protective effect of some polyphenolic compounds on lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatitis in D-galactosamine sensitized rats

To study the hepatoprotective effect of teas and cocoa extracts against liver injury and to know the potent effect of each in protecting the liver from Lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatitis in D-galactosamine sensitized rats. Rats were divided into eight groups; group I received saline, groups II, III and IV received black tea, green tea and cocoa extracts respectively orally for one month; group V received saline, groups VI, VII and VIII received black tea, green tea and cocoa extracts respectively orally for one month before induction of hepatitis. Indicated that the prophylactic study significantly improved serum hepatic enzymes; liver oxidants/antioxidants profile and serum tumor necrosis factor-a levels compared to DGa1N / LPS group. Green tea extract showed the maximum improvement in liver enzymes and oxidants/antioxidants profile in prophylactic groups. Also cocoa extract showed the maximum improvement in tumor necrosis factor-a levels compared to green and black tea prophylactic groups. The antihepatotoxic effect of teas and cocoa was attributed to their free radical scavenging antioxidants [catechins, epicatechins and procyanidins] which protected the liver from oxidative damage

Cu: Zn ratio in differential diagnosis between hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhotic patients

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Cu: Zn ratio in the differential diagnosis between patients with hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] and cirrhotic patients. This study was carried out on 50 patients classified into four groups; Group I: 10 healthy people, Group II: 15 cirrhotic patients, Group III: 15 cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and Group IV: 10 patients with metastasis. Liver functions, kidney functions, Na, K, Cu, Zn, fibrinogen, alpha fetoprotein and complet blood picture were estimated. Cu: Zn ratio was increased significantly in HCC group compared to other groups. The increase in Cu: Zn ratio may be useful in differential diagnosis between HCC and cirrhotic patients, it also useful for follow up because it is a simple and inexpensive method