Clinical observation of Rougan Huaxian granule combined with nucleoside antiviral drugs in treatment of patients with decompensated cirrhosis of hepatitis B / 中国综合临床

Objective:To explore the effects of Rougan Huaxian Granules combined with nucleoside antiviral drugs on liver and kidney function, portal hemodynamics, vascular activity, antiviral indexes and aspartate transaminase-platelet ratio index in patients with hepatitis B decompensated cirrhosis.Methods:A case-control study was conducted on 150 patients with hepatitis B decompensated cirrhosis who were hospitalized in Tangshan Infectious Disease Institute and Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology from June 2017 to December 2019 were enrolled. The patients were divided into control group and observation group by computer random random number method, with 75 cases in each group. The control group was given routine liver protection and antiviral treatment; the observation group was given Rougan Huaxian granules on the basis of the control group treatment. Observe the changes of liver and kidney function, portal vein system hemodynamics, vascular activity, antiviral index and aspartate transaminase-platelet ratio index in the two groups. Independent sample T test was used to compare the measurement data between the two groups, paired T test was used for comparison between the same groups before and after treatment, and χ2 test was used for counting data. Results:There were no significant differences in gender, age, course of cirrhosis, Child grade of liver function and baseline data of indexes before treatment between 2 groups (ALL P>0.05). After treatment, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea nitrogen, creatinine,diameter of portal vein (Dpv), diameter of splenic vein (Dsv), endothelin-1, nitric oxide, glucagon (GLA), APRI,were all lower than before treatment. Comparison between groups, observation group ALT (51.60±15.97) U/L, AST (62.65±26.28) U/L, urea nitrogen (10.25±1.65) mmol/L, creatinine (78.54±14.09) μmol/L, Dpv (10.20±1.10) mm, Dsv (8.08±0.68) mm, endothelin-1 (31.93±6.35) ng/L, nitric oxide (41.38±8.06) μg/L, GLA (69.54±12.14) mg/L, APRI (3.14±1.35), were significantly lower than those of control group ((97.49±30.87) U/L, (96.03±25.63) U/L, (17.49±2.55) mmol/L, (116.43±22.77) μmol/L, (13.42±1.26) mm, (10.44±0.83) mm, (44.34+11.88) ng/L, (63.47±15.50) μg/L, (107.11+25.29) mg/L, (5.91±1.93)), the differences were statistically significant ( t values were respectively 11.43, 7.87, 20.64, 12.26, 16.62, 18.99, 7.98, 10.96, 11.60, 10.23, all P<0.05). After treatment, albumin, portal vein velocity (Vpv), and velocity of splenic vein blood flow (Vsv) were all higher in the two groups than before treatment. However, there was no significant difference in Vsv of the control group before and after treatment ( t=0.51, P=0.613). Comparison between groups, albumin (39.42±7.35) g/L, Vpv ((25.72±4.06) cm/s), Vsv ((24.22±6.15) cm/s) in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (34.66±7.95) g/L, (19.38±3.46) cm/s, (19.54±5.88) cm/s ( t values were 3.81, 10.28, 4.76, all P<0.05). After treatment, the total effective rate (96.00%(72/75) vs. 86.67%(65/75), χ2=4.13, P=0.042), HBV DNA negative conversion rate (76.00%(57/75) vs. 58.67%(44/75), χ2=5.12, P=0.024), HBeAg negative conversion rate (50.67%(38/75) vs. 30.67%(23/75), χ2=6.22, P=0.013) and serum HBeAg/HBeAb conversion (28.00%(21/75) vs. 13.33%(10/75), χ2=4.92, P=0.027) in observation group were higher than those in control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). HBsAg negative rate (8.00%(6/75) vs. 5.33%(4/75), χ2=0.43, P=0.513) was higher than that of control group, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Rougan Huaxian Granules combined with nucleoside antiviral drugs has significant effect on patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis of hepatitis B, improve liver and kidney function, liver fibrosis and hemodynamics of the portal vein system, increase vascular activity function, and reduce hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA load, HBV replication, aspartate transaminase-platelet ratio index, APRI, Toll-like receptor (TLR-4) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) levels and improves the body′s immune status.

Bile acid homeostasis in female mice deficient in

Bile acids (BAs) are amphipathic molecules important for metabolism of cholesterol, absorption of lipids and lipid soluble vitamins, bile flow, and regulation of gut microbiome. There are over 30 different BA species known to exist in humans and mice, which are endogenous modulators of at least 6 different membrane or nuclear receptors. This diversity of ligands and receptors play important roles in health and disease; however, the full functions of each individual BA

Proteomics and metabolic phenotyping define principal roles for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in mouse liver

Dioxin-like molecules have been associated with endocrine disruption and liver disease. To better understand aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) biology, metabolic phenotyping and liver proteomics were performed in mice following ligand-activation or whole-body genetic ablation of this receptor. Male wild type (WT) and

Constitutive androstane receptor induced-hepatomegaly and liver regeneration is partially

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR, NR3I1) belongs to nuclear receptor superfamily. It was reported that CAR agonist TCPOBOP induces hepatomegaly but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a potent regulator of organ size. The aim of this study is to explore the role of YAP in CAR activation-induced hepatomegaly and liver regeneration. TCPOBOP-induced CAR activation on hepatomegaly and liver regeneration was evaluated in wild-type (WT) mice, liver-specific YAP-deficient mice, and partial hepatectomy (PHx) mice. The results demonstrate that TCPOBOP can increase the liver-to-body weight ratio in wild-type mice and PHx mice. Hepatocytes enlargement around central vein (CV) area was observed, meanwhile hepatocytes proliferation was promoted as evidenced by the increased number of KI67

Significant Difference in the Serum Aspartate Aminotransferase Levels Across the Diagnostic Categories of Various Cardiac Diseases

Background: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which generally reflects liver disease severity, has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Aim: This study aimed to explore the relationship between risk factors such as serum AST and across the various diagnostic categories of cardiac diseases. Materials and Methods: We recruited 227 cases of CVDs (complete heart block [CHB]-16, heart failure [HF]-22, myocardial infarction-169, and rheumatic heart disease [RHD]-20) who were admitted in cardiology ward which were taken as cases and age- and gender-matched healthy persons were taken as controls (n = 228). Serum AST activity estimation was performed using the commercially available kit on fully automated chemistry analyzer. Data are presented as median and interquartile range. Statistical analysis was done on SPSS 16.0 and Microsoft Excel. Difference in the level of AST across the diagnostic categories was calculated by Kruskal–Wallis test. P < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results and Conclusion: Statistically significant difference in the AST levels was observed across the diagnostic categories. The post-hoc Dunn test showed a significant difference in the mean of AST levels between cases with CHB and HF (P = 0.0018) and between cases of RHD and HF (P = 0.0004). In both cases, the median AST levels were higher in HF than in CHB and in RHD.

A study of alanine aminotransferase - aspartate aminotransferase as a marker of advanced alcoholic liver disease

Background: Alcohol is one of the most common etiology for chronic liver disease. There are several enzymes which remain elevated in both excessive Alcohol consumption and Alcohol induced liver cirrhosis1. But none is sensitive or specific. The ratio of Aspartate transaminase (AST) with Alanine transaminase (ALT) is one of the best marker for alcohol liver disease. Current study mainly compares the ratio of AST/ALT with both Alcoholic liver disease and excessive Alcohol consumption patients.Methods: Observational, cross sectional study conducted on 50 patients diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease and 50 patients of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Either admitted or seen on outpatient basis at Bangalore medical college and research institute and data was compared among the groups and appropriate statistical methods are applied.Results: The mean ratio of AST/ALT ratio in 50 patients of alcoholic liver disease group was 3.45, whereas the mean ratio in 50 patient of alcohol withdrawal was about 99. When compared statistically this ratio was significant in chronic liver disease group.Conclusions: Most of the patients with heavy alcohol drinking had high AST and alt levels. But ratio of AST/ALT levels was significant high and suggest chronic liver disease secondary to alcohol.

Protective Effect of Ficus pandurata Extract on Alcohol-induced Acute Liver Injury Base on Pyroptosis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To study the protective effect of Ficus pandurata extract on acute alcoholic liver injury based on pyroptosis mechanism.Method:The 56 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group， model control group， positive control group（60 mg·kg-1）， fresh medicine water extract group（48 g·kg-1）， dry drug water extract group（48 g·kg-1），dry drug 50% alcohol extract group（48 g·kg-1） and dry drug 95% alcohol extract group （48 g·kg-1）， 8 mice in each group.Positive control and different solvent extract groups of Ficus tenuifolia were intragastrically administrated for 18 days，once a day，while normal group and model group were given the same volume of pure water intragastrically. After 15 days of continuous gavage， mice received 50％ ethanol（12 mL·kg-1）intragastrically for 3 days to induce acute alcoholic liver injury model except for the normal control group. At 14 h after the last treatment，serum and liver samples were obtained，the serum content of alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate transaminase（AST） were determined， the histopathologic changes of the hepatic tissues were observed by hematoxylin ecosin（HE） staining.The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver was determined by thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and the content of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was determined by microplate method. Western blot and TUNEL assay kit was used to detect the cell pyroptosis rate.Result:Compared with normal group， ALT， AST， MDA and LDH levels in the model group were significantly increased， liver index was significantly increased，TUNEL staining positive， inflammatory factors and pyroptosis related protein expressions were significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with model control group， the ALT，AST ，MDA and LDH of the drug intervention group decreased significantly （P<0.05）. The liver index decreased in different degrees， and the expression of inflammatory factors and pyroptosis related protein in the water extract treatment group decreased significantly （P<0.05）.Conclusion:The root extract of Ficus pandurata Hance has protective effect on acute alcoholic liver injury， and the mechanism of water extract might relate to inhibiting hepatocyte pyroptosis.

Alcoholic Liver Diseases: General Diagnostic Approach

Introduction: Alcohol is consumed all over the world. Itis toxic to liver. It causes different liver problems, like fattyliver, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. The disorders causedby alcohol use are main causes of mortality and morbidity.Excessive consumption of alcohol is one of the top 5 riskfactors for death and disability globally. The present studywas conducted to diagnose alcoholic liver diseases so thatby proper approach patient can be brought to normal life.Material and methods: This prospective observational studycomprising of 50 patients was conducted at SHKM Govt.Medical College, Nalhar, Haryana from April 2018 to March2019. The detail history, Audit scoring, physical examinations,lab investigations and ultrasound studies were done. Properethical norms were maintained and statistical analysis wascarried out.Results: Out of total of 50 patients, 12% patients wereasymptomatic, 68% patients had fatty liver on the basis ofultrasonography and AST and ALT levels. 12% patients hadalcoholic hepatitis and 8% patients had cirrhosis. AST andALT were raised in most patients. AUDIT score was morethan 8 in all patients of alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.Discussion: Alcoholic liver disease affects only smallpercentage of regular drinkers. Since alcoholic liver diseasein most of the patients is potentially reversible, hence afterproper diagnosis and with a sober approach, regular efforts,psychological counselling and use of pharmacological agentswe can treat the patients of alcoholic liver disease and bringthem to the normal life, which is the aim of this study.

Biochemical and Hematological Impact of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infected Persons on Antiretroviral Drugs (ARDs) in Nigeria

Introduction: Biochemical and hematological abnormalities are among most common clinico-pathological manifestations of HIV/AIDS infected persons on antiretroviral drugs (ARDs). Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection are known to influence progression and management of HIV infection. Data are limited regarding the impact of ARDs on HIV/HCV co-infected persons in Nigeria. Hence, this study evaluated the biochemical and hematological impact of HCV on prognosis of HIV persons taking ARDs. Materials and Methods: 2,322 HIV infected persons were screened for HCV. One hundred and nine were co-infected with HCV; and were cross-sectional monitored on ARDs for fifteen months at hospitals in North Central Nigeria for changes in clinical profiles. The determination of Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), Packed cell volume (PCV) and White blood cells count (WBC) estimations were reviewed every 3 months for each of the person using Reflotron plus machine and hematological analyzer according to the manufacturer抯 instructions. Results: The results showed an increase in both HIV mono-infected and co-infected patients, with raised in AST from 18.46�73 to 34.32�6053U/l, ALT from 19.37�6804 to 34.87�5637U/l, PCV from 34.20�2998 to 34.89�4895% and WBC from 3.50x109�0816 to 6.67x109�1204 cells/L and AST from 17.35�1542 to 34.49�0981U/l, ALT from 17.67�1412 to 34.80�15U/l, PCV from 36.74�2902 to 38.37�4399% and WBC from 3.90x109�0251 to 6.19x109�0178 cells/L. Conclusion: It was found that PCV and WBC count values were positively affected despite HCV replication and AST and ALT enzyme levels for both HIV-mono and co-infected persons were slightly elevated. Therefore, efforts addressing viral hepatitis co-infections at the early stage of ARDs initiation under qualified clinician should be of paramount important.

Redox-sensitive prodrug nanoassemblies based on linoleic acid-modified docetaxel to resist breast cancers

Prodrug nanoassemblies, which can refrain from large excipients, achieve higher drug loading and control drug release, have been placed as the priority in drug delivery system. Reasoning that glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly upgraded in tumor tissues which makes them attractive targets for drug delivery system, we designed and synthetized a novel prodrug which utilized mono thioether bond as a linker to bridge linoleic acid (LA) and docetaxel (DTX). This mono thioether-linked conjugates (DTX-S-LA) could self-assemble into nanoparticles without the aid of much excipients. The mono thioether endowed the nanoparticles redox sensitivity resulting in specific release at the tumor tissue. Our studies demonstrated that the nanoassemblies had uniform particle size, high stability and fast release behavior. DTX-S-LA nanoassemblies outperformed DTX solution in pharmacokinetic profiles for it had longer circulation time and higher area under curve (AUC). Compared with DTX solution, the redox dual-responsive nanoassemblies had comparable cytotoxic activity. Besides, the antitumor efficacy was evaluated in mice bearing 4T1 xenograft. It turned out this nanoassemblies could enhance anticancer efficacy by increasing the dose because of higher tolerance. Overall, these results indicated that the redox sensitivity nanoassemblies may have a great potential to cancer therapy.

Ablation of gut microbiota alleviates obesity-induced hepatic steatosis and glucose intolerance by modulating bile acid metabolism in hamsters

Since metabolic process differs between humans and mice, studies were performed in hamsters, which are generally considered to be a more appropriate animal model for studies of obesity-related metabolic disorders. The modulation of gut microbiota, bile acids and the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) axis is correlated with obesity-induced insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in mice. However, the interactions among the gut microbiota, bile acids and FXR in metabolic disorders remained largely unexplored in hamsters. In the current study, hamsters fed a 60% high-fat diet (HFD) were administered vehicle or an antibiotic cocktail by gavage twice a week for four weeks. Antibiotic treatment alleviated HFD-induced glucose intolerance, hepatic steatosis and inflammation accompanied with decreased hepatic lipogenesis and elevated thermogenesis in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT). In the livers of antibiotic-treated hamsters, cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily B member 1 (CYP7B1) in the alternative bile acid synthesis pathway was upregulated, contributing to a more hydrophilic bile acid profile with increased tauro--muricholic acid (TMCA). The intestinal FXR signaling was suppressed but remained unchanged in the liver. This study is of potential translational significance in determining the role of gut microbiota-mediated bile acid metabolism in modulating diet-induced glucose intolerance and hepatic steatosis in the hamster.

Injectable peptide hydrogel as intraperitoneal triptolide depot for the treatment of orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma

Chemotherapy is among the limited choices approved for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at intermediate and advanced stages. Preferential and prolonged drug exposure in diseased sites is required to maximize the therapeutic index of the drug. Here, we report an injectable supramolecular peptide hydrogel as an intraperitoneal depot for localized and sustained release of triptolide for the treatment of orthotopic HCC. We chose peptide amphiphile C-GNNQQNYKD-OH-based nanofibers as gelators and carriers for triptolide. Sustained triptolide release from the hydrogel was achieved over 14 days , with higher accumulation in and cytotoxicity against human HCC Bel-7402 in comparison with L-02 fetal hepatocytes. After intraperitoneal injection, the hydrogel showed prolonged retention over 13 days and preferential accumulation in the liver, realizing HCC growth inhibition by 99.7 ± 0.1% and animal median survival extension from 19 to 43 days, without causing noticeable pathological changes in the major organs. These results demonstrate that injectable peptide hydrogel can be a potential carrier for localized chemotherapy of HCC.

Effect of simvastatin on the transforming growth factor β1, fibroscan scores, and aspartate transaminase to platelet index ratio patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Background: Cirrhosis of the liver is the liver disorder marked fibrosis and abnormal liver architecture. Treatment of liver cirrhosis, among others, is to reduce fibrogenesis. Simvastatin as an anti-fibrotic among others, by a mechanism reduce the activity of hepatic stellate cell of the liver, reduce cell proliferation liver stelat, increases the production of nitric oxide and decrease vascular resistance in the liver cirrhosis. Aim: This research to determine effect of simvastatin on the transforming growth factor β1, fibroscan scores, and aspartate transaminase to platelet index ratio patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods: This study is a randomized experiment, a sample of 30 people, divided into a control group given a placebo and the treatment given simvastatin 20 mg / day orally for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment measured levels of TGF β1, FibroScan score, and a score of APRI. Statistical analysis using SPSS 22 for windows. Two different test mean using parametric tests (independent t test, paired t test) and if the data is normally distributed variable or non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney / Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test). P significant if p <0.05. Results: The results showed that the administration of simvastatin 20 mg for 4 weeks will reduce levels TGF β1 (20,98+7,80 µg/dl pretreatment, 16,20+5,50µg/dl post treatment; p=0,013), reduce fibroscan scores (22,29+14,65 kpa pretreatment, 13,61+4,02 kpa post treatment; p=0,049) and reduce APRI scores (40,13+41,28 pretreatment, 23,41+17,61 post treatment; p=0,002). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that administration Simvastatin will be reduced levels of the transforming growth factor β1, fibroscan scores, and aspartate transaminase to platelet index ratio patients with liver cirrhosis.

The aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index( APRI) as a risk factor and predictor for sepsis-asso-ciated liver injury in children / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective To investigate the association and predictive value of aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index(APRI) in sepsis-associated liver injury(SALI). Methods We retrospectively ana-lyzed the medical records of patients with sepsis admitted to PICU in Shanghai Children′s Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University from April 2015 to March 2017. According to whether liver injury occurred in the sepsis patients during hospitalization,all the patients were divided into SALI group (n=34) and sepsis group(n=222). The clinical characteristics,serological indexes within 24 hours in the PICU,and the ratio of aspartate transaminase to alanine transaminase( AAR) and APRI were collected and analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic( ROC) curve was used to evaluate the power of APRI for the prediction of SALI. Results (1)A total of 256 patients were enrolled in this study. There were 34 cases with SALI,and there were 222 patients with sepsis only,the incidence of SALI was 13. 3％. (2) The values of APRI and AAR were both higher in the SALI group compared with the sepsis group[APRI:7. 12(1. 71,26. 96) vs. 0. 38 (0. 21,0. 83),P<0. 001;AAR:1. 43(0. 94,2. 69) vs. 2. 17(1. 35,2. 96),P<0. 05]. (3)The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that total bilirubin, APRI, AAR and platelet were the independent risk factors of SALI(P<0. 05). (4)In addition,the area under the ROC curve(AUC)for the APRI was 0. 891 (95％CI 0. 815-0. 966,P<0. 001),cut-off value was 1. 73,which was superior to total bilirubin(AUC =0. 744,95％CI 0. 634-0. 853,P<0. 001) and platelet(AUC=0. 726,95％CI 0. 611-0. 841,P<0. 001). The clinical sensitivity and specificity of the APRI for identification of SALI from sepsis was 80. 0％ and 92. 2％, respectively. Conclusion APRI is an independently risk factor for the occurrence of SALI and is a precursory marker for SALI.

Correlations of Serum Markers of Hepatitis B Virus,HBV DNA Load and Liver Function / 华中科技大学学报(医学版)

Objective To investigate the correlations of serum markers of hepatitis B virus,HBV DNA load and liver function indexes[alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate transaminase(AST)]in the peripheral blood.Methods Clinical data of 483 patients who were diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B and treated between March 2014 and March 2016 in Tongji hospital were retrospectively analyzed.The serum markers of hepatitis B virus were quantitatively detected by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.Serum HBV DNA load was measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR,and ALT and AST by continuous ultraviolet monitoring.Results There was no correlation between the HBsAg content and HBV DNA load or the rates of abnormal ALT(>41 U/L)and abnormal AST(>35 U/L)(P>0.05).The HBeAg content was not correlated with HBV DNA load and the rates of abnormal ALT(P>0.05),but weakly with the rate of abnormal AST(r=0.21,P0.05),it was weakly related to HBV DNA load and the rates of abnormal AST(r=0.16,P<0.05;r=0.19,P<0.01).The anti-HBc content had weak correlations with HBV DNA load,the rates of abnormal ALT and abnormal AST(r=0.25,P<0.01;r=0.29,P<0.01;r=0.29,P<0.01).The logarithm value of HBV DNA load was weakly positively correlated with ALT and AST(r=0.24;r=0.29).Conclusion Quantitative detection of both serum markers and the DNA of hepatitis B virus can complement each other,and when combined with detection of liver function indexes,it will help understand the damage of liver tissue.

Evaluation of Serum Transaminases in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background Liver is the central hub for metabolism. Liver dysfunction in diabetes mellitus is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality. Periodical evaluation of transaminases helps in early diagnosis of liver dysfunction. Aim The aim of the present study is to measure aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) in known cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to compare the values with matched controls. Settings and Design Institutional cross-sectional observation study. Methods & Material Study was done in 100 known cases of T2DM and in 30 controls. Age, AST, ALT and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were recorded, analysed and compared between two groups. Statistical Analysis Data was analysed using Microsoft Excel 2007 and SPSS trial version 16.0. Results Significant difference between FPG, AST, ALT and age were observed between two groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion The results from our study showed that there are elevated levels of ALT and ASTs among T2DM patients when compared with normal individuals.

Preoperative Aspartate Transaminase and Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) as a predictor of postoperative complications after hepatic resection for primary hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To investigate the predictive value of preoperative Aspartate Transaminase and Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) for postoperative complications in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver resection.Methods The clinical data of 278 patients who underwent hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma from January 2010 to December 2013 were retrospectively analyzed.The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the cutoff value of APRI.Based on this preoperative APRI,patients were divided into the low-risk group (APRI ≤ 0.37) and the high-risk group (APRI ＞ 0.37).Using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression,21 risk factors that might be relevant to postoperative complications were analyzed.Results 159 patients (57.2％) developed postoperative complications.The AUC for APRI in predicting complications was 0.677 (0.615-0.740,P ＜ 0.05).At a cutoff value of APRI at 0.37,the sensitivity was 0.616 and the specificity was 0.697.Univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis showed that APRI (P ＜ 0.05,OR =2.138),degree of ASA (P ＜ 0.05,OR =1.864),prognostic nutritional index (PNI) (P ＜ 0.05,OR =0.354) and volume of blood loss during operation (P ＜ 0.05,OR =2.836) were independent risk factors of postoperative complications.Conclusions A high APRI (＞ 0.37) was a simple and practicable preoperative index to predict postoperative complications in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy.

Cytoprotective effect of silymarin against diabetes-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in diabetic rats / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The beneficial effects of silymarin have been extensively studied in the context of inflammation and cancer treatment, yet much less is known about its therapeutic effect on diabetes. The present study was aimed to investigate the cytoprotective activity of silymarin against diabetes-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rats were randomly divided into: control group, untreated diabetes group and diabetes group treated with silymarin (120 mg/kg•d) for 10 d. Rats were sacrificed, and the cardiac muscle specimens and blood samples were collected. The immunoreactivity of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 in the cardiomyocytes was measured. Total proteins, glucose, insulin, creatinine, AST, ALT, cholesterol, and triglycerides levels were estimated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Unlike the treated diabetes group, cardiomyocyte apoptosis increased in the untreated rats, as evidenced by enhanced caspase-3 and declined Bcl-2 activities. The levels of glucose, creatinine, AST, ALT, cholesterol, and triglycerides declined in the treated rats. The declined levels of insulin were enhanced again after treatment of diabetic rats with silymarin, reflecting a restoration of the pancreatic β-cells activity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The findings of this study are of great importance, which confirmed for the first time that treatment of diabetic subjects with silymarin may protect cardiomyocytes against apoptosis and promote survival-restoration of the pancreatic β-cells.</p>

Genome-Wide Association Study of Liver Enzymes in Korean Children

Liver enzyme elevations, as an indicator of liver function, are widely associated with metabolic diseases. Genome-wide population-based association studies have identified a genetic susceptibility to liver enzyme elevations and their related traits; however, the genetic architecture in childhood remains largely unknown. We performed a genome-wide association study to identify new genetic loci for liver enzyme levels in a Korean childhood cohort (n = 484). We observed three novel loci (rs4949718, rs80311637, and rs596406) that were multiply associated with elevated levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase. Although there are some limitations, including genetic power, additional replication and functional characterization will support the clarity on the genetic contribution that the ST6GALNAC3, ADAMTS9, and CELF2 genes have in childhood liver function.

Importance of cardiac marker enzymes (Aspartate transaminase and troponin I) in acute myocardial infarction: A case-control study from South India .

Background: Cardiac marker enzymes are measured to evaluate the heart function. The diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction can be achieved by electrocardiogram (ECG) changes and elevation of cardiac marker enzymes like creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST) and troponin I. Objective: To estimates the levels of AST and troponin I among patients of acute myocardial infarction, and to compare with those among health controls. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out among 50 cases of acute myocardial infarction and 50 age and sex matched healthy individuals. Serum samples of cases, collected after 5 hours and within 24 hours from the onset of chest pain and of controls were analyzed for AST by modified IFCC method and for troponin I by chemiluminescence – sandwich method. Results: The mean levels of AST and troponin I in cases and controls revealed that mean levels of AST and cardiac troponin I in cases (296.02±SD 135.69 IU/L and 57.34±SD 12.83 ng/ml, erspectively) are significantly higher than among controls (25.50±SD 6.22 IU/L and 0.31±SD 0.15 ng/ml, respectively). The differences between cases and controls are statistically significant (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The diagnostic efficiency of AST and troponin I were superior because they are specific to myocardial injury.