possible role of GGT in plaque pathophysiology has not been assessed yet. We investigated the relationships between plaque b-GGT activity and the histological features of plaque vulnerability. Methods and results: Plaque GGT activity was investigated in 65 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy; plaques were histologically characterized and immunostained for GGT. Intra-plaque total and fractional GGT activity was determined by a cost-effective test of molecular size exclusion chromatography, and compared with histological markers of plaque vulnerability. Plaque cholesterol content was also measured by chromatography. b-GGT was the only fraction detected within the atherosclerotic plaques and intra-plaque b-GGT activity correlated to plaque cholesterol content (r = 0.667, P < 0.0001), plasma b-GGT and f-GGT fractions (r = 0.249; r = 0.298, both P < 0.05). Higher b-GGT activity was found in thin-cap fibroatheromas and it was associated to histological markers of vulnerable plaques, i.e., larger necrotic areas, greater macrophage infiltration and higher cholesterol content (P < 0.05). Conclusions: intra-plaque b-GGT activity correlates with the histological markers of vulnerable plaque and with plasma b-GGT in human carotid atherosclerosis; these data support the possible role of b-GGT in clinically significant atherosclerotic disease.

Hair mercury association with selenium, serum lipid spectrum, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity in adults.

The primary objective of the research is to estimate the dependence between hair mercury content, hair selenium, mercury-to-selenium ratio, serum lipid spectrum, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity in 63 adults (40 men and 23 women). Serum triglyceride (TG) concentration in the high-mercury group significantly exceeded the values obtained for low- and medium-mercury groups by 72 and 42%, respectively. Serum GGT activity in the examinees from high-Hg group significantly exceeded the values of the first and the second groups by 75 and 28%, respectively. Statistical analysis of the male sample revealed similar dependences. Surprisingly, no significant changes in the parameters analyzed were detected in the female sample. In all analyzed samples, hair mercury was not associated with hair selenium concentrations. Significant correlation between hair mercury content and serum TG concentration (r = 0.531) and GGT activity (r = 0.524) in the general sample of the examinees was detected. The respective correlations were observed in the male sample. Hair mercury-to-selenium ratios significantly correlated with body weight (r = 0.310), body mass index (r = 0.250), serum TG (r = 0.389), atherogenic index (r = 0.257), and GGT activity (r = 0.393). The same correlations were observed in the male sample. Hg/Se ratio in women did not correlate with the analyzed parameters. Generally, the results of the current study show the following: (1) hair mercury is associated with serum TG concentration and GGT activity in men, (2) hair selenium content is not related to hair mercury concentration, and (3) mercury-to-selenium ratio correlates with lipid spectrum parameters and GGT activity.

Copper toxicity in a New Zealand dairy herd

Chronic copper toxicity was diagnosed in a Jersey herd in the Waikato region of New Zealand following an investigation into the deaths of six cattle from a herd of 250 dry cows. Clinical signs and post-mortem examination results were consistent with a hepatopathy, and high concentrations of copper in liver and blood samples of clinically affected animals confirmed copper toxicity. Liver copper concentrations and serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activities were both raised in a group of healthy animals sampled at random from the affected herd, indicating an ongoing risk to the remaining cattle; these animals all had serum copper concentrations within normal limits. Serum samples and liver biopsies were also collected and assayed for copper from animals within two other dairy herds on the same farm; combined results from all three herds showed poor correlation between serum and liver copper concentrations.To reduce liver copper concentrations the affected herd was drenched with 0.5 g ammonium molybdate and 1 g sodium sulphate per cow for five days, and the herd was given no supplementary feed or mineral supplements. Liver biopsies were repeated 44 days after the initial biopsies (approximately 1 month after the end of the drenching program); these showed a significant 37.3% decrease in liver copper concentrations (P <0.02). Also there were no further deaths after the start of the drenching program. Since there was no control group it is impossible to quantify the effect of the drenching program in this case, and dietary changes were also made that would have depleted liver copper stores.Historical analysis of the diet was difficult due to poor record keeping, but multiple sources of copper contributed to a long term copper over supplementation of the herd; the biggest source of copper was a mineral supplement. The farmer perceived this herd to have problems with copper deficiency prior to the diagnosis of copper toxicity, so this case demonstrates the importance of monitoring herd copper status regularly. Also the poor correlation between liver and serum copper concentrations in the three herds sampled demonstrates the importance of using liver copper concentration to assess herd copper status.

Gamma glutamyl transferase activity is Independently associated with oxidative stress rather than SYNTAX score

Background. Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) is involved in the pathophysiologic process of coronary atherosclerosis. GGT activity plays a role in the catabolism of glutathione which is known as one of the major antioxidants. However, there is a lack of research on direct examination of relevance between serum GGT activity with systemic oxidative stress. Objectives. We aimed to investigate the relationship between GGT activity with systemic oxidative stress markers and the extent and complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD) assessed with SYNTAX score in stable CAD. Methods. Measurements were obtained from 359 patients with stable CAD (Mean age = 57.7 ± 10.1 years). The patients were divided into two groups according to the median GGT level (GGT < median group < 22 and GGT > median group ≥ 22). Angiography was performed and SYNTAX score was calculated in all patients. Oxidative stress markers (total oxidant status [TOS], total antioxidant capacity [TAC] and oxidative stress index [OSI]) were measured in all patients. Results. While SYNTAX score and oxidative stress markers such as TOS and OSI have been increased, TAC was decreased in GGT > median group compared with GGT < median group (p < 0.05, for all). GGT activity was independently associated with diabetes (β = 0.106, p = 0.015) and OSI (β = 0.556, p < 0.001) in multiple linear regression analysis. However, the independent association between GGT activity and SYNTAX score was not found in present study (β = 0.063, p = 0.238). Conclusion. In stable CAD, increased GGT activity within the normal range is associated with increased oxidative stress rather than increased extent and complexity of CAD.

Ameliorative effect of pumpkin oil (Cucurbita pepo L.) against alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in albino rats

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective role of pumpkin oil on experimental alcohol – induced hepatotoxicity. Materials and methodsRats are divided into three groups of 10 animals each. Group one (G1) was the control group is orally given distilled water for 4 weeks. Group two (G2) is given absolute ethyl alcohol (10%) in drinking water for 4 weeks. Group three (G3) alcohol– administered rats were pretreated with pumpkin oil (50 mg/kg body weight) three times per week for three weeks and alcohol (10%) three times per week (at the first two weeks of the experiment). ResultsAlcohol caused a marked rise in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl transferase (γGT) activities. Concerning oxidative stress and antioxidant defense system, the depleted hepatic glutathione content, glutathione-S-transferase and catalase activities of alcohol-administered rats were potentially increased above normal levels as a result of pretreatment with pumpkin oil. However, while elevated lipid peroxidation was noticed in alcohol treated rats, pretreatment with pumpkin oil produced a detectable decrease in lipid peroxidation level. ConclusionThe natural plant components found in pumpkin could improve the liver against alcohol-induced liver toxicity and oxidative stress. However, further clinical studies are required to assess the safety and benefits of pumpkin oil in human beings.

Morning blood pressure surge is associated with serum gamma-glutamyltransferase activity in essential hypertensive patients.

The phenomenon that blood pressure rises sharply in the morning is called 'Morning Blood Pressure Surge' (MBPS). Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is a proinflammatory marker involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Although both are novel cardiovascular risk factors associated with inflammation and atherosclerosis, the specific relationship between MBPS and serum GGT is unknown. This study investigates the relationship between MBPS and serum GGT activity in essential hypertensive patients. Totally, 320 hypertensive patients were recruited. Mean MBPS was 17.0 ± 12.9 mm Hg. MBPS was positively correlated with age (r = +0.222, P < 0.0001), body mass index (r = +0.132, P = 0.018), GGT (r = +0.271, P < 0.0001), daytime augmentation index adjusted for heart rate (AIx@75) (r = +0.140, P=0.014), 24-h pulse wave velocity (PWV) (r = +0.143, P = 0.014) and daytime PWV (r = +0.158, P = 0.007). From the 25th to 75th quartile of serum GGT, MBPS increased significantly (Ptrend < 0.0001). In multivariate linear regression analysis, MBPS was independently associated with age (P = 0.002), dipping status (P < 0.0001) and logGGT (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, MBPS is independently associated serum GGT activity in essential hypertensive patients. This is the first study in the literature to demonstrate an independent and a dose-response relationship between the two novel cardiovascular risk factors, MBPS and serum GGT, in this patient population.

Serum Gamma-glutamyltransferase Levels Predict the Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) may be more predictive of future coronary heart disease events than a baseline CAC score. We determined whether serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity can independently predict the progression of CAC in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients (n = 326) without symptomatic cardiovascular (CV) disease were evaluated by CAC imaging. The CAC scores were assessed at baseline and after 20 ± 4 months. Serum GGT activities were significantly higher in progressors compared with nonprogressors (39 ± 16 vs. 27 ± 11 U/L, P < .001). Multivariable analyses demonstrated that GGT activity retained a strong association with CAC progression after adjustment for CV risk factors. Additionally, there was a graded association between GGT activity quartile and annualized CAC progression. In asymptomatic patients with T2DM, we prospectively found that serum GGT activity may be an independent predictor of CAC progression but not a predictor of CAC incidence.