Serum Enzymes as Indicators of Chemically Induced Liver Damage

Abstract

Rats were dosed with CCl4 or diethylamine to induce liver injury. The time and magnitude of peak liver injury were assessed by histopathological examination of liver specimens taken at intervals after dosing. Serum enzymes were measured at the same intervals. Serum ornithine carbamyl transferase (SOCT) activity increased at least 6-fold in animals that showed liver damage by histopathology, and fell again as the injuries resolved. Measurements of other enzymes were less sensitive. SOCT measurements appear to be as sensitive a method as histopathology for detecting liver damage caused by administering xenobiotics. Since serum enzyme measurements do not require that the animals be sacrificed, they can be used for repeated examinations of the same animals, thus increasing the likelihood of detecting transient injury.

Effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Trianthema portulacastrum L. On aflatoxin induced hepatic damage in rats

“…SGOT, SGPT and serum bilirubin are the most sensitive tests employed in the diagnosis of hepatic diseases (17,18). Elevated levels of serum enzymes are indicative of cellular leakage and loss of functional integrity of the cell membrane in liver (19,20). Administration of aflatoxin significantly raises the serum level of enzymes like SGPT and SGOT in rats as observed in our results.…”

Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Effect of Pisonia aculeata L. against CCl4-Induced Hepatic Damage in Rats

“…Elevated levels of serum enzymes are indicative of cellular leakage and loss of functional integrity of cell membrane in liver [18]. Serum ALP, bilirubin and total protein levels on other hand are related to the function of hepatic cell.…”

Protective effect ofAmaranthus spinosusagainstd-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatic failure

“…weight) induced highly elevated levels of serum AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, γ-GT and bilirubin in the untreated toxic control group. Elevated serum enzymes are indicative of cellular leakage and loss of functional integrity of the cell membrane in liver (Amresh et al, 2007b;Drotman & Lawhorn, 1978). Hence, significant rise in the serum enzyme levels could be taken as an index of liver damage (Lim et al, 2000).…”