Elevated gamma glutamyl transferase levels are associated with the location of acute pulmonary embolism. Cross-sectional evaluation in hospital setting / Níveis elevados de gama glutamil transferase estão associados com a localização de embolia pulmonar aguda. Estudo transversal em ambiente hospitalar

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The location of embolism is associated with clinical findings and disease severity in cases of acute pulmonary embolism. The level of gamma-glutamyl transferase increases under oxidative stress-related conditions. In this study, we investigated whether gamma-glutamyl transferase levels could predict the location of pulmonary embolism. DESIGN AND SETTING: Hospital-based cross-sectional study at Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey. METHODS : 120 patients who were diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism through computed tomography-assisted pulmonary angiography were evaluated. They were divided into two main groups (proximally and distally located), and subsequently into subgroups according to thrombus localization as follows: first group (thrombus in main pulmonary artery; n = 9); second group (thrombus in main pulmonary artery branches; n = 71); third group (thrombus in pulmonary artery segmental branches; n = 34); and fourth group (thrombus in pulmonary artery subsegmental branches; n = 8). RESULTS : Gamma-glutamyl transferase levels on admission, heart rate, oxygen saturation, right ventricular dilatation/hypokinesia, pulmonary artery systolic pressure and cardiopulmonary resuscitation requirement showed prognostic significance in univariate analysis. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that gamma-glutamyl transferase level on admission (odds ratio, OR = 1.044; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.011-1.079; P = 0.009) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (OR = 1.063; 95% CI: 1.005-1.124; P = 0.033) remained independently associated with proximally localized thrombus in pulmonary artery. CONCLUSIONS : The findings revealed a significant association between increased existing embolism load in the pulmonary artery and increased serum gamma-glutamyl transferase levels.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO : A localização da embolia está associada com os resultados clínicos e a gravidade da doença do embolismo pulmonar agudo (EPA). O nível de gama-glutamil transferase (GGT) aumenta em condições relacionadas com estresse oxidativo. Investigou-se se os níveis de GGT podem prever a localização do EPA. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL : Estudo observacional transversal na Universidade Cumhuriyet, Sivas, Turquia. MÉTODOS : Avaliamos 120 pacientes diagnosticados com EPA após a realização de angiografia pulmonar assistida por tomografia computadorizada. Eles foram divididos em dois grupos principais (localização proximal e distal) e depois em subgrupos de acordo com a localização do trombo da seguinte forma: primeiro grupo (trombo na artéria pulmonar [AP] principal, n = 9); segundo (trombo no ramo da AP principal; n = 71); terceiro grupo (trombo na segmentar da AP; n = 34); quarto grupo (trombo na subsegmentar da AP; n = 8). RESULTADOS : Na análise univariada, os níveis de GGT tiveram significado prognóstico em relação à admissão, pulsação arterial, saturação de oxigênio, dilatação do ventrículo direito/hipocinesia, pressão sistólica da artéria pulmonar (PSAP) e necessidade de ressuscitação cardiopulmonar. O modelo de regressão logística multivariada demonstrou que o nível de GGT na admissão (razão de possibilidades, OR: 1,044; 95% intervalo de confiança, CI: 1,011-1,079; P = 0,009) e PSAP (OR: 1,063, 95% CI: 1,005-1,124; P = 0,033) permaneceram independentemente associados com trombo localizado proximalmente na AP. CONCLUSÕES : Os resultados demonstraram associação significativa entre aumento da carga existente de embolia da AP e aumento dos níveis séricos da GGT.

Oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome: which mechanisms are involved? / Estresse oxidativo na fisiopatologia da síndrome metabólica: quais mecanismos estão envolvidos?

ABSTRACTMetabolic syndrome (MS) is a combination of cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Several studies report that oxidative condition caused by overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in the development of MS. Our body has natural antioxidant system to reduce oxidative stress, which consists of numerous endogenous and exogenous components and antioxidants enzymes that are able to inactivate ROS. The main antioxidant defense enzymes that contribute to reduce oxidative stress are superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and gluthatione peroxidase (GPx). The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) is also associated with oxidative stress because it presents antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. HDL-c antioxidant activity may be attributed at least in part, to serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity. Furthermore, derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) also stand out as acting in cardiovascular disease and diabetes, by the imbalance in ROS production, and close relationship with inflammation. Recent reports have indicated the gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) as a promising biomarker for diagnosis of MS, because it is related to oxidative stress, since it plays an important role in the metabolism of extracellular glutathione. Based on this, several studies have searched for better markers for oxidative stress involved in development of MS.

RESUMOA síndrome metabólica (SM) representa uma conjunção de fatores de risco cardiometabólicos, incluindo obesidade, hiperglicemia, hipertrigliceridemia, dislipidemia e hipertensão. Vários estudos reportam que a condição oxidativa causada pela superprodução de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) desempenha importante papel no desenvolvimento da SM. Nosso organismo apresenta sistema antioxidante natural para diminuir o estresse oxidativo, o qual consiste em numerosos componentes endógenos e exógenos e enzimas antioxidantes que são capazes de inativar as EROs. As principais enzimas de defesa antioxidante que contribuem para o processo de redução do estresse oxidativo são a superóxido dismutase (SOD), a catalase (CAT) e a glutationa peroxidase (GPx). O colesterol associado à lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL-c) também está relacionado com o estresse oxidativo por apresentar propriedades antioxidantes e anti-inflamatórias. A atividade antioxidante do HDL-c pode ser atribuída, pelo menos em parte, à atividade da paraoxonase 1 (PON1) sérica. Além disso, os metabólitos derivados de oxigênio reativo (d-ROMs) também se destacam como atuantes nas doenças cardiovasculares e no diabetes, pelo desequilíbrio na produção de EROs, tendo relação importante com a inflamação. Relatos recentes vêm apontando a gama-glutamiltransferase (GGT) como biomarcador promissor para diagnóstico da SM, pois esta se associa ao estresse oxidativo, uma vez que desempenha papel relevante no metabolismo extracelular de glutationa. Com base nisso, vários estudos vêm buscando melhores marcadores do estresse oxidativo e sua relação com o desenvolvimento da SM.

Serum copper and copper related liver enzymes in sheep from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Cobre sérico e enzimas relacionadas ao seu metabolismo em ovinos do Rio Grande do Sul

The aim of this work was to determine serum copper levels, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity in purebred show sheep fed concentrate and field sheep raised on natural pastures of Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost State of Brazil. Blood samples of 120 show sheep and 110 field raised animals were collected independently of age, sex and breed. Mean serum levels of copper found on purebred and field sheep were 66.14 ± 9.76 and 62.01 ± 16.36 µg/dl (P<0.0357), respectively. AST activity was higher in show sheep than in field animals (85.01 ± 40.02 vs. 65.58 ± 16.19 IU, P<0.0001). GGT activity levels found were 41.02 ± 10.61 and 41.91 ± 9.49 IU, with no significant differences between groups. It is concluded that serum copper levels of purebred show sheep group were within international reference values for the species, whereas in the grass grazed group, the level of this mineral was bellow the lower limit in several individuals. Enhanced AST serum activity in blood samples of show sheep examined appear to be related to copper liver levels detected in these animals.

O objetivo desse trabalho foi identificar as concentrações séricas de cobre enzimas aspartatoaminotransferase (AST) e gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT), tanto em ovinos preparados para exposição e alimentados com concentrados como criados a campo, a fim de contribuir para a formação de valores de referência e auxiliar no prognóstico da saúde desses animais. Colheram-se 120 amostras de sangue de animais de exposição e 110 de animais de campo, independente de sexo, raça e idade. Os níveis séricos médios de cobre, AST e GGT dos animais de exposição e a campo foram iguais a 66,14 ± 9,76 e 62,01 ± 16,36 µg/kg (P<0,0357); 85,01 ± 40,02 e 65,58 ± 16,19 UI (P<0,0001); 41,02 10,61 e 41,91 ± 9,49 UI (P>0.05), respectivamente. Em conclusão, a concentração de cobre em ovinos preparados para exposição mostraram-se dentro dos valores de referência e as de alguns animais mantidos a campo abaixo do intervalo fisiológico. Os níveis séricos de AST aumentados no grupo exposição parecem estar relacionados com o acúmulo hepático de cobre.

Avaliação do efeito da clorpromazina sobre a função renal de cães submetidos à isquemia e reperfusão / Evaluation of chlorpromazine effect at renal function in dogs submitted to ischemia and reperfusion

A isquemia renal está presente em diferentes situações como em cirurgias renais, vasculares e no transplante renal. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a integridade e a função renal de cães submetidos à isquemia e reperfusão com ou sem aplicação de clorpromazina. Para tanto foram utilizados 12 cães distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos de seis indivíduos: grupo A com isquemia e reperfusão sem tratamento por clorpromazina e o grupo B com isquemia e reperfusão tratados previamente com clorpromazina. De cada cão foi coletado sangue e urina antes da isquemia, no inicio da reperfusão, após 120 minutos de reperfusão e semanalmente até 28º dia pós-cirúrgico para verificar possíveis efeitos tardios da isquemia/reperfusão. Avaliações da integridade e função renal foram feitas por exame físico, concentração sérica de ureia e creatinina e determinação da GGT urinária. A avaliação da relação proteína urinária/creatinina urinária (PU/CU) e atividade da GGT urinária são exames mais sensíveis para detectar lesão tubular aguda que o exame de urina de rotina, uma vez que estas variáveis apresentaram alteração mais precocemente. Não houve ação protetora da clorpromazina conforme constatado por meio da urinálise, dosagens séricas de ureia e creatinina, excreção urinária de GGT e PU/CU.(AU)

Renal ischemia may occur in different situations such as vascular or renal surgery and also in renal transplantation. This study evaluates renal function in dogs submitted to ischemia and reperfusion after chlorpromazine application. Twelve adult mongrel dogs were distributed into two groups with six animals each. Group A was composed of dogs submitted to renal ischemia and reperfusion without previous administration of chlorpromazine. Group B was composed of dogs with renal ischemia and reperfusion previously treated with chlorpromazine. In order to evaluate the possible ischemia/reperfusion late effects, blood and urine samples were sampled in four different times: Before ischemia, early stages of reperfusion, 120 minutes after reperfusion, and every week until 28th day postsurgery. Renal function was evaluated by clinical examination, serum urea and creatinine levels and urinary GGT activity. PU/CU and GGT urinary activity were more sensitive in detecting acute tubular injury than routine urine examination because these variables showed earlier changes. Based on urinalysis, urea and creatinine serum levels plus urinary excretion of GGT and PU/CU, no evidences of protective action of chlorpromazine were observed.(AU)

Avaliação do efeito da clorpromazina sobre a função renal de cães submetidos à isquemia e reperfusão / Evaluation of chlorpromazine effect at renal function in dogs submitted to ischemia and reperfusion

A isquemia renal está presente em diferentes situações como em cirurgias renais, vasculares e no transplante renal. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a integridade e a função renal de cães submetidos à isquemia e reperfusão com ou sem aplicação de clorpromazina. Para tanto foram utilizados 12 cães distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos de seis indivíduos: grupo A com isquemia e reperfusão sem tratamento por clorpromazina e o grupo B com isquemia e reperfusão tratados previamente com clorpromazina. De cada cão foi coletado sangue e urina antes da isquemia, no inicio da reperfusão, após 120 minutos de reperfusão e semanalmente até 28º dia pós-cirúrgico para verificar possíveis efeitos tardios da isquemia/reperfusão. Avaliações da integridade e função renal foram feitas por exame físico, concentração sérica de ureia e creatinina e determinação da GGT urinária. A avaliação da relação proteína urinária/creatinina urinária (PU/CU) e atividade da GGT urinária são exames mais sensíveis para detectar lesão tubular aguda que o exame de urina de rotina, uma vez que estas variáveis apresentaram alteração mais precocemente. Não houve ação protetora da clorpromazina conforme constatado por meio da urinálise, dosagens séricas de ureia e creatinina, excreção urinária de GGT e PU/CU.

Renal ischemia may occur in different situations such as vascular or renal surgery and also in renal transplantation. This study evaluates renal function in dogs submitted to ischemia and reperfusion after chlorpromazine application. Twelve adult mongrel dogs were distributed into two groups with six animals each. Group A was composed of dogs submitted to renal ischemia and reperfusion without previous administration of chlorpromazine. Group B was composed of dogs with renal ischemia and reperfusion previously treated with chlorpromazine. In order to evaluate the possible ischemia/reperfusion late effects, blood and urine samples were sampled in four different times: Before ischemia, early stages of reperfusion, 120 minutes after reperfusion, and every week until 28th day postsurgery. Renal function was evaluated by clinical examination, serum urea and creatinine levels and urinary GGT activity. PU/CU and GGT urinary activity were more sensitive in detecting acute tubular injury than routine urine examination because these variables showed earlier changes. Based on urinalysis, urea and creatinine serum levels plus urinary excretion of GGT and PU/CU, no evidences of protective action of chlorpromazine were observed.

Níveis séricos de enzimas hepáticas em poedeiras comerciais no pré-pico e pico de produção de ovos / Serum Levels of Liver Enzymes in Laying Hens before and during the Peak of Egg Production

Background: The biochemistry evaluation of liver enzymes gives evidences about metabolic disorders caused by diseases or nutritional deficiency that influence the hepatic activity. The biochemical profile is usually used as a support for diagnosis of hepatic diseases in pets, however the same evaluation its not used in cattle. At the same time, there is a few results and benchmarks for commercial poultry biochemical profile, without a consensus between layer activity, breeder lines, period, age, region, nutrition, and other factors that can interfere in data assurance. AST enzyme is considered a responsive marker in liver disorder in chicken, even if is a nonspecific parameter. GGT can indicate cholestasis and biliary ducts proliferation in chicken liver. The aim is compare the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) e gammaglutamyl transferase (GGT), before and during the pick of egg production. Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty-five Hisex Brown laying hens with 16 weeks of age were used for the research. The birds were distributed in a total of seven birds per cage. The hens received the same feed during the experimental period, varying the nutrition levels according layer stage. The experimental design was in random blocks and the animals were in same environment conditions. The light program used was 16 h of artificial lighting per day, with a dark break of eight hours. Three milliliters per bird were collected before the pick (23 weeks) and during the pick of egg production (31 weeks), always in the morning period with a previous fasting. The blood was collected in left wing vein in vacuum tubes. The biochemistry analyses were made with specifics kits for AST and GGT determination. Two analyses of each parameter were made per blood sample in a total of 70 analyses. Data were submitted to variance analyses and the averages were compared in Tukey in a significance level of 1%.(...)(AU)

Níveis séricos de enzimas hepáticas em poedeiras comerciais no pré-pico e pico de produção de ovos

Background:  :  : The biochemistry evaluation of liver enzymes gives evidences about metabolic disorders caused by diseases or nutritional deficiency that influence the hepatic activity. The biochemical profile is usually used as a support for diagnosis of hepatic diseases in pets, however the same evaluation its not used in cattle. At the same time, there is a few results and benchmarks for commercial poultry biochemical profile, without a consensus between layer activity, breeder lines, period, age, region, nutrition, and other factors that can interfere in data assurance. AST enzyme is considered a responsive marker in liver disorder in chicken, even if is a nonspecific parameter. GGT can indicate cholestasis and biliary ducts proliferation in chicken liver. The aim is compare the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) e gammaglutamyl transferase (GGT), before and during the pick of egg production. Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty-five Hisex Brown laying hens with 16 weeks of age were used for the research. The birds were distributed in a total of seven birds per cage. The hens received the same feed during the experimental period, varying the nutrition levels according layer stage. The experimental design was in random blocks and the animals were in same environment conditions. The light program used was 16 h of artificial lighting per day, with a dark break of

Níveis séricos de enzimas hepáticas em poedeiras comerciais no pré-pico e pico de produção de ovos

Background:  :  : The biochemistry evaluation of liver enzymes gives evidences about metabolic disorders caused by diseases or nutritional deficiency that influence the hepatic activity. The biochemical profile is usually used as a support for diagnosis of hepatic diseases in pets, however the same evaluation its not used in cattle. At the same time, there is a few results and benchmarks for commercial poultry biochemical profile, without a consensus between layer activity, breeder lines, period, age, region, nutrition, and other factors that can interfere in data assurance. AST enzyme is considered a responsive marker in liver disorder in chicken, even if is a nonspecific parameter. GGT can indicate cholestasis and biliary ducts proliferation in chicken liver. The aim is compare the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) e gammaglutamyl transferase (GGT), before and during the pick of egg production. Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty-five Hisex Brown laying hens with 16 weeks of age were used for the research. The birds were distributed in a total of seven birds per cage. The hens received the same feed during the experimental period, varying the nutrition levels according layer stage. The experimental design was in random blocks and the animals were in same environment conditions. The light program used was 16 h of artificial lighting per day, with a dark break of

Níveis séricos de enzimas hepáticas em poedeiras comerciais no pré-pico e pico de produção de ovos / Serum Levels of Liver Enzymes in Laying Hens before and during the Peak of Egg Production

Background: The biochemistry evaluation of liver enzymes gives evidences about metabolic disorders caused by diseases or nutritional deficiency that influence the hepatic activity. The biochemical profile is usually used as a support for diagnosis of hepatic diseases in pets, however the same evaluation it’s not used in cattle. At the same time, there is a few results and benchmarks for commercial poultry biochemical profile, without a consensus between layer activity, breeder lines, period, age, region, nutrition, and other factors that can interfere in data assurance. AST enzyme is considered a responsive marker in liver disorder in chicken, even if is a nonspecific parameter. GGT can indicate cholestasis and biliary ducts proliferation in chicken liver. The aim is compare the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) e gammaglutamyl transferase (GGT), before and during the pick of egg production. Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty-five Hisex Brown laying hens with 16 weeks of age were used for the research. The birds were distributed in a total of seven birds per cage. The hens received the same feed during the experimental period, varying the nutrition levels according layer stage. The experimental design was in random blocks and the animals were in same environment conditions. The light program used was 16 h of artificial lighting per day, with a dark break of eight hours. Three milliliters per bird were collected before the pick (23 weeks) and during the pick of egg production (31 weeks), always in the morning period with a previous fasting. The blood was collected in left wing vein in vacuum tubes. The biochemistry analyses were made with specifics kits for AST and GGT determination. Two analyses of each parameter were made per blood sample in a total of 70 analyses. Data were submitted to variance analyses and the averages were compared in Tukey in a significance level of 1%.(...)

Comportamento de componentes bioquímicos do sangue em equinos submetidos à ozonioterapia / Profile of blood biochemistry components in horses treated with ozone therapy

O comportamento de constituintes bioquímicos sanguíneos (glicose, fibrinogênio, creatina fosfoquinase e gama-glutamiltransferase) foi monitorado, in vivo, em 12 equinos mestiços (seis machos e seis fêmeas), com idade entre 4 e 20 anos, submetidos à ozonioterapia. O tratamento foi realizado mediante administração de 500 ou 1000mL da mistura de oxigênio-ozônio (O2-O3) por via intravenosa, a cada três dias, durante 24 dias. Os equinos foram distribuídos em quatro grupos: MT500 constituído por três machos tratados com 500mL; MT1000 por três machos tratados com 1000mL; FT500, por três fêmeas tratadas com 500mL e FT1000, por três fêmeas tratadas com 1000mL. A ozonioterapia por via intravenosa não ocasionou alterações clínicas nos equinos. Os valores médios mínimos e máximos de glicose, fibrinogênio, creatina fosfoquinase e gama-glutamiltransferase mantiveram-se dentro dos limites de referência para a espécie equina. Houve diminuição nas concentrações da glicose e gama-glutamiltransferase ao longo dos períodos de aplicação e aumento nos valores do fibrinogênio. A creatina fosfoquinase não sofreu efeito do tratamento.(AU)

The profile of blood biochemistry variables (glucose, fibrinogen, creatine phosphokinase, and gamma glutamyltransferase) was in vivo monitored in 12 crossbred horses (six males and six females), aging from four to 20-years-old treated with ozone therapy. Treatments were carried out by applying 500 or 1000mL of the mixture oxygen-ozone (O2-O3) via intravenous route, every three days, during 24 days. Horses were assigned to four groups: MT500 (three males given 500mL), MT1000 (three males given 1000mL), FT500 (three females given 500mL) and FT1000 (three females given 1000mL). Ozone therapy by intravenous route caused no clinical changes in the horses. Minimum and maximum mean values of glucose, fibrinogen, creatine phosphokinase, and gamma glutamyltransferase were within the range considered as normal reference for the equine species. There was decrease in glucose and gamma glutamyltransferase concentrations over the period of application, whereas fibrinogen increased and creatine phosphokinase was not affected by the treatment.(AU)

Comportamento de componentes bioquímicos do sangue em equinos submetidos à ozonioterapia / Profile of blood biochemistry components in horses treated with ozone therapy

O comportamento de constituintes bioquímicos sanguíneos (glicose, fibrinogênio, creatina fosfoquinase e gama-glutamiltransferase) foi monitorado, in vivo, em 12 equinos mestiços (seis machos e seis fêmeas), com idade entre 4 e 20 anos, submetidos à ozonioterapia. O tratamento foi realizado mediante administração de 500 ou 1000mL da mistura de oxigênio-ozônio (O2-O3) por via intravenosa, a cada três dias, durante 24 dias. Os equinos foram distribuídos em quatro grupos: MT500 constituído por três machos tratados com 500mL; MT1000 por três machos tratados com 1000mL; FT500, por três fêmeas tratadas com 500mL e FT1000, por três fêmeas tratadas com 1000mL. A ozonioterapia por via intravenosa não ocasionou alterações clínicas nos equinos. Os valores médios mínimos e máximos de glicose, fibrinogênio, creatina fosfoquinase e gama-glutamiltransferase mantiveram-se dentro dos limites de referência para a espécie equina. Houve diminuição nas concentrações da glicose e gama-glutamiltransferase ao longo dos períodos de aplicação e aumento nos valores do fibrinogênio. A creatina fosfoquinase não sofreu efeito do tratamento.

The profile of blood biochemistry variables (glucose, fibrinogen, creatine phosphokinase, and gamma glutamyltransferase) was in vivo monitored in 12 crossbred horses (six males and six females), aging from four to 20-years-old treated with ozone therapy. Treatments were carried out by applying 500 or 1000mL of the mixture oxygen-ozone (O2-O3) via intravenous route, every three days, during 24 days. Horses were assigned to four groups: MT500 (three males given 500mL), MT1000 (three males given 1000mL), FT500 (three females given 500mL) and FT1000 (three females given 1000mL). Ozone therapy by intravenous route caused no clinical changes in the horses. Minimum and maximum mean values of glucose, fibrinogen, creatine phosphokinase, and gamma glutamyltransferase were within the range considered as normal reference for the equine species. There was decrease in glucose and gamma glutamyltransferase concentrations over the period of application, whereas fibrinogen increased and creatine phosphokinase was not affected by the treatment.

As fosfatases alcalinas, transaminases e gama-glutamil-transferase séricas em pacientes epilépticos tratados com carbamazepina / The serum alkaline phosphatases, transaminases, and gamma-glutamil transferases in epileptic patients treated with carbamazepine

Carbamazepine is the drug of choice used in the treatment of patients with partial (or focal) epilepsy with secondary generalization. Despite its therapeutical use, this drug has been implicated in the increase of serum activities in some enzymes. Some authors have described prevalence values of 7.7 percent, 13 percent, and 22 percent for the increase of activity of serum alkaline phosphatases (AF or EC 3.1.3.1). A divergence in the results was also found for the activities of the serum g-glutamil transferase (gamma-glutamil transferase or GGT, or EC 2.3.2.2). OBJECTIVE: Hence, among other objectives, the aim of this research is to determine the frequency of sample alterations in serum enzymatic activities of AF, GGT and transaminases (AST, aspartate amino-transferase, EC 2.6.1.1; and ALT, alanine-amino-transferase, EC 2.6.1.2) in epilepsy ward patients in Salvador, Bahia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The design of the study is descriptive and it is a case series type. It has been approved by the local Ethics Committee. In this study, a convenience sample of 52 epileptic patients who receive ambulatory care was obtained without interference by the researchers. These patients were divided according to age groups of 12 to 30 years and 31 to 90 years, which were then subdivided according to the period of monotherapy with carbamazepine. The serum activities of the enzymes GGT, AF, AST and ALT were determined. RESULTS: The ratios of alterations per variables were described: 42 percent for the FA, 18 percent for the GGT, 2 percent for the ALT, and 12 percent for the AST respectively. The age group of 12 to 30 years presented 56 percent of alterations in the AF while the group of 31 to 90 years presented only 18 percent of alterations. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the enzymes AF, GGT, AST, and ALT presented higher frequencies of alterations of their activities in those patients with age equal to or below 30 years, while the AF presented higher values.

INTRODUÇÃO: A carbamazepina é a droga utilizada no tratamento de pacientes com epilepsia parcial (ou focal) secundariamente generalizada. Apesar do uso terapêutico, este fármaco tem sido implicado no aumento das atividades séricas de algumas enzimas. Alguns autores descreveram valores de prevalência de 7,7 por cento, 13 por cento e 22 por cento para aumento de atividade das fosfatases alcalinas séricas (FA ou EC 3.1.3.1). A divergência de resultados também foi encontrada para as atividades da gama-glutamil-transferase sérica (gama-glutamil transferase ou GGT ou EC 2.3.2.2). OBJETIVO: Assim, a meta desta pesquisa é determinar, dentre outros objetivos, a freqüência de alterações nas atividades das FA, GGT e transaminases (AST, aspartato-amino-transferase, EC 2.6.1.1; e ALT, alanina-amino-transferase, EC 2.6.1.2) de uma amostra de pacientes do ambulatório de epilepsia em Salvador, Bahia. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: O desenho do estudo é descritivo do tipo série de casos, aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética local, no qual uma amostra de conveniência de 52 pacientes epilépticos de acompanhamento ambulatorial foi obtida sem interferência dos pesquisadores. Estes pacientes foram organizados por faixa etária de 12 a 30 e de 31 a 90 anos e, subdivididos por tempo de monoterapia com carbamazepina. As atividades séricas das enzimas GGT, FA, AST e ALT foram determinadas. RESULTADOS: As proporções de alterações por variáveis foram descritas: 42 por cento para as FA, 18 por cento para as GGT, 2 por cento para as ALT e 12 por cento para as AST, respectivamente. A faixa etária de 12 a 30 anos apresentou 56 por cento de alterações nas FA enquanto que aquela de 31 a 90 anos, apenas 18 por cento. CONCLUSÃO: Nós concluímos que as enzimas FA, GGT, AST e ALT apresentaram maiores freqüências de alterações de suas atividades naqueles pacientes com idade igual ou inferior a 30 anos, sendo que as FA apresentaram maiores valores.

Alterações hepáticas em trabalhadores de uma refinaria de petróleo e em uma população de referência no Estado da Bahia, Brasil / Liver changes in workers at an oil refinery and in a reference population in the state of Bahia, Brazil

Objetivo. Determinar a prevalência de alterações nas enzimas hepáticas de trabalhadores de uma refinaria de petróleo localizada no Estado da Bahia em comparação a uma população de referência não ocupacionalmente exposta a produtos químicos, e descrever os fatores associados à variação nessa prevalência. Método. Foram avaliados os trabalhadores da refinaria e os funcionários do escritório da gerência administrativa da empresa, situada em Salvador, capital do Estado da Bahia. Estudaram-se amostras de sangue de 692 trabalhadores da refinaria e de 377 trabalhadores da população de referência. Classificaram-se como casos de alterações hepáticas indivíduos que apresentaram valo res acima dos padrões de referência simultaneamente para gama-glutamiltransferase (GGT) (> 50 U/L para o sexo masculino e > 32 U/L para o sexo feminino) e alanina aminotrans ferase (ALT) (> 50 U/L). Foram coletadas informações sobre idade, sexo, peso, altura, tempo de serviço, uso de álcool, hábito de fumar, exercício físico, exposição ocupacional a produtos químicos, uso de equipamento de proteção individual e antecedentes médicos de hepatite, icterícia e obesidade. Resultados. A prevalência de alterações hepáticas na refinaria foi de 15,3% (IC95%: 12,5 a 18,1), contra 3,8% (IC95%: 1,8 a 5,8) na população de referência. A análise de regressão logística múltipla estimou que os trabalhadores da refinaria apresentavam uma prevalência de alterações hepáticas 3,56 vezes maior (IC95%: 1,99 a 6,38) do que a prevalência observada na população de referência, independentemente de outras covariáveis relevantes, como obesidade, prática de exercícios físicos, fumo e bebida alcoólica. Conclusões. Os resultados sugerem que a exposição ocupacional desempenha um papel importante na determinação das alterações hepáticas nos trabalhadores dessa refinaria de petróleo

Objective. To determine the prevalence of liver changes in workers at an oil refinery located in the state of Bahia, Brazil, as compared to a reference population with no occupational exposure to chemical products, and to describe the factors associated with the observed differences in prevalence. Methods. We studied workers at the refinery and at the company's central management office located in the city of Salvador, which is the state capital. Blood samples of 692 refinery workers and 377 workers from the reference population were analyzed. Cases were defined as individuals presenting high serum levels of both gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (GGT > 50 U/L for males and > 32 U/L for females; ALT > 50 U/L). Data were collected on age, sex, weight, height, years working for the company, use of alcohol, smoking habits, physical exercise, occupational exposure to chemical products, use of personal safety equipment, and medical history of hepatitis, jaundice, and obesity. Results. The prevalence of liver changes among refinery workers was 15.3% (95% CI: 12.5 to 18.1), vs. 3.8% (95% CI: 1,8 to 5,8) in the reference population. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, the prevalence of liver changes among refinery workers was 3.56 times greater (95% CI: 1,99 to 6,38) than in the reference population, regardless of the presence of other relevant co-variables, such as obesity, exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Conclusions. These results suggest that occupational exposure may play a major role in the development of liver changes among workers at the oil refinery where the study was carried out

Variação da concentração de imunoglobulinas G e M, de proteína total e suas frações eletroforéticas e da atividade da gamaglutamiltransferase no soro sangüíneo de vacas holandesas, antes e após o parto

In an attempt to determine proteinogram and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) dynamics from cows before and after parturition, 26 Holstein cows were studied from prepartum to 180 days postpartum. At parturition cows showed lower seric protein concentration, albumin and beta globulin, and G and M immunoglobulin than during gestation period and after parturition. From nine to 180 days after parturition it was observed an incerase of these constituents. The gestation and pre and postpartum did not influence the activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase.

Com o objetivo de determinar a dinâmica do proteinograma sangüíneo e da atividade enzimática da gamaglutamiltransferase sérica de vacas antes e após o parto, foram utilizadas 26 vacas do período pré-parto até 180 dias após o parto, todas da raça Holandesa. Os resultados permitiram concluir que as vacas, no momento do parto, apresentam menores concentrações séricas de proteína total, das frações albumina e betaglobulina, bem como de imunoglobulinas G e M, do que nos períodos ante e pós-parto, apresentando, a partir dos nove dias pós-parto, elevação gradativa desses constituintes até os 180 dias após o parto. Não houve diferença na atividade da enzima gamaglutamiltransferase nos momentos estudados.