Studies on the mitochondria in schistosomal hepatic fibrosis

ABSTRACT

The present work was done on 10 patients with schistosomal hepatic fibrosis and alike number of control, admitted to the surgery department of Alexandria University Hospital. During the operation a liver biopsy was taken and used for isolation of mitochondria. The work was carried out to investigate any changes in electrolytes, protein content and mitochondrial swelling in the mitochondria isolated from human liver in both groups. Sodium was found to be significantly increased [T=5.08], while protein content was significantly decreased [T=3.99]. On the other hand, there was no significant changes in the potassium level and swelling ratio. It was stated that increased sodium level and the decreased protein content reflect the great hindrance of cell energetics with a consequent interference with the cell respiration and metabolism leading to vital changes in the body's homeostatic mechanisms. We can suggest that biochemical failure at the subcellular level may be added to the lethal factors in schistosomal patients