Curcumin delivery nanoparticles based on Maillard reaction of Haematococcus pluvialis protein/galactose for alleviating acute alcoholic liver damage

The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of Maillard reaction products of Haematococcus pluvialis protein and galactose(HPP-GAL)for improving the bioactivities of curcumin(CUR)for alleviating alcoholic liver damage.CUR was embedded into HPP-GAL nanoparticles by the self-assembly of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction with the particle size around 200 nm.HPP-GAL enhanced the encapsulation efficiency and loading amount of CUR with the value of(89.21±0.33)%and(0.500±0.004)%,respectively.The stabilities of CUR under strong acid,salt ion stability and ultraviolet irradiation conditions were improved by the encapsulation.HPP-GAL-CUR nanoparticles exhibited excellent concentration-dependent in vitro antioxidant activities including DPPH and ABTS scavenging rates,and better protective effect on CUR against gastric acid environment as well as longer release of CUR in simulated intestinal fluid.In addition,the HPPGAL-CUR delivery system possessed liver targeting property due to the existence of GAL,which could effectively alleviate the alcohol-induced liver damage and the inflammation indexes by inhibiting the oxidative stress.Therefore,HPP-GAL-CUR nanoparticles might be a potential candidate system for the prevention of alcoholic liver damage in the future.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:What is the actual risk of liver damage?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) constitute a family of drugs, which taken as a group, represents one of the most frequently prescribed around the world. Thus, not surprisingly NSAIDs, along with antiinfectious agents, list on the top for causes of DrugInduced Liver Injury (DILI). The incidence of liver disease induced by NSAIDs reported in clinical studies is fairly uniform ranging from 0.29/100 000 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.17-051] to 9/100 000 (95% CI: 6-15). However, compared with these results, a higher risk of liver-related hospitalizations was reported (3-23 per 100 000 patients). NSAIDs exhibit a broad spectrum of liver damage ranging from asymptomatic, transient, hyper-transaminasemia to fulminant hepatic failure. However, under-reporting of asymptomatic, mild cases, as well as of those with transient liver-tests alteration, in conjunction with reports non-compliant with pharmacovigilance criteria to ascertain DILI and flawed epidemiological studies, jeopardize the chance to ascertain the actual risk of NSAIDs hepatotoxicity. Several NSAIDs, namely bromfenac, ibufenac and benoxaprofen, have been withdrawn from the market due to hepatotoxicity; others like nimesulide were never marketed in some countries and withdrawn in others. Indeed, the contro-versy concerning the actual risk of severe liver disease persists within NSAIDs research. The present work intends (1) to provide a critical analysis of the dissimilar results currently available in the literature concerning the epidemiology of NSAIDS hepatotoxicity; and (2) to review the risk of hepatotoxicity for each one of the most commonly employed compounds of the NSAIDs family, based on past and recently published data.

Coexistence of hyperlipidemia and acute cerebral ischemia/reperfusion induces severe liver damage in a rat model

AIM:To investigate the correlation of hyperlipemia(HL) and acute cerebral ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury on liver damage and its mechanism.METHODS:Rats were divided into 4 groups:control,HL,I/R and HL+I/R.After the induction of HL via a high-fat diet for 18 wk,middle cerebral artery occlusion was followed by 24 h of reperfusion to capture I/R.Serum alanine transaminase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) were analyzed as part of liver function tests and liver damage was further assessed by histological examination.Hepatocyte apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL) assay.The expression of genes related to apoptosis(caspase-3,bcl-2) was assayed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.Serum tumor necrosis factor-(TNF-),interleukin-1(IL-1) and liver mitochondrial superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),malondialdehyde(MDA) and Ca 2+ levels were measured to determine inflammatory and oxidative/antioxidative status respectively.Microsomal hydroxylase activity of the cytochrome P450 2E1(CYP2E1)-containing enzyme was measured with aniline as the substrate,and CYP2E1 expression in the liver tissue and microsome was determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting respectively.RESULTS:HL alone induced by high-fat diet for 18 wk resulted in liver damage,indicated by histopathological analysis,and a considerable increase in serum ALT(25.13 ± 16.90 vs 9.56 ± 1.99,P < 0.01) and AST levels(18.01 ± 10.00 vs 11.33 ± 4.17,P < 0.05) compared with control.Moreover,HL alone induced hepatocyte apoptosis,which was determined by increased TUNEL-positive cells(4.47 ± 0.45 vs 1.5 ± 0.22,P < 0.01),higher caspase-3 and lower bcl-2 expression.Interestingly,compared with those in control,HL or I/R groups,massive increases of serum ALT(93.62 ± 24.00 vs 9.56 ± 1.99,25.13 ± 16.90 or 12.93 ± 6.14,P < 0.01) and AST(82.32 ± 26.92 vs 11.33 ± 4.17,18.01 ± 10.00 or 14.00 ± 6.19,P < 0.01) levels in HL+I/R group were observed suggesting severe liver damage,which was confirmed by liver histology.In addition,HL combined with I/R also caused significantly increased hepatocyte apoptosis,as evidenced by increased TUNEL-positive cells(6.20 ± 0.29 vs 1.5 ± 0.22,4.47 ± 0.45 or 1.97 ± 0.47,P < 0.01),elevated expression of caspase-3 and lower expression of bcl-2.Furthermore,when compared to HL or I/R alone,HL plus I/R enhanced serum TNF-,IL-1,liver mitochondrial MDA and Ca 2+ levels,suppressed SOD and GSH-Px in liver mitochondria,and markedly up-regulated the activity(11.76 ± 2.36 vs 4.77 ± 2.31 or 3.11 ± 1.35,P < 0.01) and expression(3.24 ± 0.38 vs 1.98 ± 0.88 or 1.72 ± 0.58,P < 0.01) of CYP2E1 in liver.CONCLUSION:The coexistence of HL and acute cerebral I/R induces severe liver damage,suggesting that cerebral ischemic stroke would exaggerate the damage of liver caused by HL.This effect is possibly due to en-hanced CYP2E1 induction which further promotes oxidative damage,inflammation and hepatocyte apoptosis.

Hepatocurative potential of Vitex doniana root bark,stem bark and leaves extracts against CCl_4-induced liver damage in rats

Objective:To evaluate the hepatocurative effects of aqueous root bark,stem bark and leaves of Vitex doniana in carbon tetrachloride(CCl_4)induced liver damage and non induced liver damage albino rats.Methods:A total of 60 albino rats(36 induced liver damage and 24 non induced liver damage)were assigned into liver damage and non liver damage groups of 6 rats in a group.The animals in the CCl_4 induced liver damage groups,were induced by intraperitoneal injection with a single dose of CCl_4(1 mL/kg body weight)as a 1:1(v/v)solution in olive oil and were fasted for 36 h before the subsequent treatment with aqueous root bark,stem bark and leaves extracts of Vitex doniana and vitamin E as standard drug(100 mg/kg body weight per day)for 21 d,while the animals in the non induced groups were only treated with the daily oral administration of these extracts at the same dose.The administration of CCl_4 was done once a week for a period of 3 weeks.Results:There was significant(P<0.05)increase in concentration of all liver marker enzymes,alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline aminotransferase(ALT,AST and ALP)and significant(P<0.05)decrease in albumin in the CCl_4 induced liver damage control when compared to the normal control.The extracts caused a significant(P<0.05)reduction in the serum activities of liver marker enzymes(ALT,AST and ALP)and a significant(P<0.05)increase in albumin of all the induced treated groups.Only stem bark extract and vitamin E significantly(P<0.05)increased total prolein.All the extracts significantly(P<0.05)lowered serum creatinine whereas only root bark extract significantly(P<0.05)lowered serum level of urea in the rats with CCl_4 induced liver damage.Conclusion:Hepatocurative study shows that all the plant parts(root bark,stem bark and leaves)possess significant hepatocurative properties among other therapeutic values justifying their use in folklore medicine.

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection:Serum biomarkers inpredicting liver damage

Currently, a major clinical challenge in the management of the increasing number of hepatitis C virus(HCV) infected patients is determining the best means for evaluating liver impairment. Prognosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C(CHC) are partly dependent on the assessment of histological activity, namely cell necrosis and inflammation, and the degree of liver fibrosis. These parameters can be provided by liver biopsy; however, in addition to the risks related to an invasive procedure, liver biopsy has been associated with sampling error mostly due to suboptimal biopsy size. To avoid these pitfalls, several markers have been proposed as non-invasive alternatives for the diagnosis of liver damage. Distinct approaches among the currently available non-invasive methods are(1) the physical ones based on imaging techniques; and(2) the biological ones based on serum biomarkers. In this review, we discuss these approaches with special focus on currently available non-invasive serum markers. We will discuss:(1) class?Ⅰ?serum biomarkers individually and as combined panels, particularly those that mirror the metabolism of liver extracellular matrix turnover and/or fibrogenic cell changes;(2) class Ⅱ biomarkers that are indirect serum markers and are based on the evaluation of common functional alterations in the liver; and(3) biomarkers of liver cell death, since hepatocyte apoptosis plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of HCV infection. We highlight in this review the evidence behind the use of these markers and assess the diagnostic accuracy as well as advantages, limitations, and application in clinical practice of each test for predicting liver damage in CHC.

Extrahepatic collaterals and liver damage in embolotherapy for ruptured hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm following hepatobiliary pancreatic surgery

AIM: To evaluate the effects of extrahepatic collaterals to the liver on liver damage and patient outcome after embolotherapy for the ruptured hepatic artery pseudoa- neurysm following hepatobiliary pancreatic surgery. METHODS: We reviewed 9 patients who underwent transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for the ruptured hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm following major hepato- biliary pancreatic surgery between June 1992 and April 2006. We paid special attention to the extrahepatic arte- rial collaterals to the liver which may affect post-TAE liver damage and patient outcome. RESULTS: The underlying diseases were all malignan- cies, and the surgical procedures included hepatopancre- atoduodenectomy in 2 patients, hepatic resection with removal of the bile duct in 5, and pancreaticoduodenec- tomy in 2. A total of 11 pseudoaneurysm developed: 4 in the common hepatic artery, 4 in the proper hepatic artery, and 3 in the right hepatic artery. Successful he- mostasis was accomplished with the initial TAE in all patients, except for 1. Extrahepatic arterial pathways to the liver, including the right inferior phrenic artery, the jejunal branches, and the aberrant left hepatic artery, were identified in 8 of the 9 patients after the completion of TAE. The development of collaterals depended on the extent of liver mobilization during the hepatic resection, the postoperative period, the presence or absence of an aberrant left hepatic artery, and the concomitant arte- rial stenosis adjacent to the pseudoaneurysm. The liver tolerated TAE without significant consequences when at least one of the collaterals from the inferior phrenic ar-tery or the aberrant left hepatic artery was present. One patient, however, with no extrahepatic collaterals died of liver failure due to total liver necrosis 9 d after TAE. CONCLUSION: When TAE is performed on ruptured hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm, reduced collateral path- ways to the liver created by the primary surgical proce- dure and a short postoperative interval may lead to an unfavorable outcome.

Therapeutic effect of natural melanin from edible fungus Auricularia auricula on alcohol-induced liver damage in vitro and in vivo

This study explored the therapeutic effects of Auricularia auricula melanin(AAM)on alcoholic liver damage in vitro and in vivo.Human normal liver L02 cells were pre-treated with ethanol and then treated with AAM to explore the therapeutic effect of AAM on ethanol-induced hepatocyte injury.The results show that AAM signifi cantly elevated the cell viability,ameliorated the cell morphology,reduced the ROS and increased the GSH/GSSG of ethanol-pretreated L02 cells.Then,mice were administered with ethanol to induce acute alcoholic liver damage,and administered with AAM to further study the therapeutic effect of AAM on alcoholic liver damage in mice.As a result,AAM reduced the levels of ALT,AST,TG,and MDA,increased the levels of ADH,SOD,and CAT in liver damage mice.The therapeutic effect of AAM may be related to inhibition of CYP2E1 expression and activation of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidase.The research enriched the bioactivity of AAM and provided some ideas for the development of melanin-related health foods.

Imaging of the chemotherapy-induced hepatic damage:Yellow liver,blue liver,and pseudocirrhosis

The liver is the major drug-metabolizing and drug-detoxifying organ.Many drugs can cause liver damage through various mechanisms;however,the liver response to injury includes a relatively narrow spectrum of alterations that,regardless of the cause,are represented by phlogosis,oxidative stress and necrosis.The combination of these alterations mainly results in three radiological findings:vascular alterations,structural changes and metabolic function reduction.Chemotherapy has changed in recent decades in terms of the drugs,protocols and duration,allowing patients a longer life expectancy.As a consequence,we are currently observing an increase in chemotherapy-associated liver injury patterns once considered unusual.Recognizing this form of damage in an early stage is crucial for reconsidering the therapy regimen and thus avoiding severe complications.In this frontier article,we analyze the role of imaging in detecting some of these pathological patterns,such as pseudocirrhosis,“yellow liver”due to chemotherapy-associated steatosis-steatohepatitis,and“blue liver”,including sinusoidal obstruction syndrome,veno-occlusive disease and peliosis.

Hepatoprotective effect of manual acupuncture at acupoint GB34 against CCl_4-induced chronic liver damage in rats

AIM： To investigate the hepatoprotective effect of manual acupuncture at Yanglingquan （GB34） on CCl4-induced chronic liver damage in rats. METHODS： Rats were injected intraperitoneally with CCh （1 mL/kg） and treated with manual acupuncture using reinforcing manipulation techniques at left GB34 （Yanglingquan） 3 times a week for 10 wk. A nonacupoint in left gluteal area was selected as a sham point. To estimate the hepatoprotective effect of manual acupuncture at GB34, measurement of liver index, biochemical assays including serum ALT, AST, ALP and total cholesterol, histological analysis and blood cell counts were conducted. RESULTS： Manual acupuncture at GB34 reduced the liver index, serum ALT, AST, ALP and total cholesterol levels as compared with the control group and the sham acupuncture group. It also increased and normalized the populations of WBC and lymphocytes. CONCLUSION： Manual acupuncture with reinforcing manipulation techniques at left GB34 reduces liver toxicity, protects liver function and liver tissue, and normalizes immune activity in CCh-intoxicated rats.

Hepatitis C virus clearance and less liver damage in patients with high cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and APOE ε4 allele

BACKGROUND Cholesterol is related to improvements in the rate of sustained virological response and a robust immune response against the hepatitis C virus(HCV).APOE gene polymorphisms regulate cholesterol levels modifying the course of the HCV infection.The relationship between cholesterol,APOE alleles,and the outcome of HCV infection has not been evaluated in the admixed population of Mexico.AIM To investigate the role of APOE-ε2,-ε3,and-ε4 alleles and the metabolic profile in the outcome of HCV infection.METHODS A total of 299 treatment-na?ve HCV patients were included in this retrospective study.Patients were stratified in chronic hepatitis C(CHC)(n=206)and spontaneous clearance(SC)(n=93).A clinical record was registered.Biochemical tests were assessed by dry chemistry assay.APOE genotypes were determined using a Real-Time polymerase chain reaction assay.RESULTS Total cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-c),triglycerides,and hypercholesterolemia were higher in SC than CHC patients as well as the frequency of the APOEε4 allele(12.4%vs 7.3%).SC patients were overweight(54.8%).Theε4 allele was associated with SC(OR=0.55,95%CI:0.31-0.98,P=0.042)and mild fibrosis(F1-F2)in CHC patients(OR 0.091,95%CI 0.01-0.75,P=0.020).LDL-c≥101.5 mg/dL(OR=0.20,95%CI:0.10-0.41,P<0.001)and BMI≥26.6 kg/m2(OR=0.37,95%CI:0.18-0.76,P<0.001)were associated with SC status;while ALT≥50.5 IU/L was negatively associated(OR=5.67,95%CI:2.69-11.97,P<0.001).CONCLUSION In SC patients,the APOEε4 allele and LDL-c conferred a protective effect in the course of the HCV infection in the context of excess body weight.

Protective Effect of Dimethyl-4,4'-Dimethoxy-5,6,5',6'-Dimethylene Dioxybiphenyl-2,2'-Dicarboxylate (DDB) against Carcinogen-Induced Rat Liver Nuclear DNA Damage

The protective effect of DDB against carcinogen-induced DNA damage was examined in the present investigation. Preincubation of rat liver nuclei with DDB (1 mmol.L-1) resulted in 60% inhibition of binding of 3H-benzo (a) pyrene to nuclear DNA. Unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) induced by aflatoxin BI (10^(-7) mol.L-1) in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes was also inhibited by DDB (10^(-6)-10^(-3)mol.L-1). Oral administration of DDB at 200 mg.kg-1 once daily for 3 d induced a significant increase of liver cytosol glutathione-S-transferase and microsomal UDPG-transferase activity in mice. These results indicate that DDB is able to directly or indirectly antagonize certain carcinogen-induced DNA damages.

Effect of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (补中益气汤) on Murine Liver Damage Induced by Food Allergy

Objective: To investigate the effect of Buzhong Yiqi decoction (补中益气汤, BZYQD) on liver damage induced by food allergy in mice. Methods: Nc/Jic strain mice with high levels of serum IgE were sensitized by ovalbumin (OVA), and then divided into two groups and respectively treated with BZYQD (treated group) or normal saline (model group). Samples of serum, liver tissues and small intestine were collected two weeks later, and another group of non-sensitized mice was set as the normal group. The levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured with spectrophotometry. The liver tissue and small intestine were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) for pathologic analysis. The liver samples were also subjected to analysis of CD4-T helper cell and cytokine (interleukin-4, IL-4, interleukin-6, IL-6) expression with immunohistochemical (avidin-biotin complex, ABC) method. Results: Serum ALT levels decreased and obvious pathologic improvements were seen in the mice treated with BZYQD. And compared with the model mice, the number of positive cells of IL-4, IL-6 and CD4 cell decreased significantly in those treated with BZYQD. Conclusion: BZYQD can effectively decrease the production of cytokines associated with allergic reaction in the liver of mice thus effective in treating liver damage caused by food allergy.

Reabsorption of iron into acutely damaged rat liver:A role for ferritins

AIM To studied iron metabolism in liver, spleen, and serum after acute liver-damage, in relation to surrogate markers for liver-damage and repair.METHODS Rats received intraperitoneal injection of the hepatotoxin thioacetamide(TAA), and were sacrificed regularly between 1 and 96 h thereafter. Serum levels of transaminases and iron were measured using conventional laboratory assays. Liver tissue was used for conventional histology, immunohistology, and iron staining. The expression of acute-phase cytokines, ferritin light chain(FTL), and ferritin heavy chain(FTH)was investigated in the liver by q RT-PCR. Western blotting was used to investigate FTL and FTH in liver tissue and serum. Liver and spleen tissue was also used to determine iron concentrations.RESULTS After a short initial decrease, iron serum concentrations increased in parallel with serum transaminase(aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) levels, which reached a maximum at 48 h, and decreased thereafter. Similarly, after 48 h a significant increase in FTL, and after 72 h in FTH was detected in serum. While earliest morphological signs of inflammation in liver were visible after 6 h, increased expression of the two acute-phase cytokines IFN-γ(1 h) and IL-1β(3 h) was detectable earlier, with maximum values after 12-24 h. Iron concentrations in liver tissue increased steadily between 1 h and 48 h, and remained high at 96 h. In contrast, spleen iron concentrations remained unchanged until 48 h, and increased mildly thereafter(96 h). Although tissue iron staining was negative, hepatic FTL and FTH protein levels were strongly elevated. Our results reveal effects on hepatic iron concentrations after direct liver injury by TAA. The increase of liver iron concentrations may be due to the uptake of a significant proportion of the metal by healthy hepatocytes, and only to a minor extent by macrophages, as spleen iron concentrations do not increase in parallel. The temporary increase of iron, FTH and transaminases in serum is obviously due to their release by damaged hepatocytes.CONCLUSION Increased liver iron levels may be the consequence of hepatocyte damage. Iron released into serum by damaged hepatocytes is obviously transported back and stored via ferritins.

Cyclosporin A protects Balb/c mice from liver damage induced by superantigen SEB and D-GaIN

AIM To investigate the pathogenic effect ofSEB and D-GalN on liver and the protection ofcyclosporin A, the relationship between hepaticapoptosis and necrosis and the possiblemechanism of acute hepatic necrosis.METHODS After staphylococcal enterotoxin B(SEB ) mixed with D--galactosamine (D-GaiN )were injected intraperitoneally into Balb/c miceand those previously treated with cyclosporin A,blood samples were collected and livers wereisolated at 2, 6, 12 and 24 h. Patterns othepatocellular death were studiedmorphologically and biochemically, circulatingcytokines (TNF-a, IFN--y ) and mice mortalitywithin 24h was assessed.RESU’LTS The SEB could induce the typicalapoptotic changes of hepatocytes, the D-GaiNcould induce hepatocytes apoptosis anddegeneration at the same time, and the micehaving received the SEB + D-GaiN injectionsdeveloped apoptosis at 2 and 6 h, but after 12 hhepatocytes were characterized by severein jury, whereas all the examinations in thecyclosporin A treated mice were normal.CONCLUSION Hepatic cell apoptosis might berelated to necrosis, and massive hepatocyteapoptosis is likely the initiating step of acutehepatic necrosis in mice. The effects induced bySEB and D--GaiN on hepatocytes might bemediated by T cells, and could be prevented bycyclosporin A.

Effects of Phentolamine on Hemorrheology and Hemodynamics in Dogs with Acute Liver Damage

The effects of phentolamine on hemorrheology and hemodynamics were studied in dogs with acute liver damage induced by acetaminophen. After 1 h of phentolamine application , the viscosity of plasma and whole blood was significantly diminished. The hematocrit readings followed the same pattern as the alterations in viscosity. The portal venous resistance and the value of K were remarkably decreased and the portal venous blood flow was obviously increased. It can be assumed , therefore , that the decrease in viscosity induced by phentolamine results from internal hemodilution and phentolamine may improve hepatic blood circulation through the decrease of portal venous resistance caused by the reduction of blood viscosity and the dilation of portal vascular beds.

An Experimental Study on the Disturbance of Liver Circulation and the Change of Hemorrheology in Dogs with Acute Liver Damage

The changes of hepatic hemodynamics and hemorrheology were investigated in dogs with acute liver damage inducted by acetaminophen There were remarkable disturtance in liver circulation and hemorrheological abnormality occuring in both slight and severe liver damage.The study indicated that the degree of disturbance in liver circulation as well as in lemorheological change is positively correlated with the severity of livei damage For example,marked increase in blood viscosity linked with elevated fibrinogen level appeared in slight liver damage,whereas reduced blood viscosity associated with decreased plasma fibrinogen level and hematocrit occured in severe liver damage.This study also revealed that the inciease of portal venous resistance(PVR)and the disturbance of liver circulation in slight liver damage were chiefly related to the increase of blood viscosity and the increase of PVR in severe liver damage was mainly associated with the reduction of the radius of porta vein.

Molecular mechanism of Solanum Nigrum Linn in alcoholic liver damage based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Solanum Nigrum Linn,the purpose of this study was to characterize the chemical components of the extract of Solanum Nigrum Linn by LC-MS/MS,and to identify 29 compounds by positive and negative total ion flow maps.The potential mechanism of action of Solanum Nigrum Linn in treating alcoholic liver injury was investigated by means of network pharmacology and molecular docking.A total of 288 component target genes and 1010 disease target genes were obtained,and 98 intersection targets and 7 core targets were obtained after the intersection of the two genes.GO analysis and KEGG analysis respectively obtained 20 signaling pathways such as anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis.The results of molecular docking showed that the blood components could successfully dock with the target proteins of the disease such as GAPDH,IL6,SRC,EGFR and ESR1.This study provided a scientific basis for the development and application of Solanum Nigrum Linn.

Correlation of serum arylesterase activity on phenylacetate estimated by the integrated method to common classical biochemical indexes of liver damage

The correlation of serum arylesterase(PON1) activity on phenylacetate determined by an integrated method to clas-sical biochemical indexes of liver damage was investigated for the use of PON1 activity to evaluate liver damage.PON1 reaction curve as absorbance at 270 nm for 0.20 mmol/L phenylacetate hydrolysis was analyzed by the integrated method to determine maximal PON1 reaction rate.Classical biochemical indexes of liver damage were determined routinely.The 95% confidence threshold of PON1 activity in sera from healthy individuals was 2.12 mkat/L [(4.73±1.31) mkat/L,n=105].PON1 activity in clinical sera was closely correlated to serum albumin,total protein and the ratio of albumin to globulins,but was weakly correlated to both direct and total bilirubin in serum.There were no correlations of PON1 activity to γ-glutamyltransferase,alkaline phos-phatase,alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase.Among 127 clinical sera with PON1 activity>2.12 mkat/L,there were 92% healthy individuals examined by albumin,90% healthy individuals examined by total protein,88% healthy individuals examined by total bilirubin,86% healthy individuals examined by direct bilirubin and 64% healthy individuals examined by the ratio of albumin to globulins,respectively.In each group of healthy individuals judged by classical biochemical indexes of close correlation to PON1 activity,percentage of healthy individuals examined by PON1 activity was always >80%.These results suggested PON1 activity on phenylacetate estimated by the integrated method was also suitable for the evaluation of liver damage.

Liver Damage during Dengue Fever in Ouagadougou

Dengue fever is widespread in all tropical and subtropical areas of the world and is the main public health problem posed by arboviroses. In Burkina Faso, an outbreak of dengue serotype “DENV-2”, which is responsible for severe forms of dengue, has been reported. In this study, we will discuss liver damage during this disease. The aim of this study was to describe the sociodemographic, diagnostic, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of dengue patients with hepatic cytolysis. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of dengue disease in 2 facilities in the city of Ouagadougou. The study was spread over a period of 3 months from August to November 2019. The study population consisted of all patients hospitalised for dengue with a positive AgNS1 and/or IgM rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and presenting signs of liver damage. Results: During our study period we recruited 134 patients with dengue fever of which 93 or 69.4% had at least one elevated transaminase. The sex ratio was 1.90 and the average age was 35 years. Symptoms of liver damage were rare with right hypochondrial pain in 4.30% of cases and jaundice in 1.07% of cases. Dengue haemorrhagic fever was found in 5 patients. IgG was negative in 77.42%. The majority of patients (44% or 47.31%) had at least one transaminase value elevated to the upper limit of normal (ULN);and a minority, 14 patients or 15.06%, had transaminases above 10 ULN. A small proportion of patients had hepatocellular failure 26.92% with a lowered prothrombin level. Ninety-four per cent (94.62%) of the patients received analgesics. Level 1 analgesic (paracetamol) was the most widely administered, particularly in 76 patients (86.36%). More than half of the patients (57.14%) had a length of stay of less than or equal to 3 days and the outcome was favourable in 91.40%. Conclusion: Dengue virus causes alterations in the liver parenchyma. The degree of liver damage is variable. As clinical symptoms are almost non-existent, the measurement of transaminases remains important.