Studies on Liver Function Under the Influence of Oral Contraceptives

Abstract

The effects of two sequential therapies using mestranol as an estrogen and chlormadinone acetate and norethisterone acetate, respectively, as a gestagen on the aminotransferase (GOT and GPT), alkaline phosphatase and alpha-amylase activities, the cholesterol, total bilirubin and total protein contents and the indocyanine green (Ujoviridin, VEB Chemiekombinat Bitterfeld) half-life were studied in two groups, each comprising 12 women of fertile age. The serum protein was separated by paper electrophoresis and both the thymol turbidity and zinc sulphate tests were performed during the first treatment cycle. An estrogen-induced rise in alanine aminotransferase (GPT) activity from 6.31 U/liter to 12.14 U/liter was observed during application of the mestranol/chlormadinone acetate therapy. The value dropped to 5.34 U/liter when chlormadinone acetate was administered as a gestagen in addition to the estrogen. No significant changes were noted in the other biochemical parameters. Sequential therapy involving application of mestranol and norethisterone acetate produced only statistically secured rises in the alpha 1-globulin content and the GPT activity. All other changes in the different parameters remained within the normal range and were statistically insignificant.