Protective effect of some vitamins against the toxic action of ethanol on liver regeneration induced by partial hepatectomy in rats

The structural effects of Vitamin A deficiency on biological macromolecules due to ethanol consumption and withdrawal: An FTIR study with chemometrics

The structural effects of vitamin A-deficiency were examined on the molecular profiles of biomolecules of male rat hippocampus during prolonged ethanol intake/withdrawal using FT-IR spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics. Liquid ethanol diet with/without vitamin A was maintained to adult rats for 3-months. The rats were decapitated at different ethanol withdrawal times and FT-IR spectra were obtained. Ethanol consumption/withdrawal produced significant changes in proteins' conformations, while having insignificant structural effects on lipids. In vitamin A deficiency, ethanol produced structural changes in lipids by lipid ordering especially in the early-ethanol withdrawal. Furthermore, an increase in lipid and protein content, saturated/unsaturated lipid ratio, a decrease in nucleic acids content and decrease in membrane fluidity were observed. These changes were less severe in the presence of Vitamin A. This study is clinically important for individuals with vitamin A deficiency because they have to be more cautious when consuming alcohol to protect themselves from cognitive dysfunctions.

Effect of Resveratrol on Thioacetamide-induced Liver Damage in Rat Models

Background: The current treatments of liver diseases are not sufficiently effective, and there has been no therapy that can successfully prevent liver failure and its complications. Previous studies have suggested that resveratrol could inhibit the progression of hepatic diseases based on its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potentials. Objectives: The present study evaluated the hepato-protective effects of resveratrol in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced acute liver damage in rats using neurobehavioral and biochemical parameters. Methods: Forty-eight healthy adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups: C1: healthy control group, C2: non-treated liver failure, E1: liver failure treated with resveratrol 5 mg/kg/day, and E2: liver failure treated with resveratrol 10 mg/kg/day. Aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT), alkaline phosphatase (Alk), total bilirubin (TB), and plasma-ammonia (NH4) were analyzed, and histopathological evaluations of the specimens were carried out after sacrificing the models. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) grading, open-field, elevated plus arms, and forced-swimming tests were performed in the study. Results: The resveratrol-treated groups had lower serum concentrations of NH4, ALT, and AST than the C2 group (P < 0.05). The pathological evaluations demonstrated that resveratrol-treated groups had better outcomes in inflammatory cell infiltration, apoptosis, vacuolization, liver tissue necrosis, and liver damage stage than the C2 group (P < 0.05). They also showed lower grades of HE, higher locomotor activity (open-field test), and diminished levels of depression (forced-swimming) when compared to the C2 group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Resveratrol supplementation can improve liver damage as AST, ALT, NH4, and tissue damages were decreased after administering the agent in TAA-induced liver damage. Resveratrol can also improve the neurobehavioral manifestations in animal models of liver failure.

[Preconditioning of the liver]

Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) still represents a severe complication after major liver resection associated with a high mortality. In addition to an insufficient residual liver volume various factors play an important role in the pathophysiology of PHLF. These include the quality of the parenchyma, liver function, perfusion, i.e. maintenance of adequate inflow and outflow, as well as the condition of the patient and comorbidities. While the liver volume is relatively easy to evaluate using modern imaging techniques, the evaluation of liver function and liver quality require a differentiated approach. Both factors can be influenced by the constitutional status of the patient, medical history and previous treatment and must be given sufficient consideration in the risk evaluation. An adequate perfusion, e.g. portal and arterial circulation and adequate outflow by at least one hepatic vein as well an adequate biliary drainage should be always guaranteed in order to allow regeneration of the residual liver tissue. Only the understanding of all these aspects will support the surgeon in a correct and safe evaluation of the resectability. Additionally, the liver surgeon should be aware of all available perioperative and postoperative options to treat and to prevent PHLF. In this review article the most important questions regarding the risk factors related to PHLF are presented and the potential therapeutic and prophylactic management is described. The main goal is to ensure functional operability of the patient if oncological resectability is possible. In other words: in the case of correct oncological indication, the liver surgeon should be able to resect what is resectable or, alternatively, make resectable what primarily was not resectable.

Effects of vitamin C and E on toxic action of alcohol on partial hepatectomy-induced liver regeneration in rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of vitamins C and E on the toxic action of alcohol in rat liver regeneration. Male Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to 70% partial hepatectomy were divided into five groups (Groups 1 to 5). Rats in Groups 2 to 5 were only provided alcohol for drinking. Additionally, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin C in combination with vitamin E were administered to Groups 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Alcohol inhibits liver regeneration, resulting in an increase in free radicals produced by alcohol metabolism and thus causing cellular damage and altering liver function. During liver regeneration, vitamins C and E significantly ameliorated liver injury from alcohol administration by reducing hepatic lipid peroxidation. Vitamins C and E protect against liver injury and dysfunction, attenuate lipid peroxidation, and thus may be more effective in combination than either vitamin alone against alcohol-mediated toxic effects during liver regeneration.

Abdul Aziz G, A. Amin H, N. Mustafa H, A. Elhaggagy A. Immunohistochemical Study of the Ameliorative Effect of Vitamin E on Liver Regeneration after Different Periods of Partial Hepatectomy

The liver is almost unique in its capacity for regeneration after hepatectomy but the exact mechanisms are not yet fully clarified. Antioxidants have been shown to promote liver regeneration after major hepatectomy. The present study evaluated the ameliorative effect of vitamin E administration on the liver regeneration after different periods of partial hepatectomy (PH) in rats. Fifty-six adult male albino rats were divided into three groups: Control sham operated group; partially hepatectomized group which were divided into three subgroups sacrificed at 1day, 3 days and 7days after the operation respectively; Partially Hepatectomized group with vitamin E pretreatment before PH where the rats were given a daily oral dose of vitamin E until the time of sacrifice of the rats. Immunohistochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and labeling index were demonstrated. After PH, the PCNA positive hepatocytes and the PCNA labeling indices were significantly high after the 1st day and then much decreased after the 3rd day, to be followed by a slight increase at the 7th day. Vitamin E pretreatment in PH rats resulted in a decrease in PCNA positive cells and its labeling indices in the 1st day with a gradual increase in the 3rd and 7th days. Vitamin E has an inhibitory effect in the first 24 hours on liver regeneration followed by stimulatory effect at the third and seventh days after PH. These data indicated that vitamin E pretreatment has an important role in regulation and enhancement of liver regeneration after PH.

Morphological and biochemical effects of weekend alcohol consumption in rats: Role of concentration and gender

AIM

To examine the association between weekend alcohol consumption and the biochemical and histological alterations at two different concentrations of alcohol in both genders in rats.

METHODS

Wistar rats weighing 170-200 g were divided into groups as follows: (1) Control groups; and (2) weekend alcohol-consumption group: 2 d/weekly per 12 wk, at two different concentrations: (1) Group of males or females with a consumption of a solution of alcohol at 40%; and (2) group of males or females with a consumption of a solution of alcohol at 5%. At the end of the experiment, serum and liver samples were obtained. The following enzymes and metabolites were determined in serum: Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Lactate Dehydrogenase, and Gamma-Glutamyltransferase, and glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, bilirubin, and albumin. Liver samples from each group were employed to analyze morphological abnormalities by light microscopy.

RESULTS

In all of the weekend alcohol-consumption groups, AST activity presented a significant, 10-fold rise. Regarding ALT activity, the groups with weekend alcohol consumption presented a significant increase that was six times greater. Bilirubin levels increased significantly in both groups of females. We observed a significant increase in the parameters of fatty change and inflammation due to weekend alcohol consumption. Only the group of females that consumed alcohol at 40% presented slight hepatocellular disorganization.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained herein provide solid evidence that weekend alcohol consumption gives rise to liver damage, demonstrated by biochemical and histological alterations, first manifested acutely, and prolonged weekend alcohol consumption can cause greater, irreversible damage.

Effects of separate and concurrent supplementation of Nano-sized clinoptilolite and Nigella sativa on oxidative stress, anti-oxidative parameters and body weight in rats with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of separate and concurrent supplementation of natural nano-sized clinoptilolite (NCLN) and Nigella sativa (NS) on oxidative stress (OS), anti-oxidative parameters and body weight (BW) in high-fat-diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

In this experimental study, 42 male Wistar rats were divided into diabetic (n=36) and non-diabetic (n=6) groups. The diabetic group (DG) was fed with a HFD for one month, then injected with intra-peritoneal single dose STZ (35 mg/kg BW). The DG was divided into 4 subgroups: [1] control (DC), [2] NS 1%/food, [3] NCLN 2%/food, [4] NS 1%/food + NCLN 2%/food. At the end of the 7th week, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured.

RESULTS

The MDA level was decreased in the NCLN (p = 0.011) and NCLN+NS (p = 0.007) groups compared to the DC group. The GPX level increased in the NS and NCLN groups compared to the DC group (p = 0.014 and p = 0.034). In addition, the level of TAC demonstrated increase in the untreated DG and NS groups, as compared to the normal control (NC) group (p_DC = 0.031 and p_NS = 0.024). Moreover, in the NS+NCLN group, the level of SOD decreased in comparison to the NS and NCLN groups (p < 0.01). At the end of the 7th week, BW decreased in the diabetic subgroups in comparison to the NC group. Treatment with NS and/or NS+NCLN insignificantly prevented severe weight loss in the fifth week of the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

According to results, separate supplementation of NS and NCLN was more beneficent on anti-oxidative parameters than concurrent supplementation of NS and NCLN.

Nrf2 modulates cell proliferation and antioxidants defenses during liver regeneration induced by partial hepatectomy

The objective was to determine the regulatory dynamic of Nrf2 during liver regeneration and the administration of EtOH and/or the G. schiedeanum extract. Male Wistar rats weighing 200-230 g were subjected to a 70% partial hepatectomy; they were then divided into three groups (groups 1-3). During the experiment, animals in Group 1 drank only water. The other two groups (2-3) received an intragastric dose of ethanol (1.5 g/kg BW, solution at 40% in isotonic saline solution). Additionally, rats in group 3 received a geranium extract daily at a dose of 300 mg/kg BW i.g. EtOh and/or Geranium schiedeanum was administered to rats with regenerating livers for 7 days. At the end of treatment, the activity was determined of the antioxidant enzymes, DNA concentration, TBARS, and TAC, in addition to the expression of Nrf-2, Cyclin D1, and Nqo1. EtOH increased ROS and Nrf-2, which activated the antioxidant defenses and delayed liver proliferation. On the other hand, Geranium schiedeanum exerted an antioxidant effect, diminishing ROS, but Nrf-2 expression increased, favoring liver proliferation through the increase of DNA concentration and the overexpression of Cyclin D1, however it did not activate the antioxidant defenses. In sum, it can be concluded that Nrf-2 possesses a regulatory dynamic that is evident in the presence of a toxic agent (EtOH) and/or a phytochemical agent with antioxidant capacity (Geranium schiedeanum) during liver regeneration.

Hepatoprotective effect of Geranium schiedeanum against ethanol toxicity during liver regeneration

AIM

To evaluate the effect of an extract of Geranium schiedeanum (Gs) as a hepatoprotective agent against ethanol (EtOH)-induced toxicity in rats.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats weighing 200-230 g were subjected to a 70% partial hepatectomy (PH); they were then divided into three groups (groups 1-3). During the experiment, animals in group 1 drank only water. The other two groups (2-3) drank an aqueous solution of EtOH (40%, v/v). Additionally, rats in group 3 received a Gs extract daily at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight intragastically. Subsequently, to identify markers of liver damage in serum, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin and bilirubin were measured by colorimetric methods. Glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations were also determined. In addition, oxidative damage was estimated by measuring lipid peroxidation [using thiobarbituric-acid reactive substances (TBARS)] in both plasma and the liver and by measuring the total concentration of antioxidants in serum and the total antioxidant capacity in the liver. In addition, a liver mass gain assessment, total DNA analysis and a morpho-histological analysis of the liver from animals in all three groups were performed and compared. Finally, the number of deaths observed in the three groups was analyzed.

RESULTS

Administration of the Geranium shiedeanum extract significantly reduced the unfavorable effect of ethanol on liver regeneration (restitution liver mass: PH-EtOH group 60.68% vs PH-Gs-EtOH group 69.22%). This finding was congruent with the reduced levels of hepatic enzymes and the sustained or increased levels of albumin and decreased bilirubin in serum. The extract also modified the metabolic processes that regulate glucose and lipid levels, as observed from the serum measurements. Lower antioxidant levels and the liver damage induced by EtOH administration appeared to be mitigated by the extract, as observed from the TBARs (PH-EtOH group 200.14 mmol/mg vs PH-Gs-EtOH group 54.20 mmol/mg; P < 0.05), total status of antioxidants (PH-EtOH group 1.43 mmol/L vs PH-Gs-EtOH group 1.99 mmol/L; P < 0.05), total antioxidant capacity values, liver mass gain and total DNA determination (PH-EtOH group 4.80 mg/g vs PH-Gs-EtOH 9.10 mg/g; P < 0.05). Overall, these processes could be related to decreased mortality in these treated animals.

CONCLUSION

The administered extract showed a hepatoprotective effect, limiting the EtOH-induced hepatotoxic effects. This effect can be related to modulating oxido-reduction processes.

What is Known Regarding the Participation of Factor Nrf-2 in Liver Regeneration?

It has been known for years that, after chemical damage or surgical removal of its tissue, the liver initiates a series of changes that, taken together, are known as regeneration, which are focused on the recovery of lost or affected tissue in terms of the anatomical or functional aspect. The Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf-2) is a reduction-oxidation reaction (redox)-sensitive transcriptional factor, with the basic leucine Zipper domain (bZIP) motif, encoding the NFE2L2 gene. The Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway is transcendental in the regulation of various cellular processes, such as antioxidant defenses, redox equilibrium, the inflammatory process, the apoptotic processes, intermediate metabolism, detoxification, and cellular proliferation. Some reports have demonstrated the regulator role of Nrf-2 in the cellular cycle of the hepatocyte, as well as in the modulation of the antioxidant response and of apoptotic processes during liver regeneration. It has been reported that there is a delay in liver regeneration after Partial hepatectomy (PH) in the absence of Nrf-2, and similarly as a regulator of hepatic cytoprotection due to diverse chemical or biological agents, and in diseases such as hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. This regulator/protector capacity is due to the modulation of the Antioxidant response elements (ARE). It is postulated that oxidative stress (OS) can participate in the initial stages of liver regeneration and that Nrf-2 can probably participate. Studies are lacking on the different initiation stages, maintenance, and the termination of liver regeneration alone or with ethanol.

Effects of dietary supplementation with vitamin C and vitamin E and their combination on growth performance, some biochemical parameters, and oxidative stress induced by copper toxicity in broilers

This study investigated effects of dietary supplementation with vitamin C, vitamin E on performance, biochemical parameters, and oxidative stress induced by copper toxicity in broilers. A total of 240, 1-day-old, broilers were assigned to eight groups with three replicates of 10 chicks each. The groups were fed on the following diets: control (basal diet), vitamin C (250 mg/kg diet), vitamin E (250 mg/kg diet), vitamin C + vitamin E (250 mg/kg + 250 mg/kg diet), and copper (300 mg/kg diet) alone or in combination with the corresponding vitamins. At the 6th week, the body weights of broilers were decreased in copper, copper + vitamin E, and copper + vitamin C + vitamin E groups compared to control. The feed conversion ratio was poor in copper group. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase activities, iron, copper concentrations, and erythrocyte malondialdehyde were increased; plasma vitamin A and C concentrations and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase were decreased in copper group compared to control. Glutathione peroxidase, vitamin C, and iron levels were increased; aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and copper levels were decreased in copper + vitamin C group, while superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and vitamin E concentrations were increased; aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were decreased in copper with vitamin E group compared to copper group. The vitamin C concentrations were increased; copper, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and malondialdehyde were decreased in copper + vitamin C + vitamin E group compared to copper group. To conclude, copper caused oxidative stress in broilers. The combination of vitamin C and vitamin E addition might alleviate the harmful effects of copper as demonstrated by decreased lipid peroxidation and hepatic enzymes.

Hepatoprotective effect of silymarin

The use of medicinal plants in treating illnesses has been reported since ancestral times. In the case of hepatic diseases, several species such as Silybum marianum, Phyllanthus niruri, and Panus giganteus (Berk.) have been shown to ameliorate hepatic lesions. Silymarin is a natural compound derived from the species Silybum marianum, which is commonly known as Milk thistle. This plant contains at least seven flavoligands and the flavonoid taxifolin. The hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of silymarin is caused by its ability to inhibit the free radicals that are produced from the metabolism of toxic substances such as ethanol, acetaminophen, and carbon tetrachloride. The generation of free radicals is known to damage cellular membranes and cause lipoperoxidation. Silymarin enhances hepatic glutathione and may contribute to the antioxidant defense of the liver. It has also been shown that silymarin increases protein synthesis in hepatocytes by stimulating RNA polymerase I activity. A previous study on humans reported that silymarin treatment caused a slight increase in the survival of patients with cirrhotic alcoholism compared with untreated controls.

Additive effect of alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid in combating ethanol-induced hepatic fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of combined administration of alpha-tocopherol (AT) and ascorbic acid (AA) in reducing ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity.

METHODS

Rats were maintained for 90 days and grouped as follows: I-control rats, II-ethanol, III-alpha-tocopherol, IV-ethanol+alpha-tocopherol, V-AA, VI-ethanol+ascorbic acid, VII-alpha-tocopherol+ascorbic acid, VIII-ethanol+alpha-tocopherol+ascorbic acid. At the end of the experimental period, markers of hepatic function, oxidative stress, and the expression of markers of inflammation and fibrosis were assayed.

RESULTS

The markers of hepatic function, lipid peroxidation products, protein carbonyls, and the expression of nuclear factor kappa B, tumor necrosis factor alpha, transforming growth factor beta 1, cytochrome P4502E1, and collagen Type I were elevated after ethanol administration. All these parameters were reduced in the ethanol group administered AT and AA in combination. The activities of antioxidant enzymes which were reduced by ethanol administration were enhanced on combined administration of AT and AA. The reduction in hepatic fibrosis was almost 20% more in AT and AA co-administered group compared with AT and AA alone treated groups.

DISCUSSION

Combined administration of fat soluble AT and water soluble AA was beneficial against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity. This may be due to their different subcellular localizations.

Signal transduction mechanism for potentiation by α1- and β2-adrenoceptor agonists of L-ascorbic acid-induced DNA synthesis and proliferation in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes

We investigated the effects of α- and β-adrenoceptor agonists on L-ascorbic acid-induced hepatocyte DNA synthesis and proliferation in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes. The results showed that phenylephrine (10(-6) M) and metaproterenol (10(-6) M) alone did not induce hepatocyte DNA synthesis and proliferation. However, when combined with L-ascorbic acid (10(-6) M), these adrenoceptor agonists potentiated the hepatocyte DNA synthesis and proliferation induced by L-ascorbic acid. Then intracellular signal transduction mechanisms for the effects of phenylephrine and metaproterenol on L-ascorbic acid-induced hepatocyte mitogenesis were examined. Western blot analysis showed that phenylephrine and metaproterenol did not potentiate L-ascorbic acid-induced insulin-like growth factor I receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation. In contrast, they both significantly potentiated L-ascorbic acid-induced extracellular-signal regulated kinase-2 (ERK2) phosphorylation within 5 min. Moreover, cell-permeable second messenger analogs phorbol ester (10(-7) M) and 8-bromo cAMP (10(-7) M) mimicked the effects of phenylephrine and metaproterenol on L-ascorbic acid-induced ERK2 phosphorylation. The effects of these adrenoceptor agents were specifically antagonized by GF109203X and H-89, respectively. These results indicate that activation of ERK2 via protein kinas C and protein kinase A represents a mechanism for potentiation of L-ascorbic acid-induced hepatocyte DNA synthesis and proliferation in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes.

Effect of gadolinium chloride on liver regeneration following thioacetamide-induced necrosis in rats

Gadolinium chloride (GD) attenuates drug-induced hepatotoxicity by selectively inactivating Kupffer cells. The effect of GD was studied in reference to postnecrotic liver regeneration induced in rats by thioacetamide (TA). Rats, intravenously pretreated with a single dose of GD (0.1 mmol/Kg), were intraperitoneally injected with TA (6.6 mmol/Kg). Hepatocytes were isolated from rats at 0, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h following TA intoxication, and samples of blood and liver were obtained. Parameters related to liver damage were determined in blood. In order to evaluate the mechanisms involved in the post-necrotic regenerative state, the time course of DNA distribution and ploidy were assayed in isolated hepatocytes. The levels of circulating cytokine TNFα was assayed in serum samples. TNFα was also determined by RT-PCR in liver extracts. The results showed that GD significantly reduced the extent of necrosis. The effect of GD induced noticeable changes in the post-necrotic regeneration, causing an increased percentage of hepatocytes in S phase of the cell cycle. Hepatocytes increased their proliferation as a result of these changes. TNFα expression and serum level were diminished in rats pretreated with GD. Thus, GD pre-treatment reduced TA-induced liver injury and accelerated postnecrotic liver regeneration. No evidence of TNFα implication in this enhancement of hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration was found. These results demonstrate that Kupffer cells are involved in TA-induced liver damage, as well as and also in the postnecrotic proliferative liver states.

Effect of sodium fluoride ingestion on malondialdehyde concentration and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in rat erythrocytes

Fluoride intoxication has been shown to produce diverse deleterious metabolic alterations within the cell. To determine the effects of sodium fluoride (NaF) treatment on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and on the activity of antioxidant enzymes in rat erythrocytes, Male Wistar rats were treated with 50 ppm of NaF or were untreated as controls. Erythrocytes were obtained from rats sacrificed weekly for up to eight weeks and the concentration of MDA in erythrocyte membrane was determined. In addition, the activity of the enzymes superoxide, dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were determined. Treatment with NaF produces an increase in the concentration of malondialdehyde in the erythrocyte membrane only after the eight weeks of treatment. On the other hand, antioxidant enzyme activity was observed to increase after the fourth week of NaF treatment. In conclusion, intake of NaF produces alterations in the erythrocyte of the male rat, which indicates induction of oxidative stress.

Effect of anthocyanin-rich extract from black rice (Oryza sativa L. Japonica) on chronically alcohol-induced liver damage in rats

The study evaluated the protective effect of anthocyanin-rich extract from black rice (AEBR) on chronic ethanol-induced biochemical changes in male Wistar rats. Administration of ethanol (3.7 g/kg/day) to Wistar rats for 45 days induced liver damage with a significant increase (P < 0.05) of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the serum and the hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) level. In contrast, administration of AEBR (500 mg/kg) along with alcohol significantly (P < 0.01) decreased the activities of liver enzymes (AST, ALT and GGT) in serum, the MDA levels and the concentrations of serum and hepatic triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TCH). Rats treated with AEBR showed a better profile of the antioxidant system with normal glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities. All these results were accompanied by histological observations in liver. The results demonstrate that AEBR has a beneficial effect in reducing the adverse effect of alcohol.

Population pharmacokinetic study of cyclosporine in patients with nephrotic syndrome

Cyclosporine (CsA) is widely used in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome (NS). A population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model was developed using trough blood CsA concentration data from 106 patients with NS. The pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using NONMEM with 1-compartment linear model and first-order elimination. Proportional and additive error models were used to describe the interindividual and intraindividual variabilities, respectively. Body weight (WT), serum albumin level (ALB), and combination therapy with rifampicin were found to be the most significant covariates explaining the variability of the apparent clearance (CL/F) of CsA among patients. The final model was as follows: TVCL/F=34.1x(WT/67.6)(1.08)x(1+RFAx0.67)x(1-ALBx0.0088); TVV/F=3.5xWT; Ka=1.28 fixed; where RFA=1 with concurrent rifampicin use and 0 otherwise. The interindividual variabilities of CL/F and V/F were 18% and 27%, respectively. The residual error was 0.064 mg/L. The mean+/-SD of CL/F and V/F of the 106 patients were 23.5+/-7.2 L/h and 232.3+/-71.5 L, respectively. The reliability and stability of the PopPK model were confirmed by nonparametric bootstrap procedure.