An Open-label Prospective Noncomparative Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Beliv: An Ayurvedic Medicine in Improving Liver Function

An open-label prospective noncomparative study was conducted to examine the efficacy and safety of Beliv tablet, a polyherbal Ayurvedic medicine, in 30 adult patients suffering from liver disorders. Two tablets were administered daily for 56 days. Patients were evaluated at Day 0, Day 21, Day 42 and at Day 56. The primary end point of the study was a change in liver function test parameters measured by the levels of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and total bilirubin at all assessment points. Results showed a significant reduction in the serum levels of SGOT, SGPT and total bilirubin from baseline to 21 days, 42 days and 56 days. The total icterus symptom score was also significantly reduced from 5.17 ± 2.26 (baseline) to 2.6 ± 1.48, 1.37 ± 1.13 and 0.77 ± 0.73 at Days 21, 42 and 56, respectively. The Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) decreased significantly from 3.33 ± 1.16 (Day 21) to 2.33 ± 1.16 and 1.80 ± 0.76 at Days 42 and 56, respectively. The Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score was also significantly reduced from 3.0 ± 1.02 (Day 21) to 2.07 ± 0.83 and 1.70 ± 0.79 at Days 42 and 56, respectively. A significant reduction in serum creatinine level was observed at Day 56. No adverse effects or serious adverse effects were observed during the study period. The study concluded that Beliv tablet was highly effective for the treatment of liver disorders, as evidenced by the reduction in serum levels of SGOT, SGPT, total bilirubin, icterus symptoms and PGA and SGA scores. No treatment-related side effects were reported by any of the study participants suggesting that it was safe for clinical use in humans for the treatment of liver disorders.

Gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19 in a Colombian population. A cross-sectional study

Introduction: gastrointestinal involvement in COVID-19 occurs in approximately 20% of patients and may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or abnormal liver function tests. In our country, the characteristics of gastrointestinal involvement in COVID-19 patients have not been studied. Objectives: to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal and liver involvement in patients with COVID-19 treated at two hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia. To determine the association between COVID-19 gastrointestinal involvement and length of hospital stay, severity and mortality. Design and methodology: a cross-sectional study carried out at two hospitals in a hospital subnetwork in Bogotá, Colombia from February 2020 to March 2021. Results: a total of 1,176 patients with a positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were included. Gastrointestinal manifestations occurred in 50% (95%CI 47-52%), with the most frequent being diarrhea in 18.4%, odynophagia in 17.6%, anorexia in 14.7% and abdominal pain in 8.8%. An association was found between diarrhea during hospitalization and prolonged hospitalization (OR 1.93 95%CI 1.19-3.13), and between gastrointestinal bleeding on admission and death (OR 3.13, 95%CI 1.1-9.1), among others. Abnormal liver function tests occurred in 46% (95%CI 43-49%) and were more frequent in patients with severe disease and those who died. Conclusions: the prevalence of gastrointestinal manifestations in patients with COVID-19 was 50%. Diarrhea was associated with a longer hospital stay, and gastrointestinal bleeding was associated with respiratory failure and death. Forty-six percent of patients had abnormal liver function tests, with elevated transaminases being the most frequent. Elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) on admission was associated with greater mortality. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2729).

Application and progress of 99Tc m-GSA and 99Tc m-mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy in liver reserve function assessment / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

The liver reserve function refers to the compensatory ability to maintain liver function after damage, providing implication for the resection of hepatic malignant tumor. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy imaging can provide quantitative evaluation of liver blood perfusion, and has advantages on the evaluation of liver reserve function and the prediction of postoperative complications. 99Tc m-galactosyl serum albumin (GSA) and 99Tc m-mebrofenin are commonly used imaging agents for hepatobiliary scintigraphy imaging assessment of liver reserve function. This article reviews the application and progress of hepatobiliary scintigraphy in liver reserve function assessment.

Correlation between peak viral load and liver function damage in children with infectious mononucleosis induced by Epstein-Barr virus / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the relationship between the peak load of Epstein-Barr virus (EPV) and live function damage in children with infectious mononucleosis caused by EPV.Methods:Eighty children with infectious mononucleosis caused by EPV who received treatment in Pingxiang People's Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 were included in this study. Five mL of venous blood was taken from each child for detecting the peak load of EBV-DNA and liver function indicators. These children were divided into a low-load group ( n = 25, EBV-DNA load < 10 4 copies/mL), a medium-load group ( n = 34, EBV-DNA load of 10 4-10 5 copies/mL), and a high-load group ( n = 21, EBV-DNA load > 10 5 copies/mL) according to the peak EBV-DNA load. The relationships between different peak loads of EBV-DNA and live function, age, and sex were analyzed. Results:The rate of liver dysfunction in the high-load group [85.71% (18/21)] was significantly higher than [38.24% (13/34)] in the medium-load group and [20.00% (5/25)] in the low-load group ( χ2 = 11.90, 19.71, P = 0.001, P < 0.001). Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in the high-load group were (156.24 ± 13.21) U/L and (171.69 ± 13.49) U/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than (125.89 ± 10.54) U/L and (143.26 ± 10.29) U/L in the medium-load group and (89.64 ± 6.75) U/L and (64.89 ± 5.74) U/L] in the low-load group (all P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the peak load of EBV-DNA between children of different ages and between children of different sexes (both P > 0.05). Conclusion:Children with infectious mononucleosis caused by EPV have a high EBV-DNA peak load. A higher peak load of EVB-DNA indicates a higher risk of liver function damage. More attention should be paid in clinical practice. Effective diagnosis and treatment should be performed in time to control the patient's condition as early as possible.

Níveis séricos de vitamina D e alterações hepáticas em pacientes com malária na região Amazônica / Serum levels of vitamin d and hepatic changes in patients with malaria in the Amazon region / Niveles séricos de vitamina d y alteraciones hepáticas en pacientes con malaria en la Amazonia

Vários estudos sugerem a importância da vitamina D ­ 25(OH)D ­ na evolução clínica dos pacientes com malária. Entretanto, a prevalência de deficiência de 25(OH)D na população amazônica é pouco conhecida, havendo também poucos estudos com pacientes diagnosticados com malária. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os níveis séricos de 25(OH)D em pacientes com malária e sua relação com dados epidemiológicos, parasitológico e provas de função hepática. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo transversal analítico com um grupo de pacientes com malária e um grupo controle no município de Itaituba (PA), Brasil, no período de janeiro de 2018 a outubro de 2019. Elaborou-se um protocolo para avaliação dos dados sociodemográficos, parasitológicos e laboratoriais, adotando-se o nível de significância de 5%. A prevalência de deficiência de 25(OH)D foi observada nos pacientes com malária (28,5%) e no grupo controle (24,6%), sem diferença estatística; porém, entre os residentes no garimpo, os níveis séricos foram estatisticamente menores nos pacientes com malária. Os níveis séricos de transaminase glutâmico-pirúvica (TGP) apresentaram correlação inversa com os de 25(OH)D. As provas de função hepática foram significativamente maiores no grupo com malária. Dessa forma, este estudo evidenciou a deficiência de 25(OH)D em Itaituba. Alterações hepáticas pela infecção plasmodial podem ter contribuído para a correlação inversa observada entre os níveis de TGP e 25(OH)D.

Several studies suggest the importance of vitamin D ­ 25(OH)D ­ in the clinical evolution of patients with malaria. However, the prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency in the Amazonian population is little known, and studies with patients diagnosed with malaria are scarce. Thus the objective of this study is to evaluate the serum levels of 25(OH)D in patients with malaria and its relationship with epidemiological and parasitological data and liver function tests. To that end, an analytical cross-sectional study was carried out with a group of patients with malaria and a control group in the municipality of Itaituba (PA), Brazil, from January 2018 to October 2019. A protocol was elaborated for the evaluation of sociodemographic, parasitological, and laboratory data, adopting a significance level of 5%. Results: The prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency was observed in patients with malaria (28.5%) and in the control group (24.6%), with no statistical difference; however, among residents in the mining, serum levels were statistically lower in patients with malaria. The glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) serum levels showed an inverse correlation with 25(OH)D levels. Liver function tests were significantly higher in the malaria group. Thus, this study evidenced 25(OH)D deficiency in Itaituba. Hepatic changes due to plasmodial infection may have contributed to the inverse correlation observed between GPT and 25(OH)D levels.

Diversos estudios sugieren la importancia de la vitamina D ­[25(OH)D]­ en la evolución clínica de pacientes con malaria. Sin embargo, la prevalencia de la deficiencia de 25(OH)D en la población amazónica es poco conocida y existen pocos estudios en pacientes con malaria. Ante esto, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los niveles séricos de 25(OH)D en pacientes con malaria y su relación con datos epidemiológicos, parasitológicos y pruebas de función hepática. Para ello, se realizó un estudio transversal analítico en el grupo de pacientes con malaria y en un grupo control en el municipio de Itaituba (PA), Brasil, de enero de 2018 a octubre de 2019. Se elaboró un protocolo para la evaluación de datos sociodemográficos, parasitológicos y de laboratorio, adoptando un nivel de significancia del 5%. La prevalencia de deficiencia de 25(OH)D se observó en pacientes con malaria (28,5%) y en el grupo control (24,6%), sin diferencia estadística; sin embargo, entre los residentes en la minería, los niveles séricos fueron estadísticamente inferiores en pacientes con malaria. Los niveles séricos de transaminasa glutámico pirúvica (TGP) mostraron una correlación inversa con los niveles de 25(OH)D. Las pruebas de función hepática fueron significativamente más altas en el grupo de malaria. De esta manera, se evidenció deficiencia de 25(OH)D en la población de Itaituba. Los cambios hepáticos debido a la infección plasmodial pueden haber contribuido a la correlación inversa observada entre los niveles de TGP y 25(OH)D.

Drug-induced liver injury after covid-19 mRNA vaccine: case report

Case description: A 22-year-old female patient received the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (RNAm) against COVID-19; 6 days later, she presented abdominal pain located in the right hypochondrium and epigastrium, associated with emetic episodes. Re-consultation 21 days later due to the same symptoms; three days after the second dose of the vaccine was administered. Clinical findings: Pain on palpation in the right hypochondrium. Laboratories reported hepatocellular lesion and cholestasis, with negative amylase, hepatotropic virus and autoimmune hepatitis tests. Liver and biliary tract ultrasound and cholangioresonance were normal. Treatment and Results: Hyoscine and intravenous fluids as support therapy. She presented improvement in abdominal pain and progressive decrease of transaminases and bilirubin levels until normalization, and was discharged on the fifth day of hospitalization. A drug-associated hepatotoxicity (DILI) diagnosis was considered probable, in this case, secondary to vaccination against COVID-19. Clinical Relevance: The current SARS CoV-2 pandemic has spurred the development of new vaccines, the safety of which remains a concern. There is a likely causal relationship between vaccination and liver involvement in this clinical case, rather than simply a sporadic occurrence.

Descripción del caso: Paciente femenina de 22 años, quien recibió primera dosis de vacuna Pfizer-BioNTech (RNAm) contra COVID-19; presenta 6 días después, dolor abdominal localizado en hipocondrio derecho y epigastrio, asociado a episodios eméticos. Reconsulta a los 21 días por la misma sintomatología; tres días posteriores a la aplicación de la segunda dosis de la vacuna. Hallazgos clínicos: dolor a la palpación en hipocondrio derecho. Los laboratorios reportaron lesión hepatocelular y colestasis, con amilasa, estudios para virus hepatotrópos y hepatitis autoinmune negativos. La ecografía de hígado, vías biliares y colangioresonancia fueron normales. Tratamiento y Resultados: hioscina 20 mg vía oral cada 8 horas y líquidos endovenosos como terapia de soporte. Presentó mejoría del dolor abdominal y descenso progresivo de transaminasas y bilirrubinas, hasta su normalización y se dio egreso al quinto día de hospitalización. Se consideró probable diagnóstico de hepatotoxicidad asociada a medicamentos (DILI), en este caso, secundario a la vacunación contra COVID-19. Relevancia Clínica: La pandemia actual por el virus SARS CoV-2 ha impulsado el desarrollo de nuevas vacunas, cuya seguridad sigue siendo un motivo de preocupación. En este caso clínico, hay una probable relación causal entre la vacunación y el compromiso hepático, en lugar de una simple aparición esporádica.

Liver function tests in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increasing day by day. Smoking is the major causative agent for COPD. The present study undertaken to estimate the deterioration of liver functions in COPD patients due to smoking. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to investigate various liver function tests (LFTs) such as total bilirubin, alanine amino transferase/serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), aspartate amino transferase/SGPT, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum ammonia, and serum albumin among COPD patients. To correlate LFTs with forced expiratory volume at end of 1 second (FEV1) and FEV1/Forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio. Materials and Methods: In our present study, we selected 86 cases of COPD in the age group of 41–60 years. All subjects were smokers and having FEV1 <80% and FEV1/FVC <70%. A control group consists of 55 healthy individuals. LFTs were studied. FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio were correlated with LFTs. Statistical analysis done using SPSS software 20.0 Windows version. Results: Mean level of SGPT among cases was 117 ± 10.23 IU/L against controls who had mean SGPT 11.16 ± 8.32 which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Likewise, mean level of s. ammonia among cases was 154 ± 10.22 mcg/dl as compare to controls who had mean 24.43 ± 7.97 mcg/dl (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found in rest of the LFTs. Furthermore, there was no correlation between altered LFTs and severity of COPD. Conclusion: LFTs are significantly altered in COPD patients due to smoking. Corticosteroids treatment must not be initiated without investigating LFTs among COPD patients.

Pattern of liver function test variations in COVID-19 infection & its clinical significance: A study from a dedicated COVID-19 tertiary care centre from India

Background & objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and other systems disease. Studies describing liver involvement and liver function test (LFT) abnormalities are sparse from our population. This study was undertaken to estimate the LFT abnormalities in patients with COVID-19 in a tertiary care set up in India. Methods: In this retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care centre in Mumbai, India, all consecutive patients with proven COVID-19 by reverse transcriptase–PCR from March 23 to October 31, 2020 were enrolled. Of the 3280 case records profiled, 1474 cases were included in the study. Clinical characteristics, biochemical parameters and outcomes were recorded. Results: Overall 681 (46%) patient had deranged LFTs. Hepatocellular type of injury was most common (93%). Patients with deranged LFTs had more probability of developing severe disease (P<0.001) and mortality (P<0.001). Advanced age (P<0.001), male gender (P<0.001), diabetes mellitus (P<0.001), lower oxygen saturation levels at admission (P<0.001), higher neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (P<0.001), history of diabetes mellitus and cirrhosiss were associated with deranged LFTs. Acute liver injury was seen in 65 (4.3%) cases on admission and 57 (3.5%) cases during hospital stay. On multivariate analysis for predicting mortality, age >60 yr serum creatinine >2 mg%, PaO2/FiO2 ratio ?200 and raised AST >50 IU/l (OR: 2.34, CI: 1.59-3.48, P<0.001) were found to be significant. Interpretation & conclusions: In COVID-19, LFT abnormalities were common, and derangement increased as severity progressed. The presence of deranged LFT worsens the clinical outcome and predicts in-hospital mortality.

Liver abscess: A case study

Liver abscess is a suppurative lesion in the liver formed as a result of invasion and multiplication of microorganisms which gain access by entering directly from an injury through the blood vessels or by the biliary ductal system/ septicemia, direct infection latrogenic & cryptogenic. It can be diagnosed by comparing the lab values with the diseased condition such as hemoglobin (10.9g/dl), neutrophils (83), ESR (120mm), Serum albumin (3.4g/dl), ALP (245U/L), Gamma GT (347U/L), prothrombin time (25.2 seconds), APTT (37.9 seconds). By performing the above tests, we have confirmed that the patient was suffering from liver abscess.

A realização sistemática de biópsia hepática deveria ser considerada na prática cirúrgica bariátrica? Uma análise das limitações de marcadores não-invasivos de DHGNA / Should routine liver biopsy be considered in bariatric surgical practice? an analysis of the limitations of non-invasive nafld markers

ABSTRACT Background Non-invasive markers are useful and practical tools for assessing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but liver biopsy remains the gold-standard method. Liver biopsy can be easily obtained on individuals undergoing bariatric surgery, but there is no ultimate evidence on the relationship between costs, risks and benefits of its systematic performance. Objective To compare the diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive methods with liver biopsy for detection and staging of NAFLD in obese individuals undergoing bariatric surgery. Methods This is a cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study which enrolled individuals who underwent bariatric surgery from 2018 through 2019 at a public tertiary university hospital. Ultrasound scan, hepatic steatosis index, Clinical Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Score (C-NASH), hypertension, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and insulin resistance (HAIR), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI), NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS) and body mass index, AST/ALT ratio, and diabetes (BARD) were the methods compared with the histopathological examination of wedge liver biopsies collected during surgery. Results Of 104 individuals analyzed, 91 (87.5%) were female. The mean age was 34.9±9.7 years. There was no biopsy-related morbidity. The respective overall accuracies of each marker analyzed were: ultrasound scan (79.81% for steatosis), hepatic steatosis index (79.81% for steatosis), HAIR (40.23% for steatohepatitis), C-NASH (22.99% for steatohepatitis), APRI (94.23% for advanced fibrosis), NFS (94.23% for advanced fibrosis), and BARD (16.35% for advanced fibrosis). Discussion Given the high prevalence of liver disease within this population, even the most accurate markers did not present enough discretionary power to detect and/or rule out the NAFLD aspects they were designed to assess in comparison with liver biopsy, which is safe and easy to obtain in these patients. Conclusion Wedge liver biopsy during bariatric surgery helps to diagnose and stage NAFLD, presents low risks and acceptable costs; given the limitations of non-invasive methods, it is justifiable and should be considered in bariatric routine.

RESUMO Contexto Marcadores não-invasivos são ferramentas úteis e práticas para avaliar a doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA), porém, a biópsia hepática continua sendo o método padrão-ouro. A biópsia pode ser facilmente obtida em indivíduos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica, mas não há evidências definitivas acerca da relação entre custos, riscos e benefícios de sua realização sistemática. Objetivo Comparar a acurácia diagnóstica de métodos não-invasivos com a biópsia hepática para detecção e estadiamento da DHGNA em obesos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal, observacional e descritivo que envolveu indivíduos que se submeteram à cirurgia bariátrica de 2018 a 2019 em um hospital universitário público terciário. Ultrassonografia (US), índice de esteatose hepática (HSI), Escore Clínico de Esteato-hepatite Não-Alcoólica (C-NASH), Índice de Hipertensão, alanina aminotransferase (ALT) e resistência à insulina (HAIR), Razão entre aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e plaquetas (APRI), Escore de Fibrose da DHGNA (NFS) e índice de massa corporal (IMC), relação AST/ALT e diabetes (BARD) foram os métodos comparados com o exame histopatológico de biópsias hepáticas em cunha coletadas durante a cirurgia. Resultados De 104 indivíduos analisados, 91 (87,5%) eram do sexo feminino. A média de idade foi de 34,9±9,7 anos. Não houve morbidade relacionada à biópsia. As respectivas acurácias globais de cada marcador analisado foram: US (79,81% para esteatose), HSI (79,81% para esteatose), HAIR (40,23% para esteato-hepatite), C-NASH (22,99% para esteato-hepatite), APRI (94,23% para fibrose avançada), NFS (94,23% para fibrose avançada) e BARD (16,35% para fibrose avançada). Discussão: Considerando a alta prevalência de doença hepática nesta população, mesmo os mais acurados destes marcadores não apresentaram poder discricionário suficiente para detectar e/ou descartar os aspectos da DHGNA que foram desenvolvidos para avaliar em comparação com a biópsia hepática, que é segura e de fácil obtenção nestes pacientes. Conclusão A biópsia hepática em cunha durante a cirurgia bariátrica auxilia no diagnóstico e estadiamento da DHGNA, apresenta baixo risco e custos aceitáveis e, dadas as limitações dos métodos não-invasivos, é justificável e deve ser considerada na rotina bariátrica.

Changes in liver function test levels in HIV patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Longitudinal study in Lima, Peru / Cambios en los valores de las pruebas de función hepática en pacientes con VIH en terapia antirretroviral de gran actividad (TARGA). Estudio longitudinal en Lima, Perú

Abstract Introduction: Estimating and monitoring changes in liver function tests is necessary to prevent the occurrence of chronic liver disease in HIV patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Objective: To determine the variation liver profile test levels in HIV patients undergoing HAART. Materials and methods: Retrospective longitudinal study conducted in 100 HIV patients treated at the Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue, Lima, Peru, between 2015 and 2017. Patients in all stages of clinical infection under HAART and with liver function panel results for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and total protein (TP) were included. Three follow-up liver function tests (every 3 months) were performed while undergoing HAART and participants were categorized as having normal or elevated levels for all liver markers. Differences between the samples analyzed were determined using the paired-samples T test, with a 95% confidence interval and a significance level of p<0.05. Results: Participants' mean age was 33±9.56 years and 67% were male. Mean serum AST, ALT and ALP values decreased between the first and the third measurement (p=0.021, p=0.076 and p=0.002, respectively). No significant differences in GGT and TP levels were observed between the three measurements, nor between patients with normal and elevated AST, ALT, ALP and TP values, but significant differences were observed for GGT (p=0.010). Conclusions: Variations in liver marker levels were observed in all participants, with a decreasing trend in AST, ALT and ALP between the early and late stages of HAART, implying that this therapy could play a role in liver tissue damage.

Resumen Introducción. Para prevenir el desarrollo de enfermedad hepática crónica en pacientes con VIH, durante la terapia antirretroviral de gran actividad (TARGA) se deben estimar y monitorear cambios en el perfil hepático. Objetivo. Determinar la variación de las concentraciones del perfil hepático en pacientes con VIH durante la TARGA. Materiales y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo longitudinal realizado en 100 pacientes con VIH atendidos en el Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue, Lima, Perú, entre 2015 y 2017. Se incluyeron pacientes en todos los estadios de infección clínica que estuvieran recibiendo TARGA y en los que se contara con resultados del perfil hepático para alanina aminotransferasa (ALT), aspartato aminotransferasa (AST), fosfatasa alcalina (FA), gammaglutamiltranspeptidasa (GGT) y proteínas totales (PT). Se realizaron tres análisis de control de la función hepática durante la TARGA (1 cada 3 meses) y los participantes se agruparon en niveles normales y elevados para todos los marcadores hepáticos. Las diferencias entre las muestras analizadas fueron determinadas mediante la prueba t-Student para muestras relacionadas, con un intervalo de confianza de 95% y un nivel de significancia de p<0.05. Resultados. La edad promedio fue de 33±9.56 años y el 67% fueron varones. Los valores séricos promedio de AST, ALT y FA disminuyeron entre la primera y la tercera medición (p=0.021, p=0.076 y p=0.002, respectivamente). No se observaron diferencias significativas en los niveles de GGT y PT entre las tres mediciones, ni entre los pacientes con valores normales y elevados para AST, ALT, FA y PT, pero sí para GGT (p=0.010). Conclusiones. Se observaron variaciones en los niveles de los marcadores hepáticos de todos los participantes, con una tendencia a la reducción en AST, ALT y FA entre las etapas iniciales y finales de la terapia, lo que implica que la TARGA podría ejercer un rol en el daño tisular hepático.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of chronic hepatitis C complicated by fatty liver / 中国基层医药

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and risk factors of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) complicated by fatty liver.Methods:The clinical data of 258 patients with chronic hepatitis C who received treatment in The First People's Hospital of Huzhou from March 2017 to March 2021 were included in this study. They were divided into simple CHC group and CHC complicated by fatty liver group according to whether they had fatty liver. General data, liver function, coagulation function and blood lipid indexes were compared between the two groups.Results:Among 258 patients with CHC infection, 81 cases had fatty liver, accounting for 31.40%; 177 cases did not have fatty liver, accounting for 69.14%. There were no significant differences in age, sex, and history of smoking and alcohol use between the two groups (both P > 0.05). Body mass index (BMI) differed significantly between the two groups ( χ2 = 29.81, P < 0.001). BMI in the CHC complicated by fatty liver group was slightly higher than that in the simple CHC group. There were no significant differences in history of hypertension and coronary heart disease between the two groups (both P > 0.05). There were significant differences in the presence of hypertriglyceridemia and the increase of low-density lipoprotein between the two groups ( χ2 = 8.53, 6.99, P = 0.004, 0.008). There were no significant differences in the presence of hypercholesterolemia and the reduction of high-density lipoprotein (both P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in liver function indexes such as alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase between the two groups (both P > 0.05). The level of γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GGT) was significantly different between the two groups ( t =-8.71, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in activated partial thromboplastin time between the two groups ( P > 0.05). There were significant differences in prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) between the two groups [PT: (10.10 ± 0.67) seconds vs. (11.99 ± 1.33) seconds; INR: 0.91 ± 0.07 vs. 0.98 ± 0.11; t = 9.74, 4.46, both P < 0.001]. There were no significant differences in fasting blood glucose and blood uric acid levels between the two groups (both P > 0.05). Fasting insulin (FINS) differed significantly between CHC complicated by fatty liver and simple CHC groups [(16.82 ± 1.15) mlU/L vs. (12.52 ± 1.06) mlU/L, t = -24.33, P < 0.001]. The general data and clinical data were compared between the two groups. BMI, hypertriglyceridemia, high- and low-density lipoprotein, γ-GGT, PT, INR and FINS differed significantly between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression results showed that BMI ≥ 24 kg/m 2, hypertriglyceridemia, γ-GGT, PT, INR and FINS were independent risk factors for CHC complicated by fatty liver ( P = 0.017, 0.003, 0.021, 0.034, 0.004, 0.001). After 6 months of treatment, CHC RNA negative conversion rate in the simple CHC group was significantly higher than that in the CHC complicated by fatty liver group ( χ2 = 7.32, P = 0.010). Conclusion:The related risk factors of CHC complicated by fatty liver include BMI, hypertriglyceridemia, elevated low-density lipoprotein, γ-GGT, PT, INR and FINS, among which, BMI, hypertriglyceridemia, γ-GGT, PT, INR and FINS are independent risk factors. In addition, CHC complicated by fatty liver may affect the efficacy of antiviral therapy.

CT portal vein imaging combined with liver function indexes to predict the risk of bleeding from gastric fundus esophageal varices in liver cirrhosis / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To explore the value of CT portal vein imaging combined with liver function indexes in predicting the risk of esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis.Methods:A total of 82 patients with liver cirrhosis complicated with gastric fundus esophageal varices in Wanbei Coal-Electricity Group General Hospital were selected and divided into bleeding group (24 cases) and non-bleeding group (58 cases) according to the occurrence of gastric fundus esophageal varices bleeding within 6 weeks after admission. General data of the two groups, CT portal vein imaging parameters at admission including diameter of main portal vein (MPV), diameter of splenic vein (SPV), diameter of left gastric vein (LGV), serum liver function indexes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL) levels were compared between the two groups, and analyzed the value of CT portal vein imaging parameters and serum liver function indexes levels in predicting the risk of gastric fundus esophageal varices bleeding.Results:The age and diameter of MPV, SPV, LGV in bleeding group were higher than those in the non-bleeding group: (55.17 ± 12.02) years vs. (53.71 ± 10.48) years, (18.05 ± 2.74) mm vs. (15.22 ± 2.18) mm, (13.68 ± 1.35) mm vs. (12.26 ± 1.43) mm, (6.82 ± 1.38) mm vs. (5.30 ± 0.94) mm; the levels of serum ALT, AST, TBIL in bleeding group were lower than those in the non-bleeding group: (23.71 ± 5.74) U/L vs. (34.95 ± 8.26) U/L, (27.65 ± 6.61) U/L vs. (39.29 ± 10.24) U/L, (17.20 ± 5.49) U/L vs. (26.13 ± 7.85) U/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The results of receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of combined index to predict gastric fundus esophageal varices bleeding was 0.889 (95% CI 0.812-0.967), and the sensitivity and specificity were 83.34% and 81.03%, respectively. Conclusions:CT portal vein imaging combined with liver function indexes has a good value in predicting the risk of gastric fundus esophageal varices bleeding in liver cirrhosis.

Abnormal liver function test in patients with diabetes and hypertension on treatment at the Laquintinie and Douala General Hospitals

Comorbidity of diabetes mellitus and hypertension is common, with both diseases and their treatment being able to cause liver function abnormalities, which can lead to liver failure. This study aims to access the effect of drugs used in the management of these diseases on liver function. A cross sectional study will be conducted, followed by a case-control design. Ethical clearance will be obtained from the Faculty of Health Sciences Institutional Review Board and administrative authorization from the various hospital directorates. The sampling procedure adopted will be consecutive and shall include all consenting patients aged 21 years and above, treated for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or both. Pregnant women, patients with liver disease, viral hepatitis, as well as those on known hepatotoxic drugs will be excluded. Clinical, lifestyle, anthropometric data as well as venous blood samples will be collected and analyzed for liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and gamma glutamyl transferase) total or conjugated bilirubin, hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus antibodies. Student T-test will be used to compare means and chi-square to test for proportion. Associated factors will also be determined using odds ratios. A p-value of <0.05 will be considered significant. The prevalence of liver function abnormalities shall be determined. Determinants of liver function abnormalities shall also be identified.

Influence of buccal acupuncture on analgesic effect, immune indicators, and expression of Survivin and Livin proteins in patients with advanced-stage primary liver cancer / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To investigate the effects of buccal acupuncture on analgesia, immune indicators, and expression levels of Survivin and Livin proteins in patients with advanced-stage primary liver cancer. Methods: Eighty patients with advanced-stage primary liver cancer were selected and divided into control and treatment groups according to the difference in treatment modalities, with 40 patients in each group. The control group received transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), and the treatment group received buccal acupuncture in addition to TACE. The recent efficacy, analgesic effect, liver function, serum tumor markers, Survivin and Livin protein expression levels in liver cancer tissue, and immune indexes were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results: The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) of the treatment group were 37.5％ and 77.5％, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the control group (22.5％ and 52.5％), and the recent efficacy of the treatment group was significantly better than that of the control group (P<0.05). The onset of analgesia in the treatment group was significantly faster than that in the control group (P<0.05), the duration of analgesia was significantly longer than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the numeric rating scale (NRS) score of pain after treatment was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). In the treatment group, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and albumin/globulin (A/G) were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), alpha-L-fucosidase (AFU), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the expression levels of Survivin and Livin in liver cancer tissue were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05); CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and CD8+ was significantly lower than that in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion: Buccal acupuncture can reduce the degree of pain and liver function damage in patients with advanced- stage primary liver cancer and lower the serum tumor marker levels, and its mechanism of action may be related to the down-regulation of Survivin and Livin protein expression levels in the liver cancer tissue and the regulation of the immune function.

Clinical study of warm needling moxibustion combined with entecavir in the treatment of compensated cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis B / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and possible mechanism of action of warm needling moxibustion combined with entecavir in the treatment of compensated cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis B (CHB).Methods: Ninety patients were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 45 patients in each group. The control group was given oral entecavir, and the observation group was given additional warm needling moxibustion. The serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), albumin (ALB) levels, portal vein internal diameter, splenic vein internal diameter, spleen thickness, and liver hardness were compared before and after treatment. The serum hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen type Ⅲ (PCⅢ), type Ⅳ collagen (Ⅳ-C), interleukin (IL)-21, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) levels were also measured. Results: After treatment, the serum ALT and AST levels decreased (P<0.05), and the serum ALB levels increased (P<0.05) in both groups. The serum ALT and AST levels were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05), and the ALB level was higher in the observation group (P<0.05). The portal vein internal diameter, splenic vein internal diameter, spleen thickness, and liver hardness values were reduced in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The serum HA, LN, PCⅢ, and Ⅳ-C levels were reduced in both groups (P<0.05), and were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). In the control group, the serum IL-21 level decreased (P<0.05), but the serum PDGF level did not change significantly (P>0.05); in the observation group, the serum IL-21 and PDGF levels decreased significantly (P<0.05) and were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Warm needling moxibustion combined with entecavir treatment can improve liver function, reduce the inner diameters of the portal vein and splenic vein, spleen thickness, and liver hardness, and improve liver fibrosis indicators in patients with CHB cirrhosis, which may be related to the reduction of serum IL-21 and PDGF levels.

Effect of goal-directed fluid therapy based on permissive high stroke volume variation guidance on residual liver function in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) based on permissive high stroke volume variation (SVV) guidance on residual liver function in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy.Methods:A total of 100 elderly patients of either sex, aged 65-80 yr, with body mass index of 18.5-24.9 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ, with Child-Pugh grade A or B, scheduled for elective laparoscopic hepatectomy, were divided into 2 groups ( n=50 each) by the random number table method: SVV-guided GDFT group (group SG) and CVP-guided fluid replacement group (group C). Intraoperative fluid management was divided into 2 stages.The first stage was from the start of surgery to the completion of liver resection, the SVV was maintained at 13%-20% in group SG, and the low CVP was maintained at 0-5 cmH 2O in group C. The second stage was from completion of liver resection to the end of the operation, SVV was maintained at 9%-13%, additional hydroxyethyl starch 3 ml/kg was given or repeatedly administered when SVV>13% (for 5 min) or when the response to previous fluid replacement was positive (SVV increased by more than 10%), and the infusion rate was slowed down when the SVV was 9%-13% in group SG, and CVP was maintained at 5-12 cmH 2O in group C. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded on admission to the operating room, at skin incision (T 1), at the start of liver resection (T 2), at completion of liver resection (T 3) and at the end of operation (T 4). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, transfusion volume, urine volume and levels of serum lactic acid before operation and at the end of operation were recorded.Blood samples from the median cubital vein were collected at T 0-4 to measure blood glucose and cortisol concentrations.The concentrations of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin and albumin were measured before operation, at 1, 3 and 5 days after operation, and prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time and Fib were recorded.The concentrations of serum interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and C-reactive protein were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before operation and at the end of operation, and the postoperative complications and length of hospital stay were recorded. Results:Compared with group C, mean arterial pressure and heart rate were significantly decreased at T 2, 3, blood loss was reduced, transfusion volume and urine volume were increased, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were shortened at the end of operation, serum concentrations of interleukin-6 and lactic acid and concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in serum at 5 days after operation were decreased, and the length of hospital stay was shortened in group SG ( P<0.05). Conclusions:GDFT based on permissive high SVV guidance can improve residual liver function in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy.

Cambios en la función hepática causados por COVID-19 y su impacto en el resultado clínico del paciente: una revisión sistemática / Changes in liver function tests caused by COVID-19 and impact on patient outcome: a systematic review

Resumen Introducción: En marzo de 2020, la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) decretó la pandemia de la enfermedad por coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19), que consiste en la infección por coronavirus del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave de tipo 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Este virus utiliza la enzima convertidora de angiotensina II (ECA-II) como receptor celular humano, que está presente en el tejido pulmonar, cardíaco, gastrointestinal, hepático, renal y vascular, lo que configura un potencial de afectación multisistémica por parte del patógeno. El hígado puede resultar dañado tanto por la liberación excesiva de citocinas inflamatorias en COVID-19 como por la adopción de fármacos con potencial hepatotóxico en el tratamiento de sus síntomas. Objetivo: analizar la relación entre los cambios en la función hepática causados por el SARS-CoV-2 y su impacto en el pronóstico del paciente. Métodos: el presente estudio consiste en una revisión sistemática, realizada a partir de estudios seleccionados de las bases de datos PMC, LILACS y SciELO. Después de aplicar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se definieron 30 artículos para componer la base de datos de este estudio. Resultados: La enzima aspartato-aminotransferasa (AST) estaba aumentando en mayor prevalencia, con un total de 4695 casos, mientras que la alanina-aminotransferasa (ALT) estaba elevada en 3226 casos. Se observa que los pacientes que presentaban síntomas digestivos tenían más probabilidades de presentar daño hepatocelular y, en consecuencia, alteraciones enzimáticas. Además, la mortalidad ocurrió en el 28,9 % de los casos de pacientes con función hepática alterada, mientras que, en aquellos con función normal, esta tasa fue del 9 %. Conclusión: es evidente que existe una relación entre la afectación hepática por COVID-19 y su mortalidad. Sin embargo, todavía existe una limitación en la cantidad y, principalmente, en la homogeneidad de los estudios que realizaron dicha valoración.

Abstract Introduction: In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19, a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, a global pandemic. This virus uses human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as its receptor for entry. ACE2 is found in pulmonary, cardiac, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal and vascular tissues, thus posing a potential risk for multisystemic involvement. The excessive release of inflammatory cytokines in COVID-19, as well as the use of medicines with hepatotoxic potential for the treatment of its symptoms, can damage the liver. Objective: To analyze the relationship between changes in liver function tests caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection and their impact on patient prognosis. Methodology: This is a systematic review of studies selected from the PMC, LILACS and SciELO databases. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 articles were included in the final sample for analysis. Results: Elevated AST (aspartate aminotransferase) enzyme levels were reported most frequently and were found in 4 695 cases, while ALT (alanine aminotransferase) elevation was described in 3 226 cases. It was observed that patients with digestive symptoms were more likely to present hepatocellular damage and, consequently, enzymatic alterations. Furthermore, 28.9 % of individuals with impaired liver function died, compared to 9 % of patients with normal function. Conclusion: It is evident that there is a relationship between liver involvement in COVID-19 and mortality. However, there is still a limitation in the number and, more importantly, the homogeneity of the research that performed this assessment.

Logistic regression analyses for preoperative assessment of liver functional reserve based on virtual touch tissues quantification and fibrosis-4 / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of logistic regression model based on virtual touch tissues quantification (VTQ) and fibrosis index based on four factors (FIB-4) in assessing impaired liver reserve function (LFR) in hepatic surgery patients before surgical resection.Methods:From January 2016 to October 2018, 173 patients including 135 males and 38 females with the mean age of 58.6 years old, scheduled for potential hepatectomy in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, were enrolled in our retrospective study. According to indocyanine green retention test at 15 minutes (ICG R15), the patients were divided into two groups, LFR-impaired group ( n=11, ICG R15≥20%) and control group ( n=162, ICG R15 < 20%). VTQ, FIB-4, platelet count and other parameters were compared between two groups. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to establish a risk model to access the impaired LFR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the efficacy of each parameter in LFR-impaired. Results:The platelet count in LFR-impaired group was lower than that in control group, VTQ and FIB-4 were higher than that in control group (all P<0.05). Logistic regression showed that VTQ ( OR=4.382, 95% CI: 1.380-13.918)) and FIB-4 ( OR=2.112, 95% CI: 1.342-3.325) were risk factors for LFR-impaired. The final prediction model of LFR-impaired group was Logit (P)=-6.185+ 0.748×FIB-4+ 1.477×VTQ. The cut-off point (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy) of logistic model, FIB-4 and VTQ were 0.098 (72.8%, 90.1%, 89.0%), 0.990 (90.9%, 79.0%, 79.8%) and 1.8 m/s (81.8%, 77.8%, 78.0%), respectively. The specificity, accuracy of logistic model was higher than FIB-4 or VTQ. Conclusions:Logistic regression model based on VTQ and FIB-4 may improve the specificity and accuracy in the diagnosis of significant LFR impairment. VTQ can further assist clinicians in preoperative evaluation of LFR.

Echinacoside regulates SIRT1/STAT3 signaling pathway to improve liver injury and glucose metabolism disorder in CLP rats / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To observe the therapeutic effect of echinacoside (ECH) on liver injury and glucose metabolism disorder in sepsis rats induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and to explore its possible mechanism.Methods:Forty eight male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham group (sham), model group (CLP), treatment group (CLP+ ECH) and inhibitor group (CLP+ ECH+ EX527). The sham group only received laparotomy, and the model group underwent CLP. The treatment group was intragastric administration of echinacea (30 mg/kg) every day after CLP modeling. The inhibitor group was injected with silence information regulator 1 (SIRT1) inhibitor EX527 (5 mg/kg) one hour before CLP, and then treated the same as the treatment group. Fasting blood glucose, insulin and serum biochemical indexes were detected in virous groups. The serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1 β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 2′, 7′- dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining was used to observe the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in liver tissue of rats in each group; hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue in each group; The expressions of SIRT1, glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), phosphorylated signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) and phosphorylated protein ki-nase B(p-AKT) were detected by Western blot.Results:Compared with sham group, the levels of serum glucose, serum insulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ROS, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in model group increased, while the liver glycogen and survival rate decreased (all P<0.05). After echinacoside treatment, the serum glucose, serum insulin, ALT, AST, ROS , IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels decreased, and the liver glycogen and survival rate increased (all P<0.05); After SIRT1 inhibitor intervention, the levels of serum insulin, ALT, AST, IL-6 and ROS in the inhibitor group increased ( P<0.05). HE staining showed that there were infiltration and necrosis of inflammatory cells in the liver tissue of model group, and echinacoside could significantly reduce the focal and massive necrosis; Western blot showed that compared with the sham group, the expression levels of SIRT1, p-STAT3 and p-AKT protein in the model group decreased, while the expression levels of G6Pase and PEPCK protein increased ( P<0.05); After echinacoside treatment, the expression levels of SIRT1, p-STAT3 and p-AKT increased, while the expression levels of G6Pase and PEPCK decreased ( P<0.05). After SIRT1 inhibitor intervention, the expression of SIRT1, p-STAT3 and p-AKT protein decreased, and the expression of G6Pase and PEPCK protein increased in the inhibitor group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Echinacoside is a potential therapeutic agent for sepsis associated liver injury and glucose metabolism disorders, which may play a role by targeting SIRT1 to activate STAT3 and AKT in the liver.