comparative histological and biochemical study on the use of vitamins C, E and alpha lipoic acid either separately or in combination on acute hepatic toxicity with malathion

Malathion is one of the most popular organophosphorous insecticides. Free radical damage is an important direct or indirect factor involved in malathion poisoning. The objective of the present study was to estimate the role of vitamin C, vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid either individually or in combination, in amelioration of acute hepatic toxicity induced by malathion. Sixty adult male albino rats were divided into six equal groups. Group iserved as control. Group 2 received malathion [1000 mg/kg body weight] once orally. Group 3 received malathion+ vit.C [200 mg/kg] once i.p. Group 4 received malathion+ vit. F [150mg/kg] once i.m. Group 5 received malathion+ alpha-lipoic acid [25mg/kg] once i.p. Group 6 received malathion+ vit. C+ vit.E+ aipha-liopic acid. Animals of all groups were sacrificed after 24 hours. Histological examination of the liver was performed. Biochemical assay of superoxide dismutase [SOD] activity and total thiols as antioxidant indices, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS] as an index of lipid peroxidation [oxidative stress indices], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine amino transferase [ALT], total protein, albumin and globulin as liver function tests was done. Light and electron microscopic examination of liver of group 2 exhibited foci of altered cells with dense nuclei and vacuolated cytoplasm, mononuclear cell infiltrations in portal areas, electron lucent areas in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes, marginaton of nuclear chromatin. Biochemical analysis showed a significant increase in the serum levels of SOD, total thiols, TBARS, AST, ALT, total protein and globulin as compared to control. Treatment by any of the antioxidants variably reduced the hepatic structural changes induced by malathion, while combined treatment resulted in a significant degree of recovery. There was significant decrease in serum levels of all biochemical parameters when treated with one or combination of antioxidants [vitamin C, F or u lipoic acid]. Combination of the previous antioxidants could be used as helpful therapeutic line in treatment of acute hepatic toxicity with malathion rather than their use separately

Characterization of hepatitis b among incidentally detected asymptomatic hepatitis b surface antigen [HBSAG] positive subjects in Egypt

Background: Although chronic hepatitis B virus infections are common in Egypt, the incidentally discovered asymptomatic forms are very frequent. Their serological profile and clinical significance have not been determined

Aim: to characterize the clinical, serological and histological liver damage among incidentally detected asymptomatic hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg]-positive subjects [IDAHS] in Egypt

Methods: we prospectively studied 70 consecutive IDAHS patients who were long term HBsAg carriers. Tests for liver function, serological markers for HBV, HCV, HDV and schistosomiasis were done for all patients. HBV DNA was determined by the branched DNA technique and PCR at the core promotor/precore region and the S region. Liver biopsy specimens from 44 patients were studied and scored for activity and fibrosis stage by modified Knodell score and the METAVIR score. HBsAg and HBcAg were immunohistochemically evaluated in the liver tissue

Results: of the studied 70 patients, 57 [81.6%] were HBeAg negative and 13 [18.4%] were HBeAg positive. There was statistically significantly elevated hepatic transaminases in HBeAg-positive patients when compared to HBeAg-negative patients. HBV DNA was detected in only 3% of patients by the b-DNA technique and in 97% by the PCR techniques. Coinfection with HDV was found in 4.2% of patients. Pathological examination of liver tissue revealed mild activity in 21 [47.7%] of patients. Also, 21 patients [47.7%] revealed mild to moderate expansion of portal areas while 7 patients [15.9%] showed bridging fibrosis and no patient was cirrhotic

Conclusion: among 1DAHS sub jects, the majority are HBeAg negative without elevation of hepatic transaminases. They should be considered patients since viremia is detected in almost all cases using PCR technique, and histopathological evidence of chronic hepatitis B virus infection and liver damage is noted in varying degrees