Cytokines, lipid peroxide and nitric oxide in Egyptian hepatocellular carcinoma on top of HCV and HBV infection

Many studies have shown the relative roles of hepatitis B and C viruses in hepato-carcinogenesis. The aim of this study is to define the independent and interactive roles of some cytokines namely, TNF alpha , IL-6, IL-1 beta together with NO and TEARS in the genesis of HCC following the infection with such viruses. Blood samples were taken from 58 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and were divided into four groups: a] 28 patients with HCV, b] 10 patients with HBV, c] 11 patients with B+C, d] 9 patients without viral infection. In addition, 20 healthy subjects served as control group for each, TNF alpha , IL-6, and IL-1 beta were measured using ELISA technique, in addition to NO and TBARs using chemical methods. Patients with coinfection B-C viral infection showed the highest levels in studied parameters. Patients with HCV and HBV separately showed more or less similar results. However, patients without viral infection showed the least higher levels comparing to the control group. Cytokines in addition to NO and TEARS have a definite role in hepatic carcinogenesis. Coinfection with the two viruses carries a synergistic risk factor of hepatocellular carcinoma development. Depending on the results of the studied parameters HCV did not show predominancy on HBV. Further studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanism of carcinogenesis especially in HCV patients

Bile acid and cholinesterase activity as an early liver function tests for detection of organic solvent hepatotoxicity

Forty-six workers exposed to different types of organic solvents and fourteen workers far from exposure were included in this study. The exposed workers were classified into 3 groups according to the nature of the work and the type of solvent; group A [acetone, n-hexane-exposed workers], group B [toluene, xylene-exposed workers] and group C [trichloroethylene, isopropyl alcohol, methyl alcohol exposed workers]. Routine liver function tests appear normal. Serum bile acid and serum cholinesteracse were estimated in all workers. The results showed a significant increase in serum bile acid in all exposed groups compared with the non-exposed group. Serum cholinesterase activity was significantly lower in the exposed groups than the non-exposed group. From these results we can conclude that, serum bile acid and serum cholinesterase represent an early and sensitive tests for detection of organic solvent hepatotoxicity