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Accumulation of copper in the liver and hepatic injury in chronic hepatitis C.
- Source :
-
Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology . Jul2000, Vol. 15 Issue 7, p786-791. 6p. 7 Charts. - Publication Year :
- 2000
-
Abstract
- Abstract Background and Aims: Relationships between chronic liver disease and trace metals have not been clearly understood. To examine connections between severity of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C and copper, iron and zinc we measured the contents of these metals in liver tissue and serum in the patients. Methods: Forty-one patients (26–62 years), 13 with fibrosis representing grade F1, 16 with F2, seven with F3, and five with F4, entered this study. Metals were quantified in needle liver-biopsy specimens by particle-induced X-ray emission. In serum, metals were measured by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: Hepatic copper content increased with progression of hepatic fibrosis (P < 0.05). The copper content correlated positively with bilirubin (r = 0.466, P = 0.0023), and with type IV collagen (r = 0.402, P = 0.0086) and correlated negatively with albumin (r = – 0.404, P = 0.080). However, hepatic iron and zinc contents did not show a significant differences between grades of fibrosis. Conclusions: Copper accumulation in fibrotic livers caused by chronic hepatitis C may contribute to hepatic injury. The real mechanism is not known at present, but excess copper may damage the liver by oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *LIVER diseases
*METALS
*HEALTH
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 08159319
- Volume :
- 15
- Issue :
- 7
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 5520689