• Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.22-34
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• 1988

The biochemical changes of the hepatic tissues, induced by the carcinogen treatment such as diethylnitrosamine and acetamidofluorene in combination with the partial hepatectomy after Solt and Farber, were determined for the characterization of the induction of the proliferative capacity and the environmental adaptability of the carcinogenic tissues during the malignant transformation process. For the study of the proliferative capacity of the tissues, the activities of the enzymes, related with the nitrogen trapping mechanism, such as glutamine synthetase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, were monitroed, while the cintents of cytochrome P450's and their isozymic patterns as well as the activities of the glutathione S-transferase were determined in the function of time after the hepatocarcinogenic stimuli.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2011

We evaluated whether liver markers such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), and bilirubin have a relationship with other physiological factors in the normal (n=115) and fatty liver subjects (n=122) and there are differences between the two populations. Body indices were higher in the fatty liver group than in the normal group. Liver markers and blood pressure (BP) were greater in the fatty liver group than in the normal group. AST and ALT levels were positively correlated with body indices in the fatty liver group, but not in the normal group. AST, ALT and GGT levels in the fatty liver group had positive relationship with cardiovascular indices (CI). ALP and bilirubin levels were negatively associated with some of CI. Liver markers were negatively or positively correlated with inflammatory markers, thyroid hormones, or several biochemical markers levels. These findings suggest that abnormal changes in liver markers may be useful tool for diagnosis or prognosis of development of cardiovascular and/or inflammatory diseases as well as metabolic syndrome.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.151-169
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• 2015

Objectives: The deleterious effects of air pollution on various health outcomes have been demonstrated. However, few studies have examined the effects of air pollution on liver enzyme levels. Methods: Blood samples were drawn up to three times between 2008 and 2010 from 545 elderly individuals who regularly visited a community welfare center in Seoul, Korea. Data regarding ambient air pollutants (particulate matter ${\leq}2.5{\mu}m$ [$PM_{2.5}$], nitrogen dioxide [$NO_2$], ozone [$O_3$], carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide) from monitoring stations were used to estimate air pollution exposure. The effects of the air pollutants on the concentrations of three liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], and ${\gamma}$-glutamyltranspeptidase [${\gamma}$-GTP)]) were evaluated using generalized additive and linear mixed models. Results: Interquartile range increases in the concentrations of the pollutants showed significant associations of $PM_{2.5}$ with AST (3.0% increase, p=0.0052), ALT (3.2% increase, p=0.0313), and ${\gamma}$-GTP (5.0% increase, p=0.0051) levels; $NO_2$ with AST (3.5% increase, p=0.0060) and ALT (3.8% increase, p=0.0179) levels; and $O_3$ with ${\gamma}$-GTP (5.3% increase, p=0.0324) levels. Significant modification of these effects by exercise and alcohol consumption was found (p for interaction <0.05). The effects of air pollutants were greater in non-exercisers and heavy drinkers. Conclusions: Short-term exposure to air pollutants such as $PM_{2.5}$, $NO_2$, and $O_3$ is associated with increased liver enzyme levels in the elderly. These adverse effects can be reduced by exercising regularly and abstinence from alcohol.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.10
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• pp.1238-1243
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• 2008

The root of Adenophora triphylla is widely used as traditional herbal medicine in Korea. We studied its effects on sodium nitroprusside (SNP) cytotoxicity and antioxidant genes expression in HepG2 cells. To study whether Adenophora triphylla ethylacetate extract (ATea) inhibited NO-induced cell death, HepG2 cells were preincubated for 24 hr with 50 and 100 $\mu$g/mL ATea followed by 24-hr exposure to 0.5 mM SNP (exogenous NO donor). No-induced cytotoxicity was inhibited by pretreatment of ATea, as assessed by mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity (MTT assay). We further investigated the effects of ATea on mRNA levels of various enzymes of the antioxidant system such as Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD 1), Mn SOD (SOD 2), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase and several enzymes of the glutathione metabolism [glutathione reductase (GR), $\gamma$-glutamyl-cystein synthetase (GCS), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), $\gamma$-glutamyltranspeptidase ($\gamma$-GT), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)] by RT-PCR. CAT, GCS, GR and G6PD mRNA levels were increased after treatment with ATea. The SOD 1, SOD 2, GPx, GST and $\gamma$-GT mRNA levels were not affected in ATea-treated HepG2 cells. We concluded that ATea have an indirect antioxidant effects, perhaps via induction of CAT, GCS, GR and G6PD.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.185-191
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• 2009

Although alcohol drinking may cause fatty liver to induce hepatocytic injury, other factors lead to it. We designed this study to investigate the differences in serum iron, cardiac, and biochemical indices in men with fatty liver and the difference between alcohol drinkers (Alcohol group) and non-drinkers (Non-alcohol group). The alcohol group had higher body indices than the non-alcohol group. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and right and left intraocular pressure in the alcohol group were higher than those in the non-alcohol group. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and monocyte counts were higher in the alcohol group than in the non-alcohol group. Alanine aminotransferase, ${\gamma}$-glutamyltranspeptidase, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, creatinine, uric acid, iron, total iron binding capacity, and ferritin levels in the alcohol group were greater than those in the non-alcohol group. The present data reveals that alcohol-induced fatty liver has more elevated level of iron indices than in non-alcohol fatty liver as well as biochemical and cardiac indices, indicating that alcohol- induced fatty liver may cause possibility of adult diseases including cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.443-450
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• 2017

This study was done to investigate the protective effects of ethanol extract puerariae radix(Pr) on carbon tetrachloride($CCl_4$) intoxicated rats. Male sprague Dawley rats(200~210g)was used. experimental groups were divided into normal group, $CCl_4$-control group, and ethanol extract $CCl_4$-treated group. $CCl_4$-treated groups were injected with $CCl_4$ 0.6mg/kg.b.w(i.p). The activities of Alanine aminotransferase(ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase(AST), Alkaline phosphatase(ALP), Glutamyltranspeptidase(${gamma}$-GT), Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) in extract pretrated group was significantly decreased(p<0.05) compared to the $CCl_4$-control group. The contents of triglyceride, cholesterol and lipid peroxide were significantly decreased(p<0.05). whereas content of HDL-choresterol was significantly increased.(p<0.05). In addition, activities of hepatic catalase(CAT), glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) in the extract pretreated rats were significantly decreased(p<0.05) compared to the $CCl_4$-control group. but the content of glutathione(GSH) was significantly increased(p<0.05). These results suggest that extract of puerariae radix(Pr) has hepatoprotective effect in the $CCl_4$-intoxicated rats.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.291-305
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• 1989

Present experiment was performed to establish the optimal reaction conditions for measurement of urinary gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase(${\gamma}$-GTP), N-acetyl-${\beta}$-D-glucosaminidase (AGS) and alanine aminopeptidase(AAP) activities in bovine and to investigate in vitro stability of the enzymes, within-run imprecision of the methods, and normal ranges. 1. The optimal wavelength for measurement of ${\gamma}$-GTP activity was 545nm. 2. The optimal pH of Tris-HCI buffer containing glycylglycine for measurement of urinary ${\gamma}$-GTP activity was 7.6～7.8(37$^{\circ}C$). 3. Coefficient of variance for within-run imprecision of urinary ${\gamma}$-GTP activity ranged from 4.8 to 7.2% and there was no significant difference among replications, 4. The optimal wavelength for measurement of urinary AGS activity was 405nm. 5. The optimal pH of citrate buffer for measurement urinary of AGS activity was 4.0(37$^{\circ}C$). 6. Coefficient of variance for within-run imprecision of urinary AGS activity ranged from 3.9 to 6.1％ and there was no significant difference among replications. 7. The optimal wavelength for measurement of urinary AAP activity was 400nm. 8. The optimal pH of phosphate buffer for measurement of urinary AAP was 7.8. 9. Coefficient of variance for within-run imprecision of urinary AAP activity ranged from 2.5 to 4.8% and there was no significant difference among replications. 10. ${\gamma}$-GTP and AGS activities were increased significantly by gel-filtration. 11. Turbidity interfered with measurement of urinary AAP activity in bovine unless the specimen was gel-filterated. 12. Preservation of the specimen at 5$^{\circ}C$ or -20$^{\circ}C$ did not affect the AGS activity at least for 7 days after collection. 13. Preservation of the specimen at 5$^{\circ}C$ or 20$^{\circ}C$ did not affect the ${\gamma}$-GTP and AAP activities statistically, but some individual specimens revealed fluctuation during preservation. 14. ${\gamma}$-GTP, AGS and AAP activities revealed fluctuation by the tine of the day when the specimen was collected. 15. The normal ranges of urinary ${\gamma}$ -GTP, AGS and AAP activities were 6.60${\pm}$3.26(2.36-14.50), 1.31 ${\pm}$ 0.81(0.33-3.78), and 1.73 ${\pm}$ 0.55(0.77-3.03)U/l. respectively.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.336-344
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• 1998

Effects of ochratoxin A (OTA) on embryo development were studied in cultured whole embryos from 9.5 day gestation rat for 48 h. OTA (more than $0.5{\mu}g/ml$) induced microcephaly in the cultured rat whole embryos. Protein and DNA content, and DNA synthesis were significantly inhibited by OTA. We next examined whether the microcephaly seen in cultured whole embryo partially results from inhibition of differentiation of embryonic midbrain cells. Embryonic midbrain cells were extracted from 12 day gestation rat embryos, and cultured for 96 hr. OTA ibhibited cell differentiation about 50% over control. We also tested whether OTA-induced embryotoxicity would be associated with oxidative damages. We measured the ${\gamma}$-glutamyltranspeptidase (${\gamma}$-GT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities, and glutathione (GSH) content in both cultured whole embryos and embryonic midbrain cells. OTA decreased GSH content, whereas slightly increased ${\gamma}$-GT activity, but GPX activity was not significantly changed. These results show that OTA caused the microcephaly and its effect may be partially due to the inhibition of cell differentiation of embryonic midbrain cells, but the role of oxidative damages is not clear in embryotoxicity.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.313-325
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• 1996

Experiments were undertaken to examine the ability of selenium to protect against alcohol and/or paraquat-induced hepatotoxicity and to examine the additive effect between alcohol and paraquat. Protective effect against hepatotoxic functions was measured in serum from alcohol(15% v/v), paraquat(200ppm), alcohol and paraquat, and combination of sodium selenite(4ppm) in drinking water-fed guinea pigs ad libitum for 4 weeks. A total of 68 healthy 7-weeks-old male animals were assigned at random to 8 treatment groups(9~13 animals/group). Body and liver weight losses, and high serum concentrations in aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT, in only paraquat group), $\gamma$-glutamyltranspeptidase($\gamma$-GTP), cholesterol(Cho), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen(BUN), total bilirubin(TB), direct bilirubin(DB), total protein(TP), albumin and globulin as well as low values in alkaline phosphatase(ALP) and glucose were produced in a groups of alcohol or paraquat-fed. These values were not potentiated in a group given the combination of alcohol plus paraquat. Morphological changes in the liver were also observed in the alcohol or paraquat-fed group. Lipid droplet and cell swelling in the hepatocytes were observed in alcohol-fed guinea pig, especially Mallory's hyaline arounded hepatic vein. In the paraquat-fed guinea pig, lipid droplet, pyknosis and karyolysis were observed. When alcohol or paraquat was combined with selenium-fed, hyperplasia of Kupffer cell in liver were observed. However, the mean ALT, $\gamma$-GTP, Cho, BUN, TB, TP, albumin and globulin values were lower in groups given the combination of alcohol and/or paraquat plus selenium, compared with groups given alcohol and/or paraquat. Also, the ratio of liver weight to body weight and ALP values(exception of paraquat plus selenium group) were increased by selenium. These results suggest that an adequate selenium confers marked protection against alcohol and paraquat-induced hepatotoxicity.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.70 no.6
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• pp.482-489
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• 2011

Background: Based on the assertion that apocynin diminishes acute lung injury (ALI) by inhibition of NADPH oxidase, the effect of apocynin was tested in interleukin-$1{\alpha}$ (IL-1)-induced ALI in rats. Methods: IL-1 was insufflated into the trachea of Sprague-Dawley rats to induce ALI, and apocynin (8 mg/kg) was given intravenously for inhibition of NADPH oxidase. In addition, we determined whether apocynin inhibited generation of superoxide anions from isolated human neutrophils. Five hours after IL-1 instillation, lung injury parameters, expression of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) by cells from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), an index of oxidative stress in lung tissues (${\gamma}$-glutamyltranspeptidase, activity), and ultrastructure of alveolar type II (AT II) cells were evaluated. Results: Apocynin decreased the generation of free radicals from phorbol myristate (PMA)-activated neutrophils in vitro, but did not ameliorate ALI. IL-1 induced enhancement of the expression of cPLA2 on neutrophils was not altered by apocynin. Conclusion: Apocynin induced suppression of the generation of superoxide anions from neutrophils by inhibition of NADPH oxidase does not attenuate IL-1-induced ALI in rats.