Decreased Cysteine and Glutathione Levels: Possible Determinants of Liver Toxicity Risk in Ghanaian Subjects

1994 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
N-A Ankrah ◽  
T Rikimaru ◽  
F A Ekuban ◽  
M M Addae

Cysteine, methionine, vitamin A, β-carotene and glutathione (GSH) are known to protect body tissues against oxidative damage and inflammation but their value as protection against liver inflammation in tropical areas has received little attention. Blood levels of these nutrients were measured in Ghanaian volunteers with (Group 2) or without (Group 1) increased lipid peroxidation and signs of liver inflammation, as indicated by blood malonic dialdehyde, serum α1-antitrypsin and triglyceride levels, and the α1-acid glycoprotein: pre-albumin ratio. Serum levels of cysteine and blood glutathione were significantly lower ( P < 0.02) in group 2 than in group 1 volunteers. In contrast, serum levels of methionine, vitamin A and β-carotene were similar in both groups. Deficits in cysteine and glutathione may increase the risk of liver toxicity from oxidants in Ghanaians.

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 539-547
Author(s):  
H. L. Greene ◽  
M. E. Courtney Moore ◽  
B. Phillips ◽  
L. Franck ◽  
R. J. Shulman ◽  
...  

This study represents the first attempt to evaluate the American Medical Association Nutrition Advisory Group (NAG) recommendations for intravenous vitamin A, D, and E dosages for infants and children. Patients studied included 18 preterm infants (group 1) and 26 term infants and children (group 2A) receiving total parenteral nutrition for 2 to 4 weeks and eight infants and children receiving total parenteral nutrition for 3 to 6 months (group 2B). Term gestation infants and children up to 11 years of age all received the same dosages (those that were recommended by the NAG for children weighing more than 10 kg). Preterm infants received 65% of these doses. In group 1, cord blood α-tocopherol levels were &lt;0.22 mg/dL in seven preterm infants (reference value = 0.29 ± 0.04), but mean levels increased to 1.65 ± 0.17 mg/dL after four days of treatment. Eight infants consistently received additional vitamin E orally (80 to 150 mg daily), and their levels increased to 2.18 ± 0.26 mg/dL by four days of study and to 3.49 ± 0.57 mg/dL after 3 weeks. Oral supplementation in the preterm infants appeared to be unnecessary because intravenous vitamins alone maintained levels above 1.1 mg/dL. In group 2, α-tocopherol levels were maintained within the reference range. Patients receiving lipid emulsions containing substantial quantities of α-tocopherol had significantly higher blood levels than patients receiving lipid emulsions containing little α-tocopherol (P &lt; .01). Mean 25-OH vitamin D levels were mintained above or within the reference range in groups 2A and 2B. Although only seven patients in group 1 had measurements performed after beginning total parenteral nutrition, their 25-OH vitamin D levels increased during total parenteral nutrition and were maintained within the reference range. Mean vitamin A levels in group 2 were maintained within the reference range of 23.5 ± 1.8 µg/dL, although three of eight patients in group 2A who had levels 2 SD less than the reference mean levels initially did not increase their levels during the 2-week period of treatment. Patients on home total parenteral nutrition (group 2B) showed a mean increase in retinol, from 29.2 ± 3.0 µg/dL to 37.4 ± 7.1 µg/dL. There was also good correlation between retinol-binding protein and retinol in all patients in group 2. Premature infant (group 1) levels were 13.9 ± 1.3 µg/dL initially (reference value = 15.7 µg/dL) and did not change after 28 days of treatment (13.5 ± 2.5 µg/dL). In addition, there was poor correlation with retinol-binding protein. The failure of retinol to increase with treatment may be secondary to losses of retinol in the delivery system. Further studies are needed to better define vitamin A and D needs during parenteral feeding of premature infants, although the dosage levels in term infants appear to maintain mean blood levels of all of the vitamins within the reference range.


2022 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Saeed Hassan ◽  
Yasser Soliman Ahmed ◽  
Eman Ibrahim Sarhaan ◽  
Nayra Shaker Mehanna ◽  
Norhan Nagdy Madbouli ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is produced by action of the intestinal flora on tryptophan in protein diet, and it is normally excreted by the kidney. IS is a protein-bound uremic toxin, and it is difficult to be removed by conventional hemodialysis (HD) methods; so, it accumulates in HD patients and may contribute to major cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Aim To study the effect of dietary synbiotic (prebiotic and probiotic) supplementation on IS level in prevalent HD patients. Patients and methods This single-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 80 prevalent HD patients (between January 2017 and March 2017) in Ain Shams University Hospital. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 was given synbiotic (SYN) and group 2 was given placebo for 6 weeks. Blood levels of IS, CRP, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks. Results There was a significant reduction in serum IS level in groups 1 and 2 in comparison to their baselines (P value = 0.000 and 0.019 respectively); however, the change in IS level in group 1 after SYN supplementation (64% with IR 72.38–33.33) was more than that shown in group 2 (did not receive SYN) (18.47% with IR 26.75–26.75) with a highly significant P value, 0.000. Also, there were significant reductions in the levels of creatinine, BUN, phosphorus (P values < 0.001), and CRP (P values 0.002) in group 1 respectively with no similar changes noticed in group 2. Conclusion SYN supplementation in HD patients can reduce serum levels of IS and other uremic toxins like BUN and creatinine. Also, it may help to reduce serum phosphorus and CRP levels.


1987 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 491-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. R. TEKPETEY ◽  
W. M. PALMER ◽  
J. R. INGALLS

Two groups of winter-housed cows (eight cows per group) that calved in winter/spring (Group 1) and summer/fall (Group 2) were used to assess the effect of seasonal variation in serum/3-carotene and vitamin A concentrations on postpartum reproductive performance. The cows maintained adequate levels of serum β-carotene (240 ± 14–339 ± 19 mg dL−1) from fall to spring when fed various combinations of hay, silage, haylage and alfalfa pellets. There was an increase (P < 0.05) in serum β-carotene and vitamin A concentrations during summer when the cows were on pasture. Average interval to first ovulation postpartum and services per conception did not differ between the two groups. However, interval for uterine involution, interval to first service and average number of days open were improved in Group 2 cows. Partial correlations were not found between serum β-carotene and vitamin A concentrations during the calving period and any of the reproductive parameters (P > 0.05). Although there was seasonal variation in serum β-carotene and vitamin A concentration, the levels throughout the trial were generally adequate and hence did not affect reproductive performance. Key words: β-carotene, vitamin A, reproductive performance, dairy cows


Pteridines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 185-192
Author(s):  
Deniz Öğütmen Koç ◽  
Hande Sipahi ◽  
Cemile Dilşah Sürmeli ◽  
Mustafa Çalık ◽  
Nilgün Bireroğlu ◽  
...  

AbstractIn Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is important to evaluate disease activity and investigate possible biomarkers. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the relationship between disease activity and serum levels of possible immune activation marker neopterin in patients with COVID-19. The study enrolled 45 patients (23 females, 51.1%) treated for COVID-19. The patients were divided into two groups according to their clinical presentation: those who recovered quickly (Group 1) and those who worsened progressively (Group 2). The neopterin and C-reactive protein levels were high in all patients on admission. In Group 1, neopterin concentrations and serum neopterin/creatinine ratios were significantly higher on admission compared to Day 14 of the disease, whereas in Group 2, levels were significantly higher at Day 14 of the disease than on admission. Neopterin levels at admission were significantly higher in Group 1. The serum neopterin concentrations at admission were markedly higher in patients with a derived neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) > 2.8 compared to those with a dNLR ≤ 2.8 (p < 0.05). Serum neopterin levels can be used as a prognostic biomarker in predicting disease activity in COVID-19.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1328.1-1328
Author(s):  
R. Assandri ◽  
G. Martellosio ◽  
A. Montanelli

Background:Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that involves several molecular patterns with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and symptoms. Inflammation and related pathway play a role in SLE pathogenesis. The pentraxin superfamily including long and short pentraxin, C Reactive Protein CRP, Serum amyloid A (SAA), Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) are key components of innate immune system and induce a variety of inflammation associated pathway. However Literature provides several evidences that CRP serum levels not correlated with clinical and immunological manifestations. This situation affected clinical practice and the patient follow up. PTX3 have been identified as a component of inflammatory status in several autoimmune conditions. SAA is an acute phase protein secreted in large quantity during inflammation.Objectives:We want to evaluated SAA, PTX3 and CRP concentrations, their correlation between SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), that including complement fractions C3, C4.Methods:We enrolled fifty patients that fulfilled the SLE American College of Rheumatology criteria and fifty healthy subjects. The SLE disease activity was classified with the SLEDAI (0 to 12). Patients were divided into two groups according to SLEDAI score: inactive group (Group 1, 25 patients, 50%: SLEDAI < 4) and active group (Group 2, 25 patients, 50%: SLEDAI 5 to 12). PTX3 concentration was measured by a sandwich ELISA kit (Hycult) with 2.8 ng/mL cut-off point. SAA concentration was detected by nephelometry performed on a BN ProSpec System (Siemens, Germany), with assay kit based on polyclonal antibodies (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Products, Germany, 6.5 mg/L cut-off point). High sensitive CRP concentrations were determined using the ci8200 platform (Abbott Laboratories Chicago, Illinois).Results:Plasma PTX3 and serum SAA levels was significantly higher in SLE patients than in the healthy subjects (PTX311.5 ± 7.3 ng/mL vs 2.3 ± 1.1; p < 0.001; SAA: 87 ±77 mg/L vs 2.6±2.5; p < 0.001). These differences were not evident in CRP levels (8.5 ± 7.8 mg/L vs 6.2± 2.5). Considering two groups, there were statistical differences in PTX3 level (Group 2: 14.9 ± 12 ng/mL vs Group 1: 2.16 ±0.5 ng/mL, p<0,05) and SAA concentration (Group 2: 114 ± 89 ng/mL vs Group 1: 3.6 ±1.7 ng/mL, p<0,05) but not in CRP concentration (Group 2: 11.5 ± 8.4 mg/L vs Group 1: 9.5 ±3.5). There was a significantly negative correlation between C3, C4 fractions, PTX3 and SSA levels (respectively r = −0.74, p=<0.05, and r = −0.79, p<0.05). No statistical correlation were appeared between C3, C4 fractions and CRP serum levels (r= −0,12., p= 0.82, and r= −0.18, p= 0,21). We noted a positive significant correlation between SLEDAI, PTX3 and SAA concentration (r = 0.79, p < 0.05, 0.83, p < 0.05, respectively) an increase in PTX3 and SAA levels followed the lupus flare and symptoms. No significant correlation appeared between SLEDAI and CRP (r= 0.15, p=0.89)Conclusion:PTX3 and SAA concentration was significantly higher in SLE patients than the healthy control subjects and their levels reflected disease activity. We showed a direct correlation between PTX3 and SAA. In SLE patients PTX3 and SAA concentrations were correlated with SLEDAI. We suggest an integrate viewpoint in witch SAA and PTX3 may play a role as a biomarker of disease activity, with synergic work during SLE events. Evidences suggested that PTX3 and SAA could trigger the same molecular pathway, by TLR4, via NF-kB.References:[1]Assandri R, Monari M Montanelli A. Pentraxin 3 in Systemic Lupus Erithematosus: Questions to be Resolved, Translational Biomedicine (2015)Disclosure of Interests:None declared


Bone ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 79 ◽  
pp. 110-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geng-dong Chen ◽  
Ying-Ying Zhu ◽  
Yi Cao ◽  
Jun Liu ◽  
Wen-qi Shi ◽  
...  

2013 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 125
Author(s):  
Marlisye Marpaung ◽  
Supriatmo Supriatmo ◽  
Atan Baas Sinuhaji

Background Vitamin A deficiency may increase the risk or bea cause of diarrhea. Many studies have been conducted on theefficacy of vitamin A in the management of acute diarrhea, butthe outcomes remain inconclusive.Objective To determine the effectiveness of vitamin A in reducingthe severity of acute diarrhea in children.Methods We performed a single􀁈blind􀁈randomized controlledtrial in the Secanggang District, Langkat Regency, North ofSumatera, from August 2009 to January 2010 in children aged6 months to 5 years, who had diarrheas. Subjects were dividedinto two groups. Group 1 received a single dose of vitamin A(100,000 IU for subjects aged 6 to 11 month old or with bodyweights :s 10 kg, or 200,000 IU for subjects aged 2: 12 month oldor with body weights> 10 kg). Group 2 received a single doseof placebo. The establishment of severity was based on changesin diarrheal frequency, stool consistency, volume and durationof diarrhea after treatment. We performed independent T􀁈testand Chi square tests for statistical analyses. The study was anintention􀁈to􀁈treat analysis.Results We enrolled 120 children who were randomized intotwo groups of 60 subjects each. Group 1, received vitamin Aand group 2 received a placebo. The results showed significantdifferences between the two groups in stool volume starting onthe first day (95%CI 192.30 to 3237.51; P􀁉O.OOI), as well asdiarrheal frequency (P=O.OOl) and stool consistency (P=O.OOl)on the second day observation and duration of diarrhea followingtreatment (95%CI - 40.60 to - 25.79; P􀁉O.OOI;).Conclusions Vitamin A supplementation is effective in reducingthe severity of acute diarrhea in children under five years of age.[Paediatr lndones. 2013;53:125-31.]


1993 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-90
Author(s):  
D J Leehey ◽  
B I Braun ◽  
D A Tholl ◽  
L S Chung ◽  
C A Gross ◽  
...  

A randomized, controlled clinical trial was performed to determine whether individualized dosing by use of Bayesian pharmacokinetic modeling could decrease nephrotoxicity accosted with aminoglycoside therapy. Two hundred forty-three patients receiving aminoglycosides for suspected or proven infection were randomly assigned to one of three groups: usual physician-directed dosing (Group 1), pharmacist-assisted dosing (Group 2), or pharmacist-directed dosing (Group 3). Dosing in Groups 2 and 3 was based on a Bayesian pharmacokinetic dosing program, whereas Group 1 served as the control group. Individualized dosing resulted in higher mean postinfusion (peak) serum aminoglycoside levels, higher ratios of mean peak level to minimum inhibitory concentration (peak/MIC ratios), and a trend toward lower trough serum levels. Milligrams per dose were higher and number of doses per day was lower in the pharmacist-dosed groups. However, the incidence of nephrotoxicity (> or = 100% increase in serum creatinine) was not different among the three groups (16, 27, and 16% in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Similarly, severity of toxicity was not affected by the dosing intervention. Risk factors for toxicity included duration of therapy, shock, treatment with furosemide, older age, and liver disease. After controlling for these factors, the dosing intervention still had no effect on nephrotoxicity. It was concluded that Bayesian pharmacokinetic dosing did not decrease the risk of nephrotoxicity associated with aminoglycoside therapy.


2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Cavasi ◽  
Eduard Cavasi ◽  
Mircea Grigorescu ◽  
Adela Sitar-Taut

Background & Aims: ProBNP is a sensitive marker of cardiac dysfunction. We assessed the concentration of circulating NT-proBNP in patients with liver cirrhosis in various stages of the disease and its correlation with markers of cardiac and renal dysfunction and with markers of liver disease severity.Patients and methods: A number of 88 patients with liver cirrhosis were included in the study, divided into 3 groups: group 1 - 18 control patients without ascites; group 2 - 35 non-azotemic patients with ascites; group 3 - 35 patients with hepatorenal syndrome. The cardiac dysfunction was assessed by measuring the NT-proBNP serum levels and the QTc interval. The markers of renal dysfunction were the estimated glomerular filtration rates - formulas involving creatinine and serum cystatin C. The Child-Pugh score was used to assess the liver disease severity.Results: The median NT-proBNP serum levels significantly increased in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis (group 3: 960 fmol/ml and group 2:  660 fmol/ml) as compared to group 1 (435 fmol/ml) (p<0.05). A significant direct correlation was found between the NT-proBNP concentration and the QTc interval (r=0.540, p<0.001). The NT-proBNP levels also correlated with the Child-Pugh score (r=0.501, p<0.01), proving the link between the cardiac dysfunction and the liver disease severity. The cardio-renal interrelation is supported by the relationship between the NT-proBNP concentration and the estimated clearances.Conclusion: The high NT-proBNP levels in patients with advanced cirrhosis indicate the presence of cardiac dysfunction, which has a role in the pathogenesis of the hepatorenal syndrome.Abbreviations: DP: diastolic pressure; GFR: glomerular filtration rate; HRS: hepatorenal syndrome; MAP:mean arterial pressure; NT-proBNP: N-terminal fragment of the prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide; proBNP: prohormone brain natriuretic peptide; SBP: spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; SP: systolic pressure; TIPS: tranjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.


Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 897
Author(s):  
Antonio Facciorusso ◽  
Irene Bargellini ◽  
Marina Cela ◽  
Ivan Cincione ◽  
Rodolfo Sacco

Background: Adjuvant sorafenib may enhance the efficacy of transarterial radioembolization with yttrium-90 in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of radioembolization plus sorafenib in comparison to radioembolization alone. Methods: Out of 175 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with radioembolization between 2011 and 2018, after propensity score matching, two groups were compared: a group of 45 patients that underwent radioembolization while being on sorafenib (Group 1) and a second group of 90 patients that underwent radioembolization alone (Group 2). Results: Baseline characteristics of the two groups were well balanced concerning liver function and tumor burden. No significant differences in survival outcomes were identified (median overall survival 10 vs. 10 months; p = 0.711), median progression-free survival 6 vs. 7 months (p = 0.992) in Group 1 and Group 2). The objective response rate in Group 1 vs. Group 2 was 45.5% vs. 42.8% (p = 1) according to mRECIST. No differences in toxicity nor in liver decompensation rates were registered. Conclusions: The association of sorafenib does not prolong survival nor delay progression in patients treated with radioembolization. Liver toxicity does not differ among the two therapeutic schemes.


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