Aspartate Aminotransferase Research Articles

Effect of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) Extract Intake on Normalizing Testosterone Concentration in Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome Rat Model Through Regulation of 17β-HSD, 5α-Reductase, and CYP19A1 Expression

Background/Objectives. Men experience Leydig cell and mitochondrial dysfunction due to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species during aging, leading to hormonal imbalances in the body. This results in symptoms of testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) as testosterone levels decline. Consequently, there is a growing need for alternative therapies, such as phytotherapy, to regulate testosterone secretion. Methods. In this study, we evaluated the potential of elderberry extract powder (KSB191) as a functional ingredient for improving TDS by analyzing its mechanism in regulating testosterone imbalance. The major compounds of KSB191 were rutin and fructose–leucine, and the efficacy of KSB191 was confirmed by observing increases in total testosterone, free testosterone, and sperm motility in an aged rat model with decreased testosterone levels. Additionally, we assessed safety by analyzing levels of prostate-specific antigen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatinine. Results. To confirm the effectiveness of KSB191 in increasing testosterone synthesis and inhibiting its breakdown, we analyzed the expression levels of genes related to testosterone synthesis and degradation in the testis tissue. KSB191 not only increases the expression levels of enzymes (3β-HSD, CYP17A1, and 17β-HSD) that catalyze testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells, but also reduces the expression of enzymes (5α-reductase and CYP19A1) that degrade testosterone, thereby enhancing testosterone production in the body. Conclusions. KSB191 is predicted to be a novel functional ingredient that acts on Leydig cells and increases testosterone synthesis (particularly, the increase in free testosterone), ultimately alleviating the symptoms of TDS.

Oral Toxicity of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles, MgO NPs on Liver in Male Rats

Nanotechnology is an emerging technology that has led to the nanomedicine development, which involves nanoparticles that exist in the natural world. Nanoparticle is an ultrafine unit with dimensions measured in nanometers. They are created as a result of human activities, and have recently been used in various biomedical applications, consumer products, and commercially, etc. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs), among the known metal oxides, have attracted a vast scientific interest. Therefore, human health can be at risk of continuous exposure. However, the toxic effects of MgO NPs should be assessed with their increased applications. The present study aimed to investigate the physiological and histological, alterations induced by the MgO nanoparticles in hepatocytes of male rats through oral route with (250, and 1000) mg/kg for (14, 28, and 56) days. Fifty-four male mature rats, (2.5 - 3 months old) were divided randomly into nine groups of six rats each, gavaged with MgO NPs (which were purchased from US Research Nanomaterials, Inc). The results obtained revealed highly significant increase (p<0.01) in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin. The histopathological examinations showed sinusoidal dilatation, atrophy of hepatocytes, depletion of glycoprotein, focal area of necrosis, inflammatory cells infiltration and apoptosis. MgO NPs demonstrated potential harm to liver tissue, and human health.

Growth, fat metabolism and hepatic health in largemouth bass fed varying fat-level diets

This 60-day experiment investigated the influences of growth, fat metabolism and hepatic health of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fed varying fat diets. 225 fish (34 ± 0.04 g) were divided into three groups and fed diets with fat levels of 10 % (Low-fat diet, LFD), 14 % (Medium-fat diet, MFD) and 18 % (High-fat diet, HFD), respectively. The results revealed that fish fed HFD exhibited significantly better protein efficiency ratio (PER) and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) than LFD group (P<0.05), but survival rate (SR) and weight gain rate (WGR) were unaffected (P>0.05). Dietary fat levels significantly decreased hepatosomatic index (HSI) of fish (P<0.05), but visceral somatic index (VSI) and condition factor (CF) were unaffected (P>0.05). The contents of fat and ash in whole-body, and hepatic fat contents were increased with dietary fat levels (P<0.05), the contents of moisture and crude protein in whole-body and liver exhibited no substantial variations (P>0.05). Serum biochemical indexes and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, liver glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activities were increased significantly with rising dietary fat levels (P<0.05), serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities had no statistical differences (P>0.05). The expression of srebp-1 and acc in liver were down-regulated, but atgl, aco and bax were up-regulated with rising dietary fat contents (P<0.05). Caspase-3 exhibited a remarkable tendency of initially rising and then declining (P<0.05), the expression of fas, cpt-I, bcl-2 and the ratio of bcl-2/bax were unaffected (P>0.05). The histology of liver indicated the size and quantity of fat droplets increased with increment of dietary fat intake. Conclusion: the dietary fat levels of 14 %-18 % could be conducive to better growth of largemouth bass in this study.

Potential of dehydroepiandrosterone and quercetin to ameliorate copper oxide nanoparticles induced hepatotoxicity in albino wistar rats.

The current investigation was designed as an experimental endeavor to explore the protective efficacy of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and quercetin against hepatotoxicity induced by copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles. Rats were subjected to CuO nanoparticle intoxication through intraperitoneal injection of 150mg/kg b.w. for three weeks, followed by the administration of the aforementioned antioxidants for an additional three weeks. This study systematically tracked alterations in liver enzymatic activity, antioxidant levels, apoptotic markers, and histopathological changes using the comet assay. CuO nanoparticle-intoxicated rats exhibited a significant increase in serum alanine transaminase aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin levels, coupled with a noteworthy reduction in serum albumin. Moreover, there was a marked rise in serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, concomitant with a significant decline in serum hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Caspase-3 and Bax mRNA levels in the serum showed a substantial increase, while serum Bcl-2 mRNA levels witnessed a significant decrease. Liver tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NOx) experienced a significant elevation, and DNA damage was observed through the comet assay. Histopathological examination of the liver tissue substantiated these aforementioned findings. Administration of the antioxidants DHEA or quercetin, either individually or in combination, mitigated the parameters of hepatotoxicity to varying extents. In summary, the hepatic genotoxicity induced by CuO nanoparticles demonstrated improvement following the administration of either DHEA or quercetin. Additionally, their combined administration exhibited a more potent protective potential.

Exploring Disease Manifestations and Influencing Factors in Acute and Chronic Hepatitis B

Scope and Aims: The investigation of disease manifestations and influencing factors in both acute hepatitis B (AHB) and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains limited, with varying results. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing AHB and CHB and their disease manifestations within a Ghanaian population, with the goal of developing a control strategy. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 569 admitted hepatitis B cases. Demographic data and disease manifestations were compared between AHB and CHB patients. Logistic regression and correlation analyses were employed to identify the factors influencing the progression of the disease. Results: Significant differences were observed between AHB and CHB patients in terms of median age and hospitalization duration. Variations in age, gender, education level, and occupational distributions were statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05) between the two groups. Symptoms such as fever, nausea, polydipsia, palpitation, anicteric presentation, anorexia, and itching were less common in CHB patients (P &lt; 0.05), while abdominal pain, jaundice, and enlarged liver were more frequent (P &lt; 0.05). CHB patients exhibited significantly higher levels of aspartate aminotransferase, viral load, bilirubin, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, HBeAg, albumin, abdominal ultrasound findings, and globin (P &lt; 0.05), while HBsAg and liver function test levels were significantly lower (P &lt; 0.05) in CHB patients compared to AHB patients. Logistic regression identified age, gender, occupation, education level, and hospitalization duration as significant influencing factors. Conclusion: Males and the adult population represented a higher proportion of CHB patients, with a significant association between CHB and elevated clinical and laboratory characteristics. Age, gender, occupation, education level, and hospitalization duration were established as key influencing factors in the progression of hepatitis B.

Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Metabolic Parameters in Healthy Holstein Dairy Cows and Cows With Left Displacement Abomasum During the Transitional Period.

During the transitional period, dairy cows experience oxidative stress and are more susceptible to diseases, including left displacement of the abomasum (LDA). This study aimed to compare oxidative stress biomarker levels in cows with LDA to those in healthy conditions and investigate the associations between predictive metabolites linked to LDA and oxidative stress biomarkers. In this case-control study, 400 healthy multiparous Holstein cows were matched for lactation number, milk production and calving date. Blood samples were collected at four time points: 21 and 7 days before, as well as 7 and 21 days after parturition from all animals. During the observation period, seven cows diagnosed with LDA in the main population, and seven healthy cows were randomly selected as controls for the comparison of oxidative stress, liver enzymes and metabolic parameters. Analysis of blood parameters utilized repeated measures ANOVA, and the degree of relationship between oxidative stress biomarkers and other measured parameters was assessed using Pearson correlations. The LDA group exhibited significantly higher levels of urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), gamma-glutamyl transferase, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride (TAG), β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), sorbitol dehydrogenase, serum amyloid A (SAA), chloride, sodium, potassium, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the control cows (p<0.05). Positive correlations were observed among BUN, glucose, TB, AST, SAA, BHBA, TAG and MDA. Conversely, these parameters displayed negative correlations with TAC. Negative correlations were found among chloride, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and MDA, whereas positive correlations were observed with TAC. These findings highlight the elevated level of oxidative stress and compromised antioxidant defence in cows with LDA and the intricate interplay among oxidative stress, metabolic parameters and liver enzymes.

Impact of Dried Thyme Leaf Meal on Production Performance, Egg Quality and Blood Parameters of Laying Hens.

The use of commercially extracted phytogenic compounds to maintain poultry health and productivity in the absence of in-feed antibiotics is prohibitively costly in developing countries. The goal of the study is to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with Thymus schimperi leaf meal (TLM) on production performance, egg quality and haemato-biochemical parameters of Bovan brown layers. A total of 96 laying hens at 25 weeks of age were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 6 replications each. The treatments include the control (standard commercial laying diet), TLM1.5 (control+1.5% TLM), TLM2.5 (control+2.5% TLM) and TLM3.5 (control+3.5% TLM). Egg production, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were recorded for each replicate. Two eggs per replication were used to measure internal and external egg quality traits on a monthly basis. At the end of the trial, blood samples were collected from 2 birds/replicate for the determination of albumin, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, luteinizing hormone, prolactin and progesterone. All blood parameters were within the normal ranges of the breed. Egg production, feed conversion ratio, internal egg quality traits and external egg quality traits of hens fed diets containing 2.5% TLM were significantly higher than the control. Furthermore, diets containing 2.5% TLM led to a significantly reduced feed conversion ratio compared to all other dietary treatments. In conclusion, 2.5% TML is recommended to improve egg production and egg quality without adverse effect on hen health.

Medicinal potential of adventitious root cultures of Hypericum perforatum: study on antioxidant stress and anti-melanogenic properties.

Adventitious root (AR) culture is an effective method for the production of Hypericum perforatum raw materials. However, the ARs are seldom utilized in practical applications. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of H. perforatum ARs on antioxidative stress and anti-melanogenesis, aiming for future applications in the development of related products. In the antioxidative stress experiment, tert-butyl hydroperoxide-stimulated HepG2 cells were pre-treated with 12.5-50 μg mL-1 of AR ethanolic extract (HpE), which significantly increased (P < 0.05) cell viability and reduced reactive oxygen species levels. In alcohol-stimulated mice, pre-treatment with HpE (2.5-10 mg kg-1) enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, ethanol dehydrogenase, and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, while reducing the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and triglycerides. In the anti-melanogenesis experiment, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-stimulated B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells were pre-treated with 25-100 μg mL-1 of HpE, resulting in increased tyrosinase activity and melanin content, along with a decrease in the expression levels of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase-related proteins, and tyrosinase. HpE efficiently protects HepG2 cells from oxidative stress and safeguards the liver in mice by mitigating oxidative damage. Additionally, HpE inhibits melanin synthesis in B16-F10 cells by suppressing tyrosinase activity. These findings suggest that H. perforatum ARs hold potential for use in the development of healthy foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products aimed at antioxidative stress and anti-melanogenesis. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of caffeic acid and Bacillus coagulans supplementation on growth, digestive enzymes, immune response, and antioxidant gene expression in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and its resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila infection

Present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of dietary supplementation with caffeic acid and Bacillus coagulans on growth performance, digestive enzymes, and immunity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and also fish resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila. Fish (21.0 ± 0.5 g) divided into four groups: control group (CD, commercial basal diet), caffeic acid (CA, 5 g/kg feed), B. coagulans (BC, 2×107 CFU/g feed), and CA+BC (5 g/kg + 2×107 CFU/g feed) for 8 weeks, followed by a 14-day challenge with A. hydrophila. A significant enhancement was obtained in growth performance of all treated groups compared to CD (P < 0.05). Also, feed conversion ratio was significantly reduced in treated fish compared to CD group (P < 0.05). Fish of BC and CA+BC groups revealed an increase in activity of amylase, lipase, protease, trypsin, and chymotrypsin in the intestinal tissue. In addition, amylase, lipase, protease, and trypsin in CA group exhibited a higher activity than CD (P < 0.05). A lower decrease in aspartate aminotransferase and a higher increase in alkaline phosphatas were observed in BC and CA+BC groups than CD group (P < 0.05). Values of total protein, total immunoglobulin, lysozyme activity, and alternative complement pathway (ACH50) were higher in sera of BC and CA+BC groups than CD (P < 0.05). Additionally, expression of genes related to lysozyme, IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in liver tissues of treatment groups were upregulated better than CD (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant reduction in mortality was observed in treatment groups compared to CD under the A. hydrophila challenge. These results exhibited that including a combination of caffeic acid and B. coagulans as functional dietary supplements in diet favors common carp health status and growth and, thus, can be recommended in the fish diet.

Sarkome: Neue Kombinationstherapie mit günstigerem Nebenwirkungsprofil

Purpose: While cytotoxic chemotherapy is the standard first-line treatment for patients with metastatic soft-tissue sarcoma (STS), clinical outcomes remain suboptimal. Our prior study showed lurbinectedin plus doxorubicin is well tolerated with promising clinical activity in STS. We designed this phase 1b trial to optimize dosing as the basis for a randomized trial in leiomyosarcoma and to further explore the safety profile and efficacy signal. Patients and methods: Patients had advanced/metastatic STS and no prior anthracycline/lurbinectedin/trabectedin. Escalation followed a 3 + 3 design with 3-week cycles: lurbinectedin (3.2 mg/m2 day 1) and two doxorubicin levels (DL1, 25 mg/m2 day 1; DL2, 25 mg/m2 days 1 and 8). The primary objectives were to identify the maximum tolerated dose and recommended dose for subsequent randomized trials. Results: Ten patients were enrolled in a 6-month period. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were grade (G) 2 fatigue and nausea, and G2 cytopenias with no febrile neutropenia events. There were two dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) at DL2 [day 8 (G2 alanine aminotransferase [ALT]/aspartate aminotransferase increase, G3 neutropenia)], and one DLT in DL1 (G3 ALT increase). These were reversible and all patients continued the study. DL1 was chosen for further study. At the time of data cutoff, the estimated median progression-free survival is 16.5 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 6.0-ND]. The objective response rate was 60% (6/10 confirmed partial responses).

Determination of Haptoglobin, Serum Amyloid A, Some Other Acute Phase Proteins, and Biochemical Parameters in Cattle with Hydatid Cysts

The aim of this study is to determine some acute phase proteins and biochemical parameter levels in cattle infected with the hydatid cysts. In the study, a total of 30, Brown Swiss cattle including 15 infected with the hydatid cysts in the study group and 15 in the control group were used. Haptoglobin, serum amyloid A (SAA), ceruloplasmin, interleukin (IL)-6, total protein, albumin, aspartate amino transferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, urea, creatinine, iron (Fe) levels were determined colorimetrically. When the animals infected with hydatid cysts and control group were compared, it was determined that haptoglobin, SAA, IL-6, AST, ALP, GGT activity, urea, creatinine levels and acute phase protein index values increased, while albumin levels decreased. In addition, it was determined that the ceruloplasmin and total protein levels increased, globulin, albumin/globulin and Fe levels decreased, but they were statistically insignificant. In conclusion, it was determined that there were significant changes in the biochemical parameters and increased haptoglobin and SAA synthesis in the animals infected with the hydatid cysts, and it is thought that these parameters may contribute to the pathogenesis and diagnosis of the disease.

Synergistic Protection of Vitamin B Complex and Alpha-Lipoic Acid Against Hepatic Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury: Boosting Antioxidant Defenses in Rats

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of vitamin B complex and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) pre-treatments on hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) in rats, focusing on their potential to enhance antioxidant defense mechanisms and reduce post-ischemic liver damage. Thirty male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: sham group (n = 10), IRI group (n = 10), vitamin B group (n = 10), vitamin B + ALA group (n = 10). In the IRI, vitamin B, and vitamin B + ALA groups, the rats underwent 45 min of hepatic ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, creatinine, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. Additionally, serum total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) were assessed, and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Liver tissue samples were collected for morphological evaluation. In the vitamin B and vitamin B + ALA groups, ALT, AST, urea, creatinine and LDH levels were better compared with the IRI group but the difference was statistically significant for only LDH levels in the vitamin B group and ALT, urea, and LDH levels in the vitamin B + ALA group (p &lt; 0.05). The lowest TOS and OSI levels were reported in the vitamin B and vitamin B + ALA groups and these groups had statistically significantly higher TAS compared with the sham and IRI groups (p &lt; 0.05). Our findings suggest that a vitamin B complex alone or a vitamin B complex + ALA combination reduces post-ischemic hepatic injury by enhancing the anti-oxidative status. The low dose of ALA may be a co-factor in these results and studies with larger doses of ALA are required to determine its effects on IRI of the liver.

The Effect of Silymarin on the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation is a frequent complication after coronary artery bypass grafting and is associated with increased mortality. The effects of various drugs on the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation have been studied, but no one has looked into the effect of silymarin on the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation. This prospective experimental study included 160 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. The experimental group received 400 mg of silymarin orally three days before the surgery, while the control group did not. The occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was monitored. Patients' clinical data and postoperative characteristics were investigated to elucidate their impact on postoperative atrial fibrillation. Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred in significantly fewer patients in the experimental group (14 vs. 30, P=0.008). There were also lower mean values of postoperatively measured C-reactive protein (P<0.0005) and aspartate aminotransferase (P=0.001) in the experimental group. Within the multivariate regression model, a non-silymarin group (odds ratio 0.296 [0.109-0.807], P=0.005), postoperative red blood cell transfusion (odds ratio 5.218 [1.930-14.107], P=0.001), left atrial diameter (odds ratio 7.800 [2.122-28.672], P=0.002), postoperative C-reactive protein (odds ratio 1.020 [1.008-1.032], P=0.001), and CHA₂DS₂-VASc score (standing for congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years [doubled], diabetes, stroke [doubled], vascular disease, age 65 to 74 years, and sex category [female]) (odds ratio 1.873 [1.279-2.743], P=0.001) proved to be independently associated with the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation. This study showed that preoperative administration of silymarin significantly reduces the development of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Effect of Pomegranate Peel Consumption on Liver Enzymes, Lipid Profile, Liver Steatosis, and Hs-CRP in Patients With Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial.

The most prevalent chronic liver disease for which there is currently no proven treatment is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). An incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms of NAFLD may be the cause. The onset and development of this illness appear to be influenced by problems with lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Considering the antioxidant properties of pomegranate peel extract, this study was conducted to determine the effects of pomegranate peel consumption on some metabolic features in patients with NAFLD. Our hypothesis is that pomegranate peel can improve the grade of fatty liver, liver enzymes, lipid profile, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and anthropometric indices. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of pomegranate peel extract in NAFLD patients. This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 46 patients with NAFLD. Patients were randomly assigned to intervention group (n = 23) and placebo group (n = 23). Patients in the pomegranate peel group consumed two capsules, each containing 500 mg pomegranate peel extract daily as a part of low-calorie diet (i.e., 500-deficit calorie diet) for 10 weeks. While patients in the control group followed the low calorie diet and two capsules containing 500 mg maltodextrin. At the beginning and end of the study, demographic information, anthropometric indices, food intake, physical activity level, grade of fatty liver, liver enzymes, lipid profile, and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured. Food intake was measured by 24-h food recall questionnaires and physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Analysis of food recall questionnaire was done using Nutritionist IV program. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 22), and a p value < 0.05 was defined as statistically significant. Of 46 patients, 42 of them completed the trial. At the end of the trial, pomegranate peel group had significantly higher reduction in TG (triglycerides), ALT(alanine aminotransferase), AST(aspartate transferase), hs-CRP and also had higher significant increase in HDL-C(high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) compared to the control group (p = 0/02, p = 0/02, p = 0/01, p = 0/01, and p = 0/04, respectively). However, changes in LDL-C, TC, ALP, GGT, and fatty liver grade were not significantly different between the two groups at the end of the study. The current study indicates that pomegranate peel extract has a favorable effect on liver enzymes, lipid profile, and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with NAFLD. To support these results, trials examining various dosages over longer time periods are necessary.

The Association between Serum Lipid Profile Levels and Hypertension Grades: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Health Examination Center.

Hypertension and dyslipidemia are major cardiovascular risk factors that often coexist. Hyperlipidemia is a crucial modifiable risk factor in preventing cardiovascular disease. We aimed to explore the relationship between lipid levels and the grading of hypertension in a community-based adult population. A total of 63,091 non-employed individuals were included in this study. Measurements included systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (STB), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Chi-square and t-tests were used to obtain basic population characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between the prevalence of hypertension and lipid profiles, as well as to identify influencing factors. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Statistical charts were utilized to analyze the relationship between lipid parameters and hypertension grades. A total of 30,588 men and 32,503 women with an average age of 64.57 ± 12.5 years participated in this study. After adjusting STB and TC, every 1 mmol/L increase in TG and LDL-c was associated with a 6.0% and 6.5% increase in the prevalence of hypertension, respectively. Conversely, for every 1 mmol/L increase in HDL-c, the prevalence of hypertension decreased by 4.1%. Increases in TG and LDL-c levels were observed across all grades of hypertension, while very high HDL-c was significantly associated in grade III hypertension (1.54→1.66 mmol/L). Additionally, age, BMI, FPG, ALT, AST, SCr, and BUN significantly influenced the association between hypertension and lipid levels. Hyperlipidemia and hypertension often coexist in health examination populations. Elevated levels of TG and LDL-C are associated with all grades of hypertension, while extremely high HDL-C level is linked to more severe hypertension.

Associations between serum levels of liver function biomarkers and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe liver plays critical roles in human health. Circulating level of liver function biomarkers may associate with the long-term and short-term mortality in general population.MethodsWe used data from US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1988–94 and 1999–2014. People aged ≥ 20 years with measured serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB), and albumin (ALB) at baseline were included. All-cause and cause-specific mortality was identified from the National Death Index through 31 December 2015. Additive Cox regression models were applied to assess the correlation patterns between the serum level of these analytes and mortality risk.ResultsA total of 44,508 participants were included; among them, 9,721 deaths occurred during a mean follow-up of 12.5 years. A “J-shaped” correlation was found between serum levels of ALT, AST, and TB and all-cause mortality. The risk of mortality monotonically increased with increasing GGT and ALP levels when their levels exceeded the valley points. A “L-shaped” correlation was found between the serum level of ALB and all-cause mortality. The correlation patterns were comparable among deaths from different causes and were consistent in subgroup and sensitivity analyses. While the integration of all six liver function biomarkers did not yield an optimal predictive performance for mortality (area under ROC curve = 0.706), it demonstrated a significantly better performance compared to any single biomarker..ConclusionCirculating liver function biomarkers showed diverse nonlinear correlations with mortality and may be utilized as part of a screening process to help identify individuals who may be at elevated risk of mortality.

Unveiling the therapeutic role of Dachaihu decoction in acute cholecystitis: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of its efficacy and safety

BackgroundDachaihu decoction (Dachaihu tang) plays a crucial role in treating acute illnesses. Recently, a significant number of clinical studies on Dachaihu decoction for acute cholecystitis (AC) have been published. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of Dachaihu decoction in patients with this condition.MethodsTo identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs), eight databases and three clinical trial registries were searched from inception to 30 June 2024. Two researchers independently screened and extracted data from eligible studies using EndNote X9 and Microsoft Office Excel 2019. RoB 2.0 was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Stata 17.0 was used for data analysis. Publication bias and its impact on result stability were evaluated using a funnel plot and the “trim-and-fill” method. The quality of evidence was graded using the GRADE assessment system.ResultsThirty-three RCTs involving 2,851 participants were included. The treatment group demonstrated improved clinical efficacy (RR = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.13 to 1.24), significantly reduced length of hospital stay (MD = −1.78 days; 95% CI = –2.02 to −1.53), and the incidence of adverse events (RR = 0.31; 95% CI = 0.20 to 0.48). Additionally, there appeared to be reductions in the time for abdominal pain to resolve (MD = −1.92 days; 95% CI = –2.33 to −1.51), fever to disappear (MD = −1.52 days; 95% CI = –1.90 to −1.14), white blood cell count to return to normal (MD = −2.89 days; 95% CI = –3.32 to −2.46), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (MD = −11.88 U/L; 95% CI = –15.29 to −8.47), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (MD = −8.74 U/L; 95% CI = –9.76 to −7.72), neutrophil percentage (MD = −9.68; 95% CI = –11.33 to −8.03), TNF-α levels (SMD = −2.10 pg/L; 95% CI = –2.43 to −2.78), and certainty of evidence (moderate-to-low certainty).ConclusionDachaihu decoction may be an effective botanical formula for managing AC and a lower incidence of adverse events. However, due to the substantial risk of bias and heterogeneity across the included studies, these findings should be interpreted with caution and require further validation through well-designed, high-quality trials.Systematic Review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=573332.

Levocabastine ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice: modulation of Nrf2, NF-κB p65, cleaved caspase-3 and TGF-β signaling molecules.

Cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced hepatotoxicity is a significant problem in clinical settings. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of levocabastine (LEV) on CP-induced hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. Mice were given CP (toxic drug) 200mg/kg, i.p., once on the 7th day, and LEV 50 and 100µg/kg, i.p., and fenofibrate (FF) 80mg/kg, p.o., daily for 14 days. On the 15th day, blood and liver samples were collected to assess biological parameters. CP 200mg/kg caused hepatotoxicity due to oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis as manifested by a reduction in catalase, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and an increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), nitrite, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels. Cleaved caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) expression was also increased and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) expression was decreased as confirmed by Immunohistochemical analysis. It also caused histopathological abnormalities and fibrosis as manifested by Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome (MT) staining. These alterations were returned to almost normal when treated with LEV 100µg/kg and FF 80mg/kg. Thus, LEV protected CP-induced hepatotoxicity by reversing inflammation, apoptosis, fibrosis, oxidative stress, hepatic injury, and histopathological damages. LEV can be helpful as an adjuvant in cancer patients who are on CP treatment, to minimize toxicity. However, its role in in-vivo cancer model is further needed to be confirmed.

Spirulina platensis Peptide-Loaded Nanoliposomes Alleviate Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in Male Wistar Rats by Influencing Redox Homeostasis and Lipid Metabolism via the AMPK Signaling Pathway.

Spirulina platensis low-molecular-weight peptides (SP) have been reported to exhibit antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. However, the limited bioavailability and solubility of SPs limit their potential applications. In this study, to examine the potential anti-obesity effects and underlying mechanisms of SPs, high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) model rats were treated with SPs and SP-loaded nanoliposomes. Furthermore, hepatic biochemical parameters, inflammatory markers, histopathological changes, and genes involved in AMPK signaling were analyzed. SP-loaded nanoliposomes demonstrated a spherical shape with slower and sustained SP release. SP and SP-loaded nanoliposomes mitigated hepatic damage by lowering serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and increasing hepatic antioxidant enzymes, which are manifested in improving histopathological findings. In addition, notably, SP-loaded nanoliposomes downregulated lipogenic fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) in the liver. Meanwhile, an upregulation of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (P-AMPK), lipid acid oxidation-related genes carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) was found in the rat liver. This data implies that SP and SP-loaded nanoliposomes exhibit protective potential in rats against the HFD-induced NAFLD, which is mediated through the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway.

Clinical study of different interventional treatments for primary hepatocellular carcinoma based on propensity-score matching

BACKGROUND Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the main treatment for patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC) who miss the opportunity to undergo surgery. Conventional TACE (c-TACE) uses iodized oil as an embolic agent, which is easily washed by blood and affects its efficacy. Drug-eluting bead TACE (DEB-TACE) can sustainably release chemotherapeutic drugs and has a long embolization time. However, the clinical characteristics of patients before the two types of interventional therapies may differ, possibly affecting the conclusion. Only a few studies have compared these two interventions using propensity-score matching (PSM). AIM To analyze the clinical effects of DEB-TACE and c-TACE on patients with PHC based on PSM. METHODS Patients with PHC admitted to Dangyang People’s Hospital (March 2020 to March 2024) were retrospectively enrolled and categorized into groups A (DEB-TACE, n = 125) and B (c-TACE, n = 106). Sex, age, Child-Pugh grade, tumor-node-metastasis stage, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score were selected for 1:1 PSM. Eighty-six patients each were included post-matching. Clinical efficacy, liver function indices (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and albumin), tumor serum markers, and adverse reactions were compared between the groups. RESULTS The objective response and disease control rates were significantly higher in group A (80.23% and 97.67%, respectively) than in group B (60.47% and 87.21%, respectively) (P &lt; 0.05). Post-treatment levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin were lower in group A than in group B (P &lt; 0.05), whereas post-treatment levels of albumin in group A were comparable to those in group B (P &gt; 0.05). Post-treatment levels of tumor serum markers were significantly lower in group A than in group B (P &lt; 0.05). Patients in groups A and B had mild-to-moderate fever and vomiting symptoms, which improved with conservative treatment. The total incidence of adverse reactions was significantly higher in group B (22.09%) than in group A (6.97%) (P &lt; 0.05). CONCLUSION DEB-TACE has obvious therapeutic effects on patients with PHC. It can improve liver function indices and tumor markers of patients without increasing the rate of liver toxicity or adverse reactions.