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To investigate the ameliorative effects and mechanism of Moringa oleifera Lam (LM) leaf aqueous extract on hepatic fibrosis (HF) in rats. 60 male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, colchicine group (100 mg/kg), and LM high, medium and low dose groups (200, 100 and 50 mg/kg), except for the normal group, rats in the remaining groups were established as HF model by intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide (TAA) and the corresponding drugs were administered from the 5 th week. At the end of drug administration, rats were examined for body weight, liver index, liver function indexes, including serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). HF indices including serum procollagen type III (PCIII), collagen type IV (IV-C), laminin (LN), hyaluronic acid (HA), liver hydroxyproline acid (HYP). Masson staining was used to observe liver fibrotic tissue lesions. Indicators of Liver oxidative stress, including hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were also detected. Real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR and protein immunoblotting were performed to detect hepatic TGF-β1/Smads pathway gene expression. Rats in the HF model group had significantly lower body weight, highly significantly increased liver index, serum ALT, AST, PCIII, IV-C, LN, HA and liver HYP concentrations compared with rats in the normal group (P

Background There is ample evidence to suggest that patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant may experience liver dysfunction. However, the impact of pre-infection liver function on postinfection mortality rates remains inadequately researched.Methods Data from 847 hemodialysis (HD) patients, diagnosed with Omicron across six HD centers between December 2022 and February 2023, were analyzed. Initial liver function assessments were conducted, following which patients were monitored for mortality outcomes. The stepwise multivariable Cox regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to identify the predictors of mortality.Results From the total, 98 patients (11.6%) succumbed, with a majority (80/98) within a month postinfection. The deceased patients were observed to be mostly older males with an increased prevalence of diabetes and tumors, signifying higher AST and C-reactive protein levels. These patients also exhibited lower hemoglobin, albumin, and prealbumin levels. An elevated AST [per 1 IU increment; HR 1.04 (95% CI 1–1.04), p = 0.026], AST/ALT ratio [per 1 increment; HR 1.52 (95% CI 1.27–2.36), p = 0.004], and reduced prealbumin [per 10 mg/L increment; HR 0.93 (95% CI 0.9–0.96), p

Vine tea is a traditional Chinese tea that has been used for centuries. It is rich in flavonoids and has excellent health benefits, especially for liver. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective mechanism of dihydromyricetin (DMY), a flavonoid mainly contained in vine tea. Six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were administered different doses of DMY by oral gavage for two weeks. Liver function and physiological indices of mice were assessed, while changes in gut microbiota following DMY treatment were monitored through 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Additionally, metabolic pathways and mechanisms were further explored using RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. The results showed that aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly reduced after DMY intervention in mice. Meanwhile, the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota was increased by DMY. Moreover, DMY enhanced gut microbiota-mediated primary and secondary bile acid synthesis pathways. It inhibited the expression of bile acid synthesis rate-limiting enzymes, such as cyp7a1 and cyp27a1, in mouse liver tissue. However, bile acid-related receptors including fxr, FGFR4, and TGR5 were significantly activated, indicating that DMY inhibited bile acid synthesis in the liver. This negative feedback regulation mechanism, in which DMY participated, maintained bile acid homeostasis in the liver and intestine of mice. In conclusion, DMY modulated the composition of intestinal microbiota and its mediated bile acid homeostasis in mice, thereby exhibiting a protective effect on liver tissue.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between circulating cytokines and liver function and prognosis of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with radiotherapy combined with tislelizumab and anlotinib. The liver function indexes and pre-treatment levels of cytokines in 47 patients were measured by chemical method and flow cytometry. The median follow-up was 23.1 months. The objective response and the disease control rates were 46.8% and 68.1%, while overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 12.6 and 11.4 months, respectively. Adverse events (2.1%) were grade 3–4. In addition to stage, intrahepatic metastasis and Child–Pugh score, pre-treatment interleukin-6 (IL-6) was the main cytokine affecting OS and PFS (p < 0.05). The OS (14.63 pg/mL as cutoff value) and PFS (9.85 pg/mL as cutoff value) of patients with low IL-6 levels exceeded those with high levels (21.0 and 6.9, 15.8 and 10.0 months, respectively). The risks of death and disease progression were reduced by 63.0% (HR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.19–0.72) and 43.0% (HR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.22–1.47), respectively. Pre-treatment IL-6 levels may be a simple and effective prognostic indicator for patients with advanced HCC treated with radiotherapy combined with immunotargeted therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Valproic acid (VPA) is a well-known antiepileptic drug; however, it has adverse effects on different body organs, particularly as a result of inducing oxidative stress in the liver. Taurine (Tau) is an amino acid prevalent in the brain that possesses anti-tumor, anti-toxic, and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the potential of the co-treatment of Tau in mitigating the deleterious effects of VPA in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) epileptic rats. Methods: A total of 42 rats were divided into six groups of seven as follows: control group, PTZ-treated group (single dose, 60 mg/kg intraperitoneally [IP]), VPA-treated group (500 mg/kg IP for 14 days), Tautreated group (100 mg/kg orally for 28 days), VPA+PTZ group, and Tau+VPA+PTZ group. The liver function, antioxidant status, and lipid profile markers were evaluated spectrophotometrically. Results: The IP injection of PTZ and VPA elevated aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase levels. These treatments caused negative alterations in protein concentrations, antioxidant status, and lipid profile markers of the rats' sera. The treatment with Tau+VPA, on the other hand, improved liver function, restored fairly normal total protein and albumin levels, and improved malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity concentrations. Furthermore, the Tau+VPA treatment significantly controlled total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein levels, compared to the VPA+PTZ treatment. Conclusion: The treatment with Tau+VPA is highly effective in controlling the unfavorable side effects of VPA in an epileptic rat model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic hemorrhage is the major cause of death in trauma patients, and blood transfusion therapy is a necessary measure to ensure their life safety and nutritional status. However, a significant controversy exists in clinical practice regarding the optimal ratio of plasma to red blood cells for transfusion therapy. In this study, we compared the differences in hepatorenal function and nutritional status of three groups of patients with traumatic hemorrhage receiving blood transfusions with different plasma/red blood cell ratios (2.5:1, 1:1, and 1:1.5). Patients with plasma/red blood cell ratios of 1:1 exhibited the best post-transfusion blood status, the best hepatorenal function and nutritional status after blood transfusion, and the lowest nutritional risk level. In conclusion, transfusion therapy for traumatic patients with a 1:1 plasma/red blood cell ratio can effectively improve the coagulation function of patients and replenish blood volume, while maintaining the stability of hepatorenal function and nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: to explore the effect of individualized nutritional intervention on the nutritional status of patients with liver cancer after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods: 56 patients who underwent TACE in our hospital from March 2022 to March 2023 were selected as the study subjects. The patients were randomly divided into a control group (28 cases) and an intervention group (28 cases). The control group received routine dietary intervention, while the intervention group received individualized nutritional intervention. We analyzed the body mass index (BMI), nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS 2002), nutritional status, liver function status, and incidence of complications in two groups of patients before TACE, 3 days after TACE, and 1 month after TACE. Results: on the third day after TACE, the nutritional related indicators of both groups of patients showed a significantly decrease compared to those before TACE (p < 0.05), while the majority of liver function indicators significantly increased (p < 0.05). Compared with those at 3 days after TACE, the nutritional status of the intervention group patients significantly improved (p < 0.05) and liver function indicators significantly decreased (p < 0.05) 1 month after TACE. One month after TACE, all nutritional indicators in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05), and AST was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The incidence of gastrointestinal complications and electrolyte disorders in the intervention group were significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: individualized nutritional intervention can effectively improve nutritional status, improve liver function, and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications in liver cancer patients after TACE. It was worth promoting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Sarcopenia is associated with a decreased kinetic growth rate (KGR) of the future liver remnant (FLR) after portal vein embolization (PVE). However, little is known on the increase in FLR function (FLRF) after PVE. This study evaluated the effect of sarcopenia on the functional growth rate (FGR) after PVE measured with hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS). Methods: All patients who underwent PVE at the Amsterdam UMC between January 2005 and August 2017 were analyzed. Functional imaging by HBS was used to determine FGR. Liver volumetry was performed using multiphase contrast computed tomography (CT). Muscle area measurement to determine sarcopenia was taken at the third lumbar level (L3). Results: Out of the 95 included patients, 9 were excluded due to unavailable data. 70/86 (81%) patients were sarcopenic. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, sarcopenia (p = 0.009) and FLR volume (FRLV) before PVE (p = 0.021) were the only factors correlated with KGR, while no correlation was found with FGR. 90-day mortality was similar across the sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic group (4/53 [8%] versus 1/11 [9%]; p = 1.000). The resection rates were also comparable (53/70 [75%] versus 11/16 [69%]; p = 0.542). Conclusion: FGR after PVE as measured by HBS appears to be preserved in sarcopenic patients. This is in contrast to KGR after PVE as measured by liver volumetry which is decreased in sarcopenic patients. Level of Evidence: Level 3b, cohort and case control studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Abnormal liver function tests can identify severe cardiopulmonary failure. The aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase (AST/ALT) ratio, or the De Ritis ratio, is commonly used to evaluate acute liver damage. However, its prognostic value in pulmonary embolism (PE) is unknown. Methods: Two cohorts, including patients with intermediate- and high-risk PEs, were established: one with an abnormal baseline AST/ALT ratio (>1) and another with a normal baseline AST/ALT ratio (<1). The primary outcome was a 60-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included peak N-terminal pro-brain-natriuretic-peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, complications, and the need for critical care treatment. To assess the effect of abnormal AST/ALT ratios, inverse probability weighted (IPW) analyses were performed. Results: In total, 230 patients were included in the analysis, and 52 (23%) had an abnormal AST/ALT ratio. After the IPW correction, patients with an abnormal AST/ALT ratio had a significantly higher mortality rate and peak NT-proBNP levels. The relative risks of 60-day mortality, shock development, use of inotropes/vasopressors, mechanical ventilation, and extracorporeal life support were 9.2 (95% confidence interval: 3.3–25.3), 10.1 (4.3–24), 2.7 (1.4–5.2), 2.3 (1.4–3.7), and 5.7 (1.4–23.1), respectively. Conclusions: The baseline AST/ALT ratio can be a predictor of shock, multiorgan failure, and mortality in patients with a pulmonary embolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Elderly patients are believed to have a reduced immune capacity, which may make immunotherapy less effective. The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic outcome of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atez/Bev) and lenvatinib (LEN) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients aged 80 years and older. Methods: From March 2018 to July 2022, 170 and 92 elderly patients who received LEN and Atez/Bev as first‐line treatment, respectively, were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The median ages of the Atez/Bev and LEN groups were 83.0 (8.01–86.0) and 83.0 (82.0–86.0) years (p = 0.3), respectively. Men accounted for approximately 70% of the patients in both groups. The objective response rate was 35.9% in the LEN group and 33.7% in the Atez/Bev group (p = 0.8), whereas the disease control rates in the LEN and Atez/Bev groups were 62.9% and 63.0%, respectively (p = 1.0). The median progression‐free survival (PFS) in the LEN and Atez/Bev groups was 6.3 and 7.2 months, respectively, which were not significantly different (p = 0.2). The median overall survival (OS) was 17.9 months in the LEN group and 14.0 months in the Atez/Bev group. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.7). In multivariate analyses, the choice of treatment (LEN vs. Atez/Bev) showed no association with PFS or OS. The Atez/Bev group had a significantly higher rate of postprogression treatment (59.0% vs. 35.7%, p = 0.01) and a lower rate of discontinuation due to adverse events (69 [40.6%] vs. 19 [20.7%], p < 0.001) compared to the LEN group. Conclusions: Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab showed comparable effectiveness to LEN in HCC patients aged 80 years and older. Given the results of postprogression treatment and discontinuation due to adverse events, Atez/Bev could serve as a first‐line treatment even for elderly HCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Obesity has became a significant health concern over the past decade. According to a higher body mass index (BMI), obesity enhances the probability of malignancy, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiac disorders, and musculoskeletal diseases. Bariatric surgery, a typical and effective surgical intervention for patients with excess body weight with concurrent medical conditions, achieves significant weight loss over a long period. Numerous studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of various bariatric surgery techniques for improving glycemic homeostasis and helping patients lose weight. However, little is known about how bariatric surgery affects the lipid profile. The study aims to determine how patients' altered BMI affects lipid parameters following OAGB/MGB surgery. Methods To achieve this, the longitudinal observational study was conducted from January 2021 to January 2022 among 150 patients scheduled to undergo Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Surgery. The mean age of the patients was 41.7 years, with a standard deviation of 14.7 years (mean±SD: 41.7±14.7). Among the study participants, 56 individuals (37.3%) were male, while 94 (62.7%) were female. Objectives Regarding comorbidities, hypertension was identified as the most prevalent condition among the enrolled patients, affecting 49.3% of them. Results It was observed that the levels of S. Cholesterol and S. Triglyceride showed a significant decrease after one month (Visit-1) of the bypass surgery, with a reduction of 21.8 mg/dl (95% CI=-31.9, -11.6, p=<0.001) and 14 mg/dl (95% CI=-25.5, -2.51, p=0.017), respectively Conclusion OAGB outcome is associated with a healthier lipid profile and enhanced weight management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most common causes of acute liver failure is acetaminophen overdose. The antidote Nacetylcysteine acts by scavenging the reactive metabolite, but its therapeutic limitation necessitates the development of additional therapeutic approaches that can benefit late-presenting patients. Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant intracellular nonprotein thiol that has an important role in the regulation of many cellular physiologic functions such as redox-homeostatic buffering. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of GSH supplementation in the recovery of deteriorated liver functions in induced acute acetaminophen toxicity rats; in addition to determining its value in the preservation of DNA integrity in such toxicity. This experimental study was done on 36 albino rats which were divided into three groups (n=12 rats / group) as follows, group1: Control group, group 2: Acetaminophen (APAP) treated group, group 3: APAP and glutathione treated group. Each group was subdivided into 2 subgroups (n=6) and they were sacrificed at 12 hours and 24 hours sequentially. The extent of hepatic inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage was evaluated using histopathological study, and comet analysis, and biochemical markers (ALT, GSH, and MDA). GSH supplementation (APAP and glutathione treated group) significantly improved liver functions resulting in; a statistically significant decrease in ALT levels, reducing Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and preserving DNA integrity. GSH is a highly effective alternative in the treatment of APAP hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organ dysfunction and failure increase the morbidity and mortality following major burn. Alteration of liver morphology and function is common following major burns; however, it has not received much attention. In this study we have assessed the impact of thermal burn on liver in relation with mortality. 55 patients (33 female and 22 males) with TBSA 10–90% and age ranged from 18 to 75 years were included. A bed side serial ultrasonography to assess the volume of liver and liver function tests was done on the 2nd, 9th and 16th day following burn. Baseline demographic and clinical information such as age, gender, burn size and outcome of patient were also collected. 8 patients died during 2nd week following burn and 47 survived. The mean TBSA for survivors was 37% and for non survivors 80%. Mean liver volume in survivors steadily decreased from 1693.70 cm3 to 1631.31 cm3 over 3 weeks. Mean liver volume in non- survivors steadily increased from 1855.88 cm3 to 2028.50 cm3 over 2 weeks. Liver function test in survivors steadily improved while in non survivors it deteriorated over 2 weeks. There is a correlation between altered liver morphology and function with mortality among severely burnt patients however liver volume did not show statistical significance. A decreasing trend of liver dysfunction parameters and hepatomegaly following burn is associated with good prognosis. • Alteration of liver morphology and function is common following major burns. • There is correlation between altered liver morphology and biomarkers and mortality among severely burned patients. • A decreasing trend of liver biomarkers and hepatomegaly is associated with good prognosis among severely burned patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the effect of precise liver pedicle dissection technique assisted laparoscopic hepatectomy on inflammatory immune stress and liver function. Methods A total of 114 patients with primary liver cancer in Dazhou Central Hospital from October 2019 to June 2022 were selected and divided into 57 patients each according to random number table method. Both groups underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy for liver cancer. The conventional group underwent routine liver resection, while the precision group underwent precise liver pedicle dissection. The surgical indicators, inflammatory-immune indicators [interleukin-6 （ IL-6），C-reactive protein （ CRP），tumor necrosis factor-α （ TNF-α），immunoglobulin A （ IgA），IgM, IgG]，liver function [alanine aminotransferase （ALT），aspartate aminotransferase （AST），γ-glutamyltranspeptidase （γ-GT），total bilirubin （TBIL）]，tumor factors [alpha-fetoprotein （AFP），carbohydrate antigen 19-9 （CA19-9），thymidine kinase 1 （TK1）]，complication rate were compared between the two groups, and follow-up was conducted for 1 year. The recurrence rate and survival rate were statistically analyzed for both groups. Results There was no significant difference in operation time and positive rate of resection margin between the two groups （P > 0.05）. The intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage volume in the precision group were less than those in the conventional group， and the postoperative extubation time and hospital stay were shorter than those in the conventional group （P < 0.05）. After 1 day，3 days, and 7 days post-operation, the levels of serum IL-6，CRP， TNF-α，ALT，AST，γ-GT，and TBIL showed a decreasing trend after an initial increase. The precision group had lower levels compared to the standard group. The serum levels of IgA, IgM, and IgG showed an increasing trend after an initial decrease, with the precision group having higher levels than the standard group （P < 0.05）. After 3 months, the serum levels of AFP, CA19-9，and TK1 were lower than pre-operation levels, with the precision group showing lower levels compared to the standard group （P < 0.05）. The precision group had a lower complication rate of 5.26% （3/57） compared to the standard group's 17.54% （10/57） （P < 0.05）. During a 1-year follow-up，2 cases were lost to follow-up in the precision group, while 1 case was lost in the standard group. The precision group had a recurrence rate of 25.45% （ 14/55） after 1 year, lower than the standard group's 44.64% （25/56），with a survival rate of 85.45% （47/55） higher than the standard group's 62.50% （35/56） （P < 0.05）. Conclusion The application of precise liver pedicle dissection techniques in laparoscopic hepatectomy for primary liver cancer can optimize surgical conditions，reduce inflammatory immune stress and liver function injury, reduce complications, significantly inhibit tumor factor expression, reduce recurrence rate, and improve survival rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of methanol extract of Gymnema sylvestre (Gs) leaves on body/organ weight and selected biochemical parameters of serum, liver, and kidney of potassium bromate-treated rats. The animals were grouped into six groups with the control as group 1 while others were administered KBrO3 (20 mg/kg body weight (bwt)) only, Gs extract (200 mg/kg bwt) only, Gs extract (500 mg/kg bwt) only or with KBrO3 (20 mg/kg bwt) and Gs extract (200 or 500 mg/kg bwt). Liver and kidney function indices were determined by spectrophotometric assay of the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine concentrations respectively, while serum electrolyte: Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+ and HCO3- concentrations were determined using an automatic electrolyte analyzer. KBrO3 induced a significant increase (p=0.05) in the liver and kidney function indices when compared to the control after 10 and 15 days of administration. The increase in activity of the serum enzymes confirmed the property of KBrO3 as a membrane labilisers. The administration of methanol extract of Gs leaves to KBrO3-treated rats significantly reversed (p=0.05) the increase in activity of the liver enzymes as well as the electrolyte concentrations for both days. This is suggestive of the hepatoprotective potential and ability to protect the urinary tract by the plant extract. The results of this study suggest the possible application of the methanol extract of Gs leaves as a remedy for KBrO3 toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequently consuming processed and ready-to-eat (RTE) foods is regarded as unhealthy, but evidence on the relationships with circulating metabolic parameters is lacking. Japanese residents of a metropolitan area, 20 to 50 years of age, were studied in terms of anthropometric and biochemical parameters, including circulating trans fat and serum phospholipid fatty acid levels. Processed foods, except drinks and dairy items, were categorized according to requirements for additional ingredients and cooking before eating. Processed and RTE foods were divided according to fat and/or oil content into non-fatty or fatty foods. The participants were grouped into tertiles based on the energy percent (En%) derived from fatty-RTE foods. Fatty-RTE En% showed negative associations with fish, soybean and soybean products, dairy, eggs, vegetables, seaweed/mushrooms/konjac, fruit and non-oily seasonings reflecting lower dietary fiber, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and mineral and vitamin intakes, while the associations with fat/oil, confectionaries, and sweet beverages were positive. Fatty-RTE En% consumption was positively associated with alkaline phosphatase, leucine aminopeptidase, direct bilirubin, elaidic acid, and C18:2 but inversely associated with HDL cholesterol, C15:0, C17:0, EPA, and DHA. A higher fatty-RTE food intake was suggested to contribute to unbalanced nutrient intakes, as reflected in lipid metabolic parameters. Further large-scale studies are needed to evaluate the quality and impacts of RTE foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) co-occur with significant clinical implications, necessitating therapeutic strategies that address the multifaceted nature of these conditions. This study evaluated the efficacy of standard treatment alone versus combined treatments with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and quercetin in patients with NAFLD and AF, focusing on improvements in liver function, lipid profile, systemic inflammation, and fibrosis markers. Aim: to evaluate and compare the efficacy of standard treatment alone versus standard treatment combined with ursodeoxycholic acid with and without quercetin in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and concurrent atrial fibrillation. Materials and methods. In a prospective, randomized, controlled trial, 127 patients with diagnosed NAFLD and concurrent AF were enrolled. They were divided into three groups: group 1 - standard treatment (n = 42), group 2 - standard treatment plus UDCA (n = 44), and group 3 - standard treatment plus UDCA and quercetin (n = 41). The primary outcomes included changes in liver function tests (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase), lipid profile (total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides), and non-invasive liver fibrosis scores (NFS, FIB-4). Secondary outcomes focused on systemic inflammation markers (C-reactive protein, galectin-3, soluble ST2) and fibronectin levels. Results. All treatment groups showed significant improvements in liver function tests and lipid profiles. Group 3 exhibited the most substantial reductions in ALT, AST, and improvements in HDL-C, indicating enhanced hepatoprotective and lipid-modulating effects. Systemic inflammation markers and fibronectin levels decreased significantly in groups receiving UDCA and quercetin, with the most pronounced effects observed in group 3, suggesting potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic action. Additionally, significant improvements in NFS and FIB-4 scores in group 3 highlight the anti-fibrotic potential of combining UDCA and quercetin with standard treatment. Conclusions. The addition of UDCA and quercetin to standard treatment for patients with NAFLD and AF significantly improves liver function, lipid metabolism, and reduces systemic inflammation and fibrosis, compared to standard treatment alone. These findings suggest a synergistic effect of UDCA and quercetin, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for managing the complex interplay between NAFLD and AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited knowledge exists regarding gasoline and diesel exhaust effects on lipid metabolism. This study collected gasoline and diesel exhaust under actual driving conditions and conducted inhalation exposure on male young and middle-aged C57BL/6J mice for 4 h/day for 5 days to simulate commuting exposure intensity. Additionally, PM2.5 from actual roadways, representing gasoline and diesel vehicles, was generated for exposure to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and normal liver cells (LO2) for 24, 48, and 72 h to further investigate exhaust particle toxicity. Results showed that diesel exhaust reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in young mice, indicating disrupted lipid metabolism. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels increased by 53.7% and 21.7%, respectively, suggesting potential liver injury. Diesel exhaust exposure decreased superoxide dismutase and increased glutathione peroxidase levels. Cell viability decreased, and reactive oxygen species levels increased in HUVECs and LO2 following exposure to exhaust particles, with dose- and time-dependent effects. Diesel exhaust particles exhibited more severe inhibition of cell proliferation and oxidative damage compared to gasoline exhaust particles. These findings provide novel evidence of the risk of disrupted lipid metabolism due to gasoline and diesel exhaust, emphasizing the toxicity of diesel exhaust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Warfarin has become the first choice for anticoagulation in patients who need lifelong anticoagulation due to its clinical efficacy and low price. However, the anticoagulant effect of warfarin is affected by many drugs, foods, etc. accompanied by a high risk of bleeding and embolism. The Vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1 (VKORC1) and Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) genotypic variation can influence the therapeutic dose of warfarin. However, it is not clear whether there is a correlation between warfarin dose and liver function, kidney function and metabolic markers such as uric acid (UA) in patients with different genotypes. We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study to evaluate the factors affecting warfarin dose and to establish a dose conversion model for warfarin patients undergoing heart valve replacement. Methods: We studied 343 patients with a mechanical heart valve replacement, compared the doses of warfarin in patients with different warfarin-related genotypes (CYP2C9 and VKORC1), and analyzed the correlation between liver function, kidney function, UA and other metabolic markers and warfarin dose in patients with different genotypes following heart valve replacement. Results: Genotype analysis showed that 72.01% of patients had CYP2C9*1/*1 and VKORC1 mutant AA genotypes. Univariate regression analysis revealed that the warfarin maintenance dose was significantly correlated with gender, age, body surface area (BSA), UA and genotype. There was no correlation with liver or kidney function. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that BSA, genotype and UA were the independent factors influencing warfarin dose. Conclusions: There is a significant correlation between UA content and warfarin dose in patients with heart valve replacement genotypes CYP2C9*1/*1/VKORC1(GA+GG), CYP2C9*1/*1/VKORC1AA and CYP2C9*1/*1/VKORC1AA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (AASLD-IDSA) guidelines recommend simplified hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment with pan-genotypic sofosbuvir/velpatasvir or glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for eligible patients. This observational study used real-world data to assess these regimens' safety in eligible patients and develop an algorithm to identify patients suitable for simplified treatment by non-specialists. Methods: 7,677 HCV-infected patients from Taiwan Hepatitis C Registry (TACR) who received at least one dose of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir or glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, and fulfilled the EASL/AASLD-IDSA criteria for simplified treatment were analyzed. Multivariate analysis was conducted on patient characteristics and safety data. Results: Overall, 92.8% (7,128/7,677) of patients achieved sustained virological response and only 1.9% (146/7,677) experienced Grades 2–4 laboratory abnormalities in key liver function parameters (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin), with only 18 patients (0.23%) experiencing Grades 3–4 abnormalities. Age > 70 years old, presence of hepatocellular carcinoma, total bilirubin > 1.2 mg/dL, estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and Fibrosis-4 > 3.25 were associated with higher risks of Grades 2–4 abnormalities. Patients with any of these had an odds of 4.53 times than that of those without in developing Grades 2–4 abnormalities (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Real-world data from Taiwan confirmed that simplified HCV treatment for eligible patients with pan-genotypic regimens is effective and well tolerated. The TACR algorithm, developed based on this study's results, can further identify patients who can be safely managed by non-specialist care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of dietary Phytosterol Ester (PSE) supplementation on egg characteristics, eggshell ultrastructure, antioxidant capacity, liver function, hepatic metabolites, and its mechanism of action in Hy-Line Brown laying hens during peak laying period. A total of 256 healthy Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly allocated into four groups. The hens in the control group were fed a basal diet, while those in the experimental groups were fed a basal diet further supplemented with 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg PSE, respectively. It was found that the addition of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg PSE to the diets increased egg weight, but decreased egg breaking strength (p < 0.05). The addition of PSEs to the diets increased albumen height and Haugh unit in all experimental groups (p < 0.05). Electron microscopic observation revealed that the mammillary thickness increased significantly at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg, but the total thickness decreased, and the effective thickness also thinned (p < 0.05). The mammillary width narrowed in all experimental groups (p < 0.001). Dietary supplementation with 40 mg/kg PSE significantly increased egg yolk Phenylalanine, Leucine, and Isoleucine levels (p < 0.05). In untargeted liver metabolomic analyses, L-Phenylalanine increased significantly in all experimental groups. Leucyl-Lysine, Glutamyl-Leucyl-Arginine, and L-Tryptophan increased significantly at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg (p < 0.05), and L-Tyrosine increased significantly at doses of 10 and 40 mg/kg (p = 0.033). Aspartyl-Isoleucine also increased significantly at a dose of 10 mg/kg (p = 0.044). The concentration of total protein in the liver was significantly higher at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg than that of the control group, and the concentrations of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The concentration of triglyceride and alkaline phosphatase were significantly reduced in all experimental groups (p < 0.05). Steatosis and hemorrhage in the liver were also improved by observing the H&E-stained sections of the liver. Concerning the antioxidant capacity in the liver, malondialdehyde concentration was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) at a dose of 40 mg/kg. In the ovary, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide concentrations were significantly reduced (p < 0.001). In all the experimental groups, plasma nitric oxide concentration was significantly decreased while superoxide dismutase was significantly increased, and total antioxidant capacity concentration was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the 10 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg doses. Metabolomics analyses revealed that PSEs play a role in promoting protein synthesis by promoting Aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism, among other pathways. This study showed that the dietary addition of PSEs improved egg characteristics, antioxidant capacity, liver function, and symptoms of fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome in Hy-Line Brown laying hens at peak laying stage. The changes in liver metabolism suggest that the mechanism of action may be related to pathways such as Aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that PSEs are safe and effective dietary additives as an alternative to antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huntington's disease (HD), a congenital neurodegenerative disorder, extends its pathological damages beyond the nervous system. The systematic manifestation of HD has been extensively described in numerous studies, including dysfunction in peripheral organs and peripheral inflammation. Gut dysbiosis and the gut–liver–brain axis have garnered greater emphasis in neurodegenerative research, and increased plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been identified in HD patients and various in vivo models, correlating with disease progression. In the present study, we investigated hepatic pathological markers in the liver of R6/2 mice which convey exon 1 of the human mutant huntingtin gene. Furthermore, we evaluated the impact of intravenously administered Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) on the liver enzymes, changes in hepatic inflammatory markers, as well as brain pathology and behavioral deficits in R6/2 mice. Our results revealed altered enzyme expression and increased levels of inflammatory mediators in the liver of R6/2 mice, which were significantly attenuated in the MSC-treated R6/2 mice. Remarkably, neuronal pathology and altered motor activities in the MSC-treated R6/2 mice were significantly ameliorated, despite the absence of MSCs in the postmortem brain. Our data highlight the importance of hepatic pathological changes in HD, providing a potential therapeutic approach. Moreover, the data open new perspectives for the search in blood biomarkers correlating with liver pathology in HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the ameliorative effects and mechanism of Moringa oleifera Lam (LM) leaf aqueous extract on hepatic fibrosis (HF) in rats. 60 male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, colchicine group (100 mg/kg), and LM high, medium and low dose groups (200, 100 and 50 mg/kg), except for the normal group, rats in the remaining groups were established as HF model by intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide (TAA) and the corresponding drugs were administered from the 5 th week. At the end of drug administration, rats were examined for body weight, liver index, liver function indexes, including serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). HF indices including serum procollagen type III (PCIII), collagen type IV (IV-C), laminin (LN), hyaluronic acid (HA), liver hydroxyproline acid (HYP). Masson staining was used to observe liver fibrotic tissue lesions. Indicators of Liver oxidative stress, including hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were also detected. Real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR and protein immunoblotting were performed to detect hepatic TGF- β1/Smads pathway gene expression. Rats in the HF model group had significantly lower body weight, highly significantly increased liver index, serum ALT, AST, PCIII, IV-C, LN, HA and liver HYP concentrations compared with rats in the normal group (P<0.01). In addition, the liver tissue of rats in the model group showed a significant increase in collagen fibre deposition, severe liver fibrosis, highly significant increase in liver ROS and MDA content, and a highly significant decrease in SOD activity (P<0.01), indicating that the liver of rats in the model group was in a state of oxidative stress and fibrotic lesions, and liver function was impaired. Compared with the model group, serum ALT, AST, PCIII, IV-C, LN, HA and hepatic HYP concentrations were reduced to varying degrees in the LM group rats. In addition, collagen fibre deposition in liver tissue was significantly reduced, liver ROS and MDA content were significantly decreased, and SOD activity was significantly increased in the LM group rats, indicating that LM could reduce the level of liver oxidative stress, ameliorate liver fibrosis and protect liver function in rats (P<0.05, P<0.01). Gene expression detection of the TGF- β1/Smads pathway showed that the mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3 and α-SMA genes were significantly increased in the model group compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, the liver TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3 and α-SMA gene expressions were significantly lower in the LM high and medium dose groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the liver Smad3 and α-SMA gene expressions were significantly lower in the LM low dose group (P<0.05, P<0.01), indicating that LM could downregulate liver TGF-β1/Smads pathway gene expression in HF rats. LM would ameliorate TAA-induced liver fibrosis in rats by down-regulating the ROS-TGF-β1/Smads pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells on animal models of acute liver failure. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases were retrieved from inception to January 16, 2023. A series of animal experiments on the treatment of acute liver failure animal models by exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells were collected. Two evaluators screened the literature and extracted the data independently. The bias risk was evaluated by the SYRCLE tool. The extracted data were analyzed by Revmen 5.4.1 software and Stata 17.0 software. RESULTS: A total of 241 articles were retrieved and 9 animal experiments were included, with 219 animals: 110 animals in the model group and 109 animals in the exosome group. The results showed that the survival rate of animals in the exosome group improved significantly [RR=9.34, 95%CI(3.91, 22.29), P < 0.001], the levels of serum alanine transaminase [SMD=-5.31, 95%CI(-7.43, -3.19), P < 0.001] and aspartate aminotransferase [SMD=-4.47, 95%CI(-5.85, -3.10), P < 0.001] were reduced obviously. The expressions of interleukin-1β [SMD=-11.54, 95%CI(-18.12, -4.95), P=0.000 6], interleukin-6 [SMD=-5.75, 95%CI(-8.08, -3.41), P < 0.001] and tumor necrosis factor-α [SMD=-4.46, 95%CI(-6.83, -2.09), P=0.000 2], were suppressed obviously. CONCLUSION: Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells effectively inhibit the inflammatory response, ameliorate liver function of animals with acute liver failure, and improve their survival rate. The results of subgroup analysis showed that the shorter survival time of animals (≤ 24 hours), the lower dose of transplanted exosomes (< 1 mg/kg) and the source of exosomes (adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells) may affect the efficacy of the exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in the animal model of acute liver failure. This conclusion and its clinical transformation still need to be confirmed by randomized controlled studies with large sample sizes and high quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Observational studies indicate that sleep apnea is associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its related metabolic features, independent of confounding factors including obesity. However, the causal relationships remain to be determined. Methods: Univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to investigate the causal relationship between sleep apnea and NAFLD, along with its typical features including liver function, glycemic traits and lipid profiles. Summary‐level data for sleep apnea were obtained from the Finngen consortium (33,423 cases and 307,648 controls). Summary‐level data for NAFLD were available from a GWAS meta‐analysis (8434 cases and 770,180 controls), and data for 12 NAFLD‐related features from corresponding published GWASs. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis was employed as the primary statistical method. Bidirectional MR and CAUSE analysis were conducted to avoid reverse causality and false positive findings. Results: In univariable MR analyses, we found evidence to support a causal effect of genetically predicted sleep apnea on NAFLD (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.18–1.91) and HDL‐C (β = −0.045, 95% CI = ‐0.090 to −0.001). In reverse MR, genetically predicted serum TG was associated with an increased risk of sleep apnea (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.02–1.12), while genetically predicted HDL‐C was associated with a decreased risk of sleep apnea (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.89–0.98). After adjusting body mass index or educational attainment, none of these causal associations were retained. However, CAUSE method and MR analyses focusing on lipoprotein subfractions supported a causal effect of sleep apnea on HDL‐C and HDL subfractions. Conclusion: This MR study indicated that sleep apnea has no direct causal association with NAFLD, elevated liver enzymes and insulin resistance. Our results showed suggestive inverse associations of genetically predicted sleep apnea on HDL‐C and HDL subfractions, indicating that both HDL‐C levels and HDL function may be causally implicated in sleep apnea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has proven challenging to the management of patients with cancer, particularly those receiving systemic therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with atezolizumab/bevacizumab. (2) Methods: Patients with unresectable HCC who started atezolizumab/bevacizumab treatment between June 2020 and December 2021 at a tertiary cancer center in Korea were included (n = 241) and classified according to their COVID-19 status and severity. (3) Results: Thirty-five (14.5%) patients with unresectable HCC were diagnosed with COVID-19 during atezolizumab/bevacizumab treatment; 26 (74.2%) and nine (25.7%) in the low- and high-severity groups, respectively. The high-severity group showed higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Liver and kidney injuries were observed in 31.4% and 17.1% of total patients, respectively. Liver injury was more prominent in patients with pre-existing liver dysfunction at baseline, who were more prevalent in the high-severity group. Atezolizumab/bevacizumab treatment was delayed by a median of 0 (range, 0–21) day in the low-severity group and 12 (range, 0–35) days in the high-severity group. The high-severity group showed worse post-infection progression-free survival (1.1 vs. 4.8 months, p = 0.017) and overall survival (2.2 months vs. not reached, p = 0.004). (4) Conclusions: Patients with impaired liver function at baseline are more susceptible to high-severity COVID-19, which affects atezolizumab/bevacizumab treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Common and severe TBI causes impairment. TBIs are most often caused by falls, car accidents, and suicides, which vary by age and area. TBI, liver, and renal function are studied to prevent and classify brain injury. Secondary injuries, Glasgow Coma Scale limits, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and congenital anomalies exacerbate TBI and liver and kidney function. Hepato-biliary ultrasounds and liver function testing improved TBI critical care. Methods: The study included 40 healthy and 40 TBI patients per gender. Mental illness, seizures, and CNS infections were excluded. The serum was collected from all 7 mL blood samples after clotting. Small aliquots were taken for serum analysis. Biochemical tests included ALT, AST, Blood Urea, and Creatinine for liver and renal function. Statisticians calculated continuous variable standard deviation with SPSS Statistics 17 for Windows. A significance level of P < 0.05 was used for analysis. Results: The results indicate that TBI patients in this study had significantly altered renal and liver function compared to the control group. Gender did not significantly influence clinical variables in TBI patients, and GCS scores were not strongly associated with the assessed clinical and biochemical factors. These findings provide insights into the paraclinical characteristics of TBI patients and their potential implications for patient management. Conclusion: TBI variability and liver/renal function are the focus of this investigation. More research is needed to understand these changes and their treatment effects. Improved care and results require TBI patient renal and hepatic impairment studies. Research should explore the complex link between liver, kidney, and brain function to understand this disorder. Recommendation: Understanding TBI requires investigating the complex liver, kidney, and brain relationship. This study may improve patient care and treatment. Hepatic and renal function monitoring in TBI patients is crucial for clinical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The longitudinal health status of Danish children with alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency had never previously been characterised. This study aimed to assess the changes in growth, lung and liver function through childhood in these children. Methods: Danish children diagnosed between 2005 and 2020 with pathogenic variants in the Serpin family A member 1 gene were included. Retrospective data on growth, lung and liver parameters were obtained from local databases. Anthropometric Z‐scores and composite liver scores were computed. Growth and blood results were analysed using robust linear mixed models. Results: The study included 184 children (68 with ZZ‐homozygosity, 116 with heterozygosity). The median follow‐up time was 7 years [IQR 3.75–9.00] for children with ZZ‐homozygosity and 0.5 years [IQR 0.0–2.0] for children with heterozygosity. Both groups had low weight‐for‐height Z‐scores at diagnosis but experienced catch‐up growth during the first year of life. In addition, children with ZZ‐homozygosity had higher serum concentrations of γ‐glutamyl transferase and alanine aminotransferase throughout childhood, when compared with children with heterozygosity. Data proved insufficient to assess lung function properly. Conclusion: Children with ZZ‐homozygosity were more affected on serum liver parameters throughout childhood when compared with children with heterozygosity. Both groups experienced catch‐up growth during the first year of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current noninvasive liver tests are surrogates for fibrosis and lack ability to directly measure liver function. HepQuant tests measure liver function and physiology through hepatic uptake of stable cholate isotopes. HepQuant SHUNT (V1.0) involves oral and intravenous dosing and six blood samples over 90 min. We developed simplified test versions: SHUNT V2.0 (oral and intravenous dosing, two blood samples over 60 min) and DuO (oral dosing only, two blood samples over 60 min). The aim of this study was to evaluate equivalency of the simplified tests to the original SHUNT test. Data from three studies comprising 930 SHUNT tests were retrospectively analysed by each method. Equivalence was evaluated in terms of proportion of tests in which the difference between methods was less than any clinically meaningful difference and additionally by two one‐sided t‐test and bioequivalence methods. DuO and SHUNT V2.0 were equivalent to the original SHUNT test for Disease Severity Index, with >99% and >96% of tests falling within equivalence bounds. DuO and SHUNT V2.0 met equivalency criteria by two one‐sided t‐tests and bioequivalence. DuO and SHUNT V2.0 are easier to administer, are less invasive than the original SHUNT test and have potential to be more accepted by patients and providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dengue is a major international health concern prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical countries. There are a paucity of studies on the relationship of hepatic complications with inflammatory parameters in dengue infection. Methods: Single-centre observational study was conducted at the tertiary care centre in North India. Patients (>12 years) diagnosed with dengue infection between August and November 2021 were enrolled in the study. The frequency of hepatic derangements and their associations with inflammatory severity was analysed. Results: Based on the clinical symptoms, 170 patients were classified into three categories, namely, dengue fever, warning dengue and severe dengue. Higher incidence of liver dysfunction was observed in severe dengue patients with median values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (3051 U/L, p < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (1792 U/L, p = 0.009), alkaline phosphatase (172 U/L, p = 0.001), T.Bil (34.2 µmol/L, p < 0.001), albumin (30 g/L, <0.001), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (152 U/L, p < 0.001) along with inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) (43 mg/dL, p < 0.001) highly deranged, in comparison to patients with/without warning signs. Median levels of CRP were found to be positively and significantly correlated with the median levels of AST and ALT (p < 0.05, r = 0.99) in all three categories of dengue patients. Liver injury was noted in 107 (63%) of the cohort, and mixed type of liver injury involving both hepatocellular and cholestatic patterns was observed as the most common type of injury (n = 50, 29.4%). Liver injury correlated with the severity of dengue illness as about 85% of severe dengue patients had significant liver injury (p = 0.014). Conclusion: In dengue patients, the association of the liver injury with inflammatory severity suggests that the mechanism of liver injury may be related to inflammatory response apart from the hepatotropic nature of the virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is an acquired autoimmune disease. NLE with liver function damage and cytomegalovirus colonization is rarely reported. Methods: This case describes a newborn male's laboratory testing found sustained liver function damage when he came to see the doctor due to oral candidiasis. The cause was identified through clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, auxiliary examinations, and family history of the patient. Results: The final diagnosis of the child was NLE with liver function damage and cytomegalovirus colonization according to comprehensive analysis and follow-up observation. Conclusions: NLE and cytomegalovirus colonization can both lead to liver function damage. When the organ function of newborns is abnormal, it is necessary to promptly investigate the cause and determine whether it is NLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice is the property of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice (Editorial Board, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: We aimed to establish a machine learning radiomics liver function model to explore how liver function affects the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer (GC). Methods: Patients with advanced GC were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Eight machine learning radiomic models were constructed by extracting radiomic features from portal-vein-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) images. Clinicopathological features were determined using univariate and multifactorial Cox regression analyses. These features were used to construct a GC survival nomogram. Results: A total of 510 patients with GC were split into training and test cohorts in an 8:2 ratio. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with type I liver function had a better prognosis. Fifteen significant features were retained to establish the machine learning model. LightBGM showed the best predictive performance in the training (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.978) and test cohorts (AUC 0.714). Multivariate analysis revealed that gender, age, liver function, Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) score, tumor-lymph node-metastasis stage, tumor size, and tumor differentiation were independent risk factors for GC prognosis. The survival nomogram based on machine learning radiomics, instead of liver biochemical indicators, still had high accuracy (C-index of 0.771 vs. 0.773). Conclusion: The machine learning radiomics liver function model has high diagnostic value in predicting the influence of liver function on prognosis in patients with GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundEvidence on the association between selenium and liver function parameters is limited and controversial.MethodsData on dietary selenium intake, blood selenium concentration, and liver function parameters were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2020. Associations between selenium (dietary intake and blood concentration) and liver function parameters [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), the ALT/AST ratio, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] were assessed using multivariate linear regression models. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were conducted to examine differences in associations according to age, gender, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, and physical activity.ResultsThe study included 6,869 participants after screening. The multivariate linear regression model revealed that dietary selenium intake was positively associated with ALT (β = 0.112, 95% CI = 0.041, 0.183) and the ALT/AST ratio (β = 0.002, 95% CI = 0.001, 0.004) after adjustment for covariates. Results of blood selenium concentration also showed that higher blood selenium levels were positively associated with ALT (β = 0.436, 95% CI = 0.308, 0.564), AST (β = 0.112, 95% CI = 0.015, 0.208), and the ALT/AST ratio (β = 0.012, 95% CI = 0.009, 0.015). However, ALP decreased with increasing blood selenium concentration (β = −0.207, 95% CI = −0.414, −0.000). In addition, we found significant differences in the effect of selenium on liver function parameters according to age, gender, and BMI.ConclusionDietary selenium intake and blood concentration affect liver function parameters. These findings suggest that further research is needed to explore these associations to promote liver health and disease prevention.

A current investigation aimed to assess the antihyperuricemic activity of the Boswellia Carterii plant and investigate the action of urate-lowering effect in a rat pattern of hyperuricemia generated by potassium-oxonate. Rats used in the research were randomized into five groups (n=6). The rats in the negative group, allopurinol group, olibanum 50 mg/kg group, and olibanum 100 mg/kg group received intraperitoneal injections of potassium oxonate (PO) twice a week at a dose of 250 mg/kg. The normal control group was supplied food and drink without any intervention. As a positive one control group, the olibanum 50 mg/kg group received daily oral administration of 50 mg/kg of olibanum powder dissolved in 0.5 L of distal water, and the positive two olibanum 100mg/kg group treated with 100mg/kg of olibanum powder dispersed in 0.5L of distal water orally each day. Allopurinol (5mg/kg) was administered orally to rats in the allopurinol group daily. Each group's animals were slaughtered, blood was taken, and serum was isolated for uric acid (UA) laboratory analysis and other biochemical parameters. Uric acid (UUA) and creatinine (UCr) in urine were also measured. The investigation results demonstrated a significantly substantial reduction in blood UA and modest inhibition of xanthine oxide (XOD) in rats with hyperuricemia that were given olibanum solution. Compared to the hyperuricemic control group, all groups showed non-significant variations in the kidney (Urea and CreaC) and liver (ALT, AlkP, and AST) functioning.

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of dietary metformin supplementation on growth performance, liver function, and glucose metabolism of rice field eel (Monopterus albus) fed high carbohydrate diets (HCDs). Four isonitrogenous and isolipid diets were formulated, different in 15% α-starch (LC), 35% α-starch (HC), and 35% α-starch supplemented with 0.25% (HCM0.25) and 0.5% metformin (HCM0.5), respectively. After 8 weeks, the results showed that HCDs did not affect growth performance, but reduced the activities of amylase and trypsin, and damaged liver function together with the increase of hepatic glycogen content. HCM0.25 did not affect whereas HCM0.5 damaged the growth performance. Activities of amylase in HCM0.25 group and trypsin in both HCM0.25 and HCM0.50 groups were increased. While HCM0.25 lowered serum AST and ALT activities, HCM0.5 showed an increase. HCM0.25 caused a reduction in vacuoles size and a increase in nuclei number, whereas HCM0.5 failed to induce similar effects. The liver glycogen content was reduced by both HCM0.25 and HCM0.5 whereas the muscle glycogen content remained stable. Both HCM0.25 and HCM0.5 enhanced glycolysis–related enzymatic activities (PFK, PK) in liver, while reducing gluconeogenesis (FBPase). Similarly, both treatments upregulated gene expression of pk in liver, while downregulated g6pase, fbpase and pepck. Moreover, HCM0.25 and HCM0.5 increased PFK, G6Pase, FBPase and PEPCK activity in muscle, with HCM0.25 further upregulating gene expressions of hk, pfk, g6pase and pepck. Both treatments downregulated the gene expression of g6pd in muscle, whereas only HCM0.25 upregulated ampkα1, tbc1d1 and glut4. In summary, dietary 0.25% metformin improved liver function, reduced liver glycogen content, and regulated glucose metabolism and AMPKα-TBC1D1-GLUT4 pathway. However, 0.50% metformin did not demonstrate positive effects and even had adverse effects on growth performance.

PurposeLiver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is the most common type of liver cancer, but there is a lack of effective indicators for its early diagnosis and prognosis, so we explored the role of KEAP1 in LIHC patients in this study.MethodsThe Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was used to investigate the relationship between KEAP1 expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis of LIHC patients. KEAP1 expression related pathways were enriched by Gene Ontology (GO) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Besides, KEAP1 expression-related immune infiltration was performed by single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA), and function of immune cells was detected by flow cytometry.ResultsIt was found that KEAP1 expression was significantly increased and correlated with overall survival of LIHC patients. A total of 231 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between LIHC patients with high- and low-KEAP1 expression were found, which associated with various biological pathways. Besides, KEAP1 expression was positively correlated with the infiltration level of T helper cells and Th2 cells but negatively correlated with DCs and cytotoxic cells. Functional analysis revealed that the expression of IL 4 in Th2 cells and CD107a, GrA and GrB in cytotoxic cells was significantly greater in LIHC patients than in HCs. In addition, KEAP1 expression was closely correlated with liver function in LIHC patients.ConclusionHighly expressed KEAP1 was closely related to the diagnosis, prognosis, immune cell infiltration, and liver function of LIHC, which might promote the progression of LIHC through regulating cell development, signal transduction, and abnormal immune response. The current study partially revealed the role of KEAP1 in LIHC and provided a potential biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of LIHC.

IntroductionNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) poses a significant global health challenge, necessitating comprehensive exploration of its etiology. This study investigates the intricate relationship between body composition and NAFLD prevalence, focusing on the balance between muscle mass and fat content.MethodsEmploying a retrospective cross-sectional design, 2,493 participants undergoing routine health examinations were analyzed. Body compositions, including muscle mass and fat, were measured using bioelectrical-impedance analysis. The prevalence of NAFLD was assessed based on clinical guidelines.ResultsThis study included 2,493 patients, including 1,601 (64.2%) men and 892(35.8%) women. The average age of these participants was 46.0 ± 13.1 years, with a mean body mass index of 25.0 ± 3.6 kg/m2. The levels of fat free mass (FFM) to fat mass (FM) ratio (FFM/FM) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) demonstrated a negative association with the prevalence of NAFLD (OR (95% CI): 0.553 (0.427–0.704) and 0.850 (0.730–0.964), p

Viral hepatitis is a common cause of acute liver injury that can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Viral hepatitis shares similarities with kamalai in Siddha medicine and is managed in accordance with Siddha treatment. Present case is of a 14-year-old male patient who presented with symptoms of fever, fatigue, malaise, and jaundice. Laboratory investigations, abdominal ultrasound features, and clinical findings indicated positive viral hepatitis. The patient was started on Siddha management to suppress Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) replication and prevent progression to chronic hepatitis B infection. The patient’s symptoms gradually improved over the next few weeks, and follow-up blood tests showed a significant reduction in the values of elevated liver enzymes, indicating a good response to Siddha medicine treatment. The unique aspect of this case study was that it demonstrates a successful management of viral hepatitis B infection with the Siddha system of medicine.

Abstract Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a standard treatment for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, TACE can cause deterioration of liver functions. We aimed to identify the factors that influence deterioration of liver function after TACE. We retrospectively analyzed 262 patients who underwent TACE as initial treatment for HCC with Child–Pugh grade A. We divided them into three groups stratified by the etiology of underlying liver disease. Patients were classified into hepatitis B virus (HBV) group, hepatitis C virus (HCV) group, and non-HBV / non-HCV (NBNC) group. Liver functions at one month after TACE and time to Child–Pugh grade B or C were compared between the three groups. The HBV, HCV and NBNC groups contained 23, 123 and 116 patients, respectively. The decline in albumin level after TACE was significantly higher in NBNC group than other groups (p = 0.02). NBNC group showed a shorter time to Child–Pugh grade deterioration compared with HBV group and HCV group (p

Objective To explore the predictive value of preoperative liver function for massive blood transfusion (MBT) in patients undergoing ascending aorta surgery. Methods Data from 238 patients undergoing ascending aorta surgery in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University were collected. Preoperative liver function tests were performed for all patients. Based on the perioperative transfusion volumes of red blood cell suspension, patients were divided into the MBT group, non-MBT group, and no blood transfusion (NBT) group. Clinical data during the perioperative period were compared among different groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) analysis was used to assess the predictive value of liver function indicators for MBT and determine cut-off values. Results Compared with the non-MBT group and NBT group, the MBT group showed statistically significant differences in preoperative levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), direct bilirubin (DBIL), and serum albumin (SA) (P28.50 U/L, ALT >40.00 U/L, SA ≤34.55 g/L, and DBIL >4.25 μmol/L, there was a significant increase in the transfusion volume of various blood components and the incidence of MBT. Conclusion Preoperative liver function indicators (AST, ALT, SA, DBIL) have a moderate predictive value for MBT in patients undergoing ascending aorta surgery.

Abstract Background Bicarbonate Ringer’s (BR) solution is a direct liver and kidney metabolism-independent HCO3 − buffering system. We hypothesized that BR solution would be more effective in improving acid-base equilibrium and more conducive to better liver function than Acetate Ringer’s (AR) solution in conventional orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) patients. Methods Sixty-nine adult patients underwent OLT. Patients in the bicarbonate and acetate groups received BR solution or AR solution as infused crystalloids and graft washing solution, respectively. The primary outcome was the effect on pH and base excess (BE) levels. The secondary outcome measures were the incidence and volume of intraoperative 5% sodium bicarbonate infusion and laboratory indicates of liver and kidney function. Results The pH and absolute BE values changed significantly during the anhepatic phase and immediately after transplanted liver reperfusion in the bicarbonate group compared with the acetate group (all P

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between the intestinal flora and the impairment of liver and kidney in HIV-infected men who have heterosexual sex with healthy women.MethodsFecal samples from 41 HIV-infected heterosexual men who have sex with women （PMSW） and 43 age- and BMI-matched healthy heterosexual men who have sex with women （NMSW） were collected and subjected to 16S rDNA sequencing. The blood levels of AST， ALT， TBIL， UREA， Cr， UA， β2-MG and other liver and kidney function indicators were measured. Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the characteristics of the intestinal flora of the patients in these two groups， to compare the differential bacteria strains， and to analyze their correlation with liver and kidney function indicators.ResultsIn comparison with NMSW， the alpha diversity of intestinal flora was decreased in PMSW， and the beta diversity analysis showed significant differences in flora characteristics between the two groups （P4）. The comparison of liver and kidney function indexes revealed that AST， β2-MG levels were higher in PMSW than in NMSW， while TBIL was lower in PMSW than in NMSW. The number of patients with abnormal β2-MG was much higher in PMSW than in NMSW， and the difference was statistically significant （P

ObjectiveTo establish a rat model of hyperuricemia （HUA）， to study the effect of Liqing granules on lowering serum uric acid， and to evaluate its safety .MethodsMale SD rats were randomly divided into solvent control group and model group according to their body weight. For the model group， serum uric acid （SUA） was determined after 7 days of intra-gastric administration of potassium oxyazinate. The model group were randomly divided into model control group， positive control group， and low， medium， high dose group based on SUA level. Each group from the model group continued to receive potassium oxyazinate in the morning. The animals in the model groups received 0.5% CMC-Na， 10 mg·kg-1 benzbromarone （Doses by body weight） and Liqing granules 0.6， 1.2， 2.4 g·kg-1 （Doses by body weight）， respectively in the afternoon. 0.5% CMC-Na suspension with the same volume was given both in the morning and afternoon for the solvent control group. Levels of SUA， creatinine （CREA）， alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate transaminase （AST） were determined after 32 and 45 days administration of the test substance.ResultsSUA of the model group was （218±23） μmol·L-1 after 7 days of modeling， which was significantly higher than that of the solvent control group （P0.05）. CREA in the medium and high dose groups significantly decreased （P0.05）.ConclusionLiqing granules can assist in lowering blood serum uric acid in the rat HUA model， and no damage to liver and kidney function is found.

Abstract Aim This retrospective study compared the impact of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atez/Bev) and lenvatinib (LEN) on the liver function in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods We included 526 patients who received Atez/Bev and 731 who received LEN March 2018 and July 2022 in this study. We conducted a 1:1 propensity‐score‐matched analysis and identified 324 patients in each group for inclusion in the present analysis. Nonlinear mixed‐effects regression models were employed, allowing for the evaluation and inclusion of cases where treatment was interrupted due to disease progression, adverse events, or loss to follow‐up. These models were used to compare the ALBI score between the Atez/Bev and LEN groups. Results Following propensity score matching, the mean ALBI scores in the Atez/Bev and LEN groups were −2.41 ± 0.40 and −2.44 ± 0.42 at baseline, and −2.17 ± 0.56 and −2.19 ± 0.58 at 12 weeks, respectively. Although the ALBI score significantly worsened during treatment in both groups (p

Twelve Holstein (HOL), 9 Brown Swiss (BRO), and 9 Simmental (SIM) dairy cows raised in the same barn and managed identically were enrolled to characterise the responses to the transition period. From −21 to 28 d from calving (DFC), body condition score (BCS) and milk yield were measured, and blood samples were collected to assess plasma biomarkers of metabolism, minerals, liver function, inflammation, and oxidative status. Compared with SIM, HOL and BRO had higher milk yield during the first week of lactation. HOL had the highest milk yield from the second to the fourth week and the lowest BCS at 28 DFC. SIM had the highest BCS and the highest plasma creatinine and P, reflecting a greater attitude to gain muscle mass. Compared with SIM, BRO and HOL had lower plasma fructosamine, indicating reduced glucose availability driven by lactose synthesis. SIM had the mildest acute phase response at the onset of lactation, as suggested by the lowest ceruloplasmin concentration. HOL had the highest cholesterol and paraoxonase concentrations, and the greatest interleukin-1β production by leukocytes following ex-vivo stimulation, suggesting that they had the quickest resolution of the acute phase response due to the fastest immune cell activation. BRO had the highest concentration of reactive oxygen metabolites, ceruloplasmin, bilirubin, glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase, γ-glutamyl transferase, and β-hydroxybutyrate, and the lowest concentration of paraoxonase, reflecting the strongest activation of leukocytes and the most severe acute phase response. Together, these results highlight different metabolic and inflammatory conditions around calving in the three explored breeds.HIGHLIGHTS Holstein, Brown Swiss, and Simmental are dairy breeds selected for different purposes. These three breeds have different productivity, and metabolic and inflammatory responses during the transition period. Understanding the differences among breeds might improve their management, nutrition, and productivity in commercial dairy farms.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a standard treatment for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, TACE can cause deterioration of liver functions. We aimed to identify the factors that influence deterioration of liver function after TACE. We retrospectively analyzed 262 patients who underwent TACE as initial treatment for HCC with Child–Pugh grade A. We divided them into three groups stratified by the etiology of underlying liver disease. Patients were classified into hepatitis B virus (HBV) group, hepatitis C virus (HCV) group, and non-HBV / non-HCV (NBNC) group. Liver functions at one month after TACE and time to Child–Pugh grade B or C were compared between the three groups. The HBV, HCV and NBNC groups contained 23, 123 and 116 patients, respectively. The decline in albumin level after TACE was significantly higher in NBNC group than other groups (p = 0.02). NBNC group showed a shorter time to Child–Pugh grade deterioration compared with HBV group and HCV group (p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that NBNC group was a significant factor for Child–Pugh grade deterioration (Hazard ratio 3.74, 95% confidence interval 1.89–7.40, p < 0.001). These results revealed that liver functions worsened most remarkably in NBNC group after TACE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]