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Riders who want real world, open class performance need to look no further than the upgraded 2014 Kawasaki Ninja® 1000 ABS sportbike. With an unmistakably aggressive profile that could only come from the Ninja family tree, this premium quality sportbike has the perfect combination of power, handling, looks, technology and rideability.
A Stylish and Comfortable Sportbike Upgraded for Today's Rider
Riders who want real world, open class performance need to look no further than the upgraded 2014 Kawasaki Ninja® 1000 ABS sportbike. With an unmistakably aggressive profile that could only come from the Ninja family tree, this premium quality sportbike has the perfect combination of power, handling, looks, technology and rideability.
For 2014, Kawasaki engineers concentrated on making the Ninja 1000 ABS even more usable. Its advanced new KTRC Traction Control system features three different modes to deliver maximum performance and increased rider confidence, regardless of the riding conditions. Similarly, the dual selectable Power Modes serve to match engine performance to conditions, further expanding the rider's confidence. Great looking one-piece "monobloc" radial-mount front brake calipers offer world-class power and feel. A new, taller 6th gear drops the RPMs at highway speeds for improved comfort when covering miles on a long ride. Since riders will probably want to take their Ninja 1000 everywhere, its subframe was redesigned to allow the cleanly integrated fitment of stylish and functional Kawasaki Genuine Accessory hard luggage.
The Ninja 1000's impressive thrust comes by way of an even more powerful inline-four – a 1,043cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 16-valve engine that features revised intake cams that boost its low-to-midrange torque—where most street bikes spend their time. When the road opens up, this big Ninja can better stretch its legs thanks to additional airbox vents and new cylinder connecting passageways that strengthen mid-to-high RPM performance by improving breathing and reducing the pumping losses associated with displacing air inside the crankcase. The more pronounced growl of the intake at low-RPM and intoxicating howl at full-song will put a smile on even the most jaded rider's face. This engine's all-around performance allows it to excel at almost any street-going activity, be it commuting, sport riding, touring, or eating up the miles on the freeway.
But this engine's magic is more about flexibility and easy-to-use oomph than simply peak horsepower numbers. The extremely reliable inline-four produces the sort of power that launches you out of corners and away from stops in a way that'll keep you entertained – and your riding buddies impressed – for years to come. At seemingly every RPM level, the Ninja 1000 engine produces smooth, instant-on thrust that many hardcore sportbikes simply can't match.
Kawasaki's perfectly calibrated electronic fuel injection helps make this so. The four 38mm Keihin downdraft throttle bodies inject a perfect mix of fuel and air into each combustion chamber with help from an advanced ECU, oval sub-throttles and an updated cool air intake system that routes fresh air to the airbox via extra ducts at the front of the bike. A new, non-woven air filter element increases air flow for stouter high-RPM performance. For 2014, equal-length velocity stacks provide snappier throttle response, increasing the engine's fun factor. Digital Timing Advance contributes to the increased low- and mid-range power, while spark plug-mounted ignition coils make sure that timing is perfect for each cylinder. Warm up is easy—regardless of the temperature—thanks to the ECU's idle speed control system.
A three-mode KTRC traction control system combines with a two-mode power selector system to give the rider the best possible performance in varied conditions. The Power Mode gives the rider the choice between full power and reduced power, which can be extremely helpful in inclement conditions. The first two KTRC modes are intended to maximize acceleration similar to the ZX-10R's S-KTRC. The third mode is tuned for low-traction (wet/slippery) conditions, similar to the Concours™ 14 sport tourer's KTRC. The KTRC system can be turned-off by the rider, and its settings and the Power Mode ignition maps can be selected with the bar-mounted switch. The KTRC and power modes—as well as ABS and Economical Riding (ECO) status—are indicated on the updated LCD instrument display for at-a-glance monitoring of settings.
A balance shaft driven off the crankshaft keeps the solidly mounted engine operating smoothly, while a beautifully styled 4-into-2-into-2 catalyzer-equipped exhaust system offers a pleasing growl without being overly loud. It's a perfect engine for a road-going sportbike – smooth, powerful, flexible and blessed with the legendary reliability associated with Kawasaki sportbikes.
The Ninja 1000 features an advanced aluminum frame similar in design to the Ninja ZX™-10R's. The lightweight assembly curves over the engine, cradling it from above and bolting solidly to it in three places, with a rubber-backed fourth mount provided for added vibration isolation and torsional rigidity. This design allowed engineers to keep the bike's waist narrow for superb rider interface and maximum comfort and control. The main frame and swingarm pivot pieces are cast as a single unit, with welds eliminated wherever possible for seamless aesthetics. The updated sub-frame allows for easy installation of factory accessory saddlebag mounts. The redesigned accessory bags sport an aggressive styling more suited to the Ninja 1000 than the previous version. The sub-frame design eliminates the need for side covers thus allowing a narrower midsection for an easier reach to the ground.
The wheels, brakes and suspension bits that allow the Ninja to move so gracefully and swiftly are truly state-of-the-art. Suspension is handled by a fully adjustable 41mm inverted fork up front and a preload- and rebound-adjustable single-shock system in back with a new remote preload adjuster, the ideal scenario for dialing in the perfect settings for your weight and riding style or quickly adjusting settings for adding a passenger and/or luggage. The single-shock system features a damper mounted nearly horizontally above the swingarm for optimal mass centralization and heat resistance. The gas/oil shock offers superb wheel control whether you're hammering along some deserted backroad or bopping over a pothole-infested city street. On the Ninja 1000, you'll always know what's happening at the contact patches.
Stopping power is provided by ABS equipped disc brakes – 300mm petal-type rotors up front squeezed by ultra-rigid radially mounted calipers fed hydraulic pressure by an equally race-spec radial pump master cylinder. The new, monobloc front calipers are machined from a single piece of aluminum delivering both increased caliper stiffness and lower weight. Riders will love the increased braking power and improved feel at the lever. Out back is another tech-savvy disc. The power and feel of the brakes at both ends is amazing, giving rookies, pros and everyone in between supreme confidence hauling the bike down from speed. The Ninja 1000 ABS' anti-lock brake system (ABS) offers additional rider confidence when riding in slippery situations.
The wheels working with those brakes – lightweight six-spoke supersport-style units – are also the latest in lightweight production technology. They not only reduce unsprung weight, which allows the suspension to function optimally, but also carry the latest in radial tire technology. The result is superb grip, precise handling and reasonably long tread life.
But easily the most stunning aspect of the Ninja 1000 is its sleek, wraparound bodywork. Designed with an eye on Kawasaki's race-ready ZX-6R and ZX-10R, the Ninja offers a thoroughly radical look, but one that's unique and memorable. Despite its edgy, rakish demeanor, the bodywork carves a surprisingly large hole in the atmosphere, giving riders a quiet cocoon in which to work. A manually adjustable, 3-position windscreen helps, allowing riders to pick just the right setting for their height and riding style. Faired-in front turn signals, a ZX-6R-spec front fender, a stylish tail-section and an updated, full-featured instrument panel complete the look.
And despite its radical look, the Ninja 1000 offers surprisingly comfortable ergonomics. The handlebars are mounted higher than on race-oriented machines, the pegs a touch lower, all of which makes the Ninja 1000 a capable short-haul tourer, and certainly a sportbike you can spend the day aboard without undue strain. Passenger comfort and security are improved with new grab-rails. To sweeten the day- or weekend-trekking deal even more, Kawasaki offers a line of optional touring-oriented accessories, including redesigned hard-case saddlebags and top trunk, heated grips and more.
It's rare to find such all-around functionality in a sporting motorcycle today. But the 2014 Ninja 1000 is a different beast – one with wide-ranging talent in sport, sport-touring and commuting roles. As Motorcyclist magazine wrote recently: "In the real world we ride through every day, it doesn't get much better than the Ninja 1000."
A large selection of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories is available through authorized Kawasaki dealers.
• UPGRADED 1,043cc inline-four with DFI® offers even more power and torque for effortless passing and backroads entertainment
• NEW KTRC Traction Control system features three different modes for maximum performance and enhanced rider confidence in varying conditions
• NEW Selectable Power Modes offer a choice between full power and approximately 50 percent power output to help suit changing conditions
• NEW One-piece "monobloc" radial-mount front brake calipers offer superb braking power and control, along with a premium laser-etched Kawasaki logo and black alumite finish
• NEW Taller 6th gear provides a more relaxed ride when covering highway miles
• NEW Analog + Digital instrument cluster includes a large tachometer and a digital display with a wealth of information current bike conditions and settings
• NEW Remote rear spring preload adjuster allows quick tuning for passenger and luggage weight
• NEW Subframe with built-in compatibility for Kawasaki's new accessory saddlebag mounts
• NEW Optional dealer-installed saddlebags are cleanly integrated with the new subframe and can be removed in seconds and leave a clean, rack-free tail section
• Relaxed, upright riding position contributes to all-day comfort and impressive maneuverability
• Lightweight aluminum frame is narrow and tuned to transmit optimal feedback to the rider
• Fully adjustable inverted fork has settings designed for sporty performance and ride quality
• Design of horizontal back-link rear suspension contributes to mass centralization
• Radial-mounted front brake calipers combine with the radial-pump front brake master cylinder and ABS to offer superb control and feel
• Sleek, supersport styling gives the Ninja® 1000 a distinctive look
• Larger fuel capacity offers substantial range
• Windscreen is adjustable to three positions, allowing for optimum wind and weather protection
• 1,043cc liquid-cooled inline-four offers true open-class power from idle to redline
• NEW Cylinder connecting passageways reduce pumping losses and improve mid-to-high RPM performance
• NEW Intake cams provide improved low-to-midrange torque
• Easily accessible torque offers instant thrust for maximum rider satisfaction
• Bore and stroke dimensions of 77.0 x 56.0mm offer an ideal balance of peak power and low- and mid-range flexibility
• 38mm Keihin throttle bodies cram the air/fuel mixture directly into combustion chambers via downdraft intakes for maximum power
• Oval sub-throttles help keep the engine slim, and a slim midsection allows an ideal bike/rider interface for maximum comfort and control
• Engine's rev limiter comes into play "softly," providing usable overrev character because power doesn't drop off suddenly at high RPM
• The engine's relatively low crankshaft position allows a moderately long stroke without adding engine height
• A secondary engine balancer, driven off a gear on the sixth web of the crankshaft, eliminates excess vibration and contributes to rider comfort
• Intake system routes cool air to the airbox via ducts in the fairing, minimizing performance loss due to heated intake air
• UPGRADED Airbox features additional atmospheric intakes to further enhance the engine's intoxicating intake howl
• NEW Non-woven air filter element provides better flow for enhanced high-RPM performance
• REVISED Velocity stacks are now equal-length and provide improved throttle response and a more exciting engine character
• Intake ducts arepositioned close to the rider to allow the intake howl to be heard and enjoyed
• The exhaust system features a 4-into-2-pre-chamber-into-2 layout to provide ample silencer volume without requiring excess bulk in the rear mufflers
• Main and pre-catalyzers ensure cleaner emissions
• Exhaust system offers excellent mass centralization and contributes to a low center of gravity
• Slim-type fuel pump features an integral fuel level sensor with enhanced accuracy for 2014
• Fuel tank design and slim-type fuel pump minimizes dead volume inside the tank; fuel capacity is 5.0 gallons
• NEW One-piece "monobloc" radial-mount front brake calipers offer superb braking power and control, along with a premium quality look from their laser-etched Kawasaki logo and black alumite finish
• Small and lightweight ABS unit with a high-spec ECU is capable of detailed calculations for ultra-smooth operation
• A low-battery mode maintains ABS function as best as possible when the battery charge is low. In this mode, ABS timing and pressure relief functions are maintained to help preserve brake effectiveness (although riders will notice that ABS operation is less smooth than in normal mode)
• Petal-type 300mm front brake rotors are full-on sportbike hardware
• A radial-pump front brake master cylinder contributes to the superb control and feel offered by these high-end monobloc calipers
• The rear brake is a single-piston, pin-slide caliper gripping a 250mm petal-type disc. The caliper is mounted below the swingarm, and located by a torque rod
• Supersport-style full-fairing bodywork gives the Ninja 1000 a distinctive, head-turning look, and also offers plenty of wind and weather protection for short-tour ability
• The fairing's slat-style leading edges direct wind around the bike, allowing the fairing to be narrower at the middle
• The fairing flares at the rear, keeping hot engine air off the rider's legs
• Front turn signals are integrated into the fairing and are attached to the inside of the fairing with rubber mounts that minimize damage if the bike falls over
• Front fender design contributes to excellent aerodynamics and racy looks
• Slim and compact tail cowl moves mass physically and visually toward the front of the bike
• LED taillight features red bulbs and a red transparent lens
• Slim rear fender gives the bike a light-looking rear end
• Windscreen is manually adjustable for optimum wind/weather protection
• Windscreen has three available positions spanning approximately 20 degrees and ranging from sporty to maximum wind protection. Adjustment can be done by hand (no tools required) by depressing the release button below the instrument panel. Windscreen adjustment should always be done with the bike stopped
• Aluminum backbone frame is similar in concept to the Ninja ZX-10R's, and helps make the bike narrow and easy to grip with the knees for maximum rider comfort and feedback
• The frame is lightweight and highly rigid, and uses the engine as a stressed member for solid handling and optimum stability
• Frame elements are tuned to transmit optimal engine feedback to the rider
• The frame uses four engine mounts, three of which are rigid, one of which (the upper rear crankcase mount) is rubber
• NEW Subframe features built-in compatibility for Kawasaki's new accessory saddlebag mounts
• The sub-frame is an example of form and function combined, negating the need for side covers and allowing underseat narrowness for a shorter reach to the ground
• Rear suspension design positions the shock unit and linkage above the swingarm where it's less exposed to exhaust heat and contributes to mass centralization
• NEW Remote rear spring preload adjuster allows quick tuning for passenger and luggage weight
• Stepless rebound damping adjuster allows damping characteristics to be tuned to suit spring preload and passenger/luggage weights
• The Ninja 1000's inverted fork is adjustable for compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload – and is protected from harm by a cool-looking shroud
• Settings are designed for both sporty performance and ride quality
• Separate, raised handlebars contribute to the sporty, comfortable riding position; bar stays are mounted to the fork tube tops, which extend above the top clamp
• A thick urethane seat provides a high level of rider and passenger comfort
• Tapered grips, like those used on supersport models, offer a more direct feel than traditional designs
• Ninja supersport footpegs with knurled surfaces offer secure grip, direct feel and control, and no-nonsense looks
• NEW Grab-bars are redesigned to provide a more comfortable hand-hold for the passenger
• The passenger footpeg brackets incorporate convenient luggage hooks
• Left handlebar features switches for KTRC Traction Control, Power Mode Selector, High/Low Beam and headlight flasher
• NEW LCD functions include KTRC, Power Mode, ABS and Economical Riding (ECO) indicators
• Additional LCD functions include a digital speedometer, odometer, dual trip meter, clock, instant and average fuel consumption, coolant temperature, and low-fuel warning lamps
• Five-gallon (19L) fuel tank offers substantial range
• Steel construction facilitates use of magnetic tank bag
• Tank shape (flared edges and a trim shape at the back) allows riders to easily grip tank with their knees
• Rider selectable Full & Low maps offer a choice between full power and approximately 70 percent power output to help suit changing conditions
• Digital Timing Advance enhances low- and mid-range power
• Individual sparkplug-mounted ignition coils fire each of the four spark plugs independently to achieve the optimum timing for that cylinder
• ECU includes an idle speed control system for easier starting and warm-up
• KTRC traction-control system features three different modes for varying conditions
• System can also be switched-off by the rider to disable traction control
• Modes are controlled by a handy switch assembly on the left handlebar
• Modes are indicated on the LCD cockpit display
• A low-battery mode helps preserve ABS effectiveness when the battery charge is low. (although riders may notice that ABS operation is less smooth than in normal mode)
*Note: Specifications and pricing are subject to change. Dealer sets the actual destination charge, your price may vary.
(2015) Ninja® 1000 ABS
(2014) Ninja® 1000 ABS
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text: content Liver Cirrhosis ABSTRACTS MFMER., 2002. What Are Gallstones? Mi LJ., 2000. Attenuation of alcohol-induced apoptosis of hepatocytes in rat livers by polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC). Mihas AA., 2002. Alcoholic hepatitis. Minino AM., 2001. Deaths: preliminary data for 2000. Mirossay L., 1999. Effect of malotilate on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in capsaicin-pretreated rats. Mirossay L., 1996. Gastroprotective effect of malotilate in indomethacin- and ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage. Miyahara T., 2000. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and hepatic stellate cell activation. Miyazaki M., 1991. Extending effects of phospholipids, cholesterol, and ethanolamines on survival of adult rat hepatocytes in serum-free primary culture. Mollica MP., 2001. Acetyl-L-carnitine treatment stimulates oxygen consumption and biosynthetic function in perfused liver of young and old rats. Navder KP., 1997. Polyenylphosphatidylcholine attenuates alcohol-induced fatty liver and hyperlipemia in rats. Navder KP., 1999. Oxidation of LDL in baboons is increased by alcohol and attenuated by polyenylphosphatidylcholine. Neuberger J., 1983. Effect of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine on immune mediated hepatocyte damage. NIDA., 2002. Hepatitis C. NIDDK., 2000. Cirrhosis of the Liver. Nidus., 1999a. How is cirrhosis diagnosed? Nidus., 1999b. What are the primary treatments for cirrhosis? Okegbile EO., 1998. Effect of dietary zinc deficiency on alkaline phosphatase and nucleic acids in rats. Packer L., 1994. Antioxidant properties of lipoic acid and its therapeutic effects in prevention of diabetes complications and cataracts. Packer L., 1997. Neuroprotection by the metabolic antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid. Paradies G., 1999. The effect of aging and acetyl-L-carnitine on the pyruvate transport and oxidation in rat heart mitochondria. Plawecki K., 2001. Carnitine: an essential nutrient? Podda M., 1994. Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation prevents symptoms of vitamin E deficiency. Poniachik J., 1999. Dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine decreases hepatic stellate cell activation. Pontz BF., 1982. (+)-Cyanidanol-3 changes functional properties of collagen. Pugh RN., 1973. Transection of the oesophagus for bleeding oesophageal varices. Rambaldi A., 2001. S-adenosyl-L-methionine for alcoholic liver diseases. Rank N., 2000. N-acetylcysteine increases liver blood flow and improves liver function in septic shock patients: results of a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Rao KV., 1999. Reduction in the MK-801 binding sites of the NMDA sub-type of glutamate receptor in a mouse model of congenital hyperammonemia: prevention by acetyl-L-carnitine. Romero-Gomez M., 2001. Subclinical hepatic encephalopathy predicts the development of overt hepatic encephalopathy. Ryhanen L., 1996. The effect of malotilate on type III and type IV collagen, laminin and fibronectin metabolism in dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in the rat. Salmi HA., 1982. Effect of silymarin on chemical, functional, and morphological alterations of the liver. A double-blind controlled study. Samochowiec L., 1971. The influence of 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid on serum lipids in the experimentally alcoholized rat. Shimazu Y., 1990. An experimental and clinical study of energy-protein metabolism and host defense-repair mechanism in postoperative period--a significance of administration of branched chain amino acid. Sonnenbichler J., 1986. Biochemical effects of the flavonolignane silibinin on RNA, protein and DNA synthesis in rat livers. Strickland DK., 2002. Hepatitis C. Suzuki T., 1992. Malotilate completely inhibits CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis in rats: biochemical and morphological analysis. Takase S., 1989. Effects of malotilate treatment on alcoholic liver disease. Taut FJ., 2001. N-Acetylcysteine induces shedding of selectins from liver and intestine during orthotopic liver transplantation. Thomas G., 2001. Liver, transplant. Turchetti V., 2000. Blood viscosity and red cell morphology in subjects suffering from cirrhosis before and after treatment with S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe). Ueda Y., 2000. Evidence of hepatic endogenous hydrogen peroxide in bile of selenium-deficient rats. Valenzuela A., 1989. Selectivity of silymarin on the increase of the glutathione content in different tissues of the rat. WebMD., 2002. Gallstones: Cause. Weinbroum AA., 2001. Lung preconditioning with N-acetyl-L-cysteine prevents reperfusion injury after liver no flow-reflow: a dose-response study. Wojcicki J., 1978. Effects of 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (cynarin) on cholesterol levels in serum and liver of acute ethanol-treated rats. Wolf DC., 2001. Cirrhosis. Workman JJ., 1999. Cirrhosis and its disorders. Yamamura Y., 1980. Eds. Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q. Young VR., 1994. Plant proteins in relation to human protein and amino acid nutrition. Yu SY., 1997. Protective role of selenium against hepatitis B virus and primary liver cancer in Qidong. Zaragoza A., 2000. Effect of N-acetylcysteine and deferoxamine on endogenous antioxidant defense system gene expression in a rat hepatocyte model of cocaine cytotoxicity. Zviarynski IU., 1999. The effect of folic acid on the drug metabolizing liver function in man with viral hepatitis. What Are Gallstones? MFMER. 2002. Rochester, MN: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Attenuation of alcohol-induced apoptosis of hepatocytes in rat livers by polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC). Mi LJ, Mak KM, Lieber CS. Alcohol Research and Treatment Center, Bronx Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, New York 10468, USA. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2000 Feb;24(2):207-12 BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption increases apoptosis of hepatocytes. This effect appears to be mediated by the induction of hepatic cytochrome P-4502E1(CYP2E1) and its generation of free radicals, which results in an enhanced lipid peroxidation that initiates apoptosis. Because polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC), a soybean extract rich in polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholines, decreases the induction of ethanol-specific CYP2E1 and opposes oxidative stress, we hypothesized that PPC supplementation may attenuate hepatocyte apoptosis caused by ethanol ingestion. METHODS: Twenty-eight male Sprague Dawley rats were pair-fed Lieber-DeCarli liquid diets containing 36% of energy as alcohol or an isocaloric amount of carbohydrate for 28 days. Half of the rats were given PPC (3 g/liter), whereas the other half received the same amount of linoleate (as safflower oil) and of choline as the bitartrate. An additional dose of alcohol (3 g/kg) was given intragastrically 90 min before the livers were removed. We assessed apoptosis in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded liver sections by using the TUNEL (terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling) assay. Apoptotic hepatocytes were identified by positive TUNEL staining in conjunction with condensation of nucleoplasm or margination of chromatin. In each rat, 20,000 to 60,000 hepatocytes were counted by light microscopy by using Image-Pro Plus computer software, and the incidence of apoptosis was expressed as the percentage of total hepatocytes. RESULTS: Alcohol feeding resulted in a 4.5-fold increase in apoptosis of hepatocytes compared to pair-fed control rats; PPC supplementation decreased the alcohol-induced apoptosis to less than half. No difference in the incidence of apoptosis between the control and PPC-supplemented rats was found in the absence of alcohol. Apoptosis was distributed randomly in the liver lobules of the rats fed the control diet, whereas the alcohol-induced apoptosis was significantly increased in the perivenular area. PPC supplementation strikingly reduced this effect. CONCLUSIONS: PPC attenuates alcohol-induced apoptosis of hepatocytes; this effect may provide a mechanism for PPC's protection against liver injury, possibly in association with its antioxidative action via the down-regulation of ethanol-mediated CYP2E1 induction. Alcoholic hepatitis. Mihas, A.A., Heuman, D.M. eMed. J. 2002 Jan 2; 3(1) (http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic101.htm). Deaths: preliminary data for 2000. Minino, A.M., Smith, B.L. Natl. Vital Stat. Rep. 2001 Oct 9; 49(12): 1-40. Effect of malotilate on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in capsaicin-pretreated rats. Mirossay L, Kohut A, Mojzis J. Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Safarik University, Kosice, Slovak Republic. firstname.lastname@example.com Physiol Res. 1999;48(5):375-81 We studied the role of afferent sensory neurons in malotilate-mediated gastric mucosal protection. Intact and capsaicin sensory-denervated rats were used in the experiments. Gross gastric mucosal injury was assessed and evaluated as a main criterion of the gastroprotective effect of the tested substances. Besides malotilate, methyl-prostaglandin E2 was applied alone or in combination with malotilate to compare the effects and the mechanism of action of both substances. The results revealed that both malotilate as well as methyl-prostaglandin E2 exerted a significant protective action on 96% ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage. However, there were no significant differences between intact and capsaicin-denervated rats. Only the use of 50% ethanol as a milder mucosal irritating agent resulted in significant differences in both groups of animals. We propose that malotilate (like methyl-prostaglandin E2) has a gastroprotective effect on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury. This effect is partly dependent on the sensory nervous system and the combination of both above substances has an additive effect. Gastroprotective effect of malotilate in indomethacin- and ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage. Mirossay L, Mojzis J, Sallingova Z, Bodnar J, Benicky M, Boor A, Kohut A. Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Safarik University, Kosice, Slovak Republic. Physiol Res. 1996;45(5):405-11 Malotilate as a synthetic substance shares comparable hepatoprotective properties with various flavonoids. The gastroprotective effect of some flavonoids prompted us to ascertain the similar effectiveness of malotilate. The possible gastroprotectivity was examined in gastric mucosal damage in rats induced by indomethacin (20 mg.kg-1) or ethanol (96%). Oral pretreatment with malotilate (25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg.kg-1) reduced the extent of lesions induced by both indomethacin and ethanol. Histological analyses also revealed a mitigating effect on the severity of gastric mucosal lesions. Similar results were obtained in the group of rats pretreated with 5 mg.kg-1 indomethacin followed by oral administration of 96% ethanol. This finding suggests that the effect of malotilate on rat gastric mucosa is independent of endogenous prostaglandin production. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and hepatic stellate cell activation. Miyahara T, Schrum L, Rippe R, Xiong S, Yee HF Jr, Motomura K, Anania FA, Willson TM, Tsukamoto H. Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA. J Biol Chem. 2000 Nov 17;275(46):35715-22 The present study examined the roles of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) in activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), a pivotal event in liver fibrogenesis. RNase protection assay detected mRNA for PPARgamma1 but not that for the adipocyte-specific gamma2 isoform in HSC isolated from sham-operated rats, whereas the transcripts for neither isoforms were detectable in HSC from cholestatic liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction confirmed a 70% reduction in PPARgamma mRNA level in HSC from BDL. Nuclear extracts from BDL cells showed an expected diminution of binding to PPAR-responsive element, whereas NF-kappaB and AP-1 binding were increased. Treatment of cultured-activated HSC with ligands for PPARgamma (10 microm 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ(2) (15dPGJ(2)); 0.1 approximately 10 microm BRL49653) inhibited DNA and collagen synthesis without affecting the cell viability. Suppression of HSC collagen by 15dPGJ(2) was abrogated 70% by the concomitant treatment with a PPARgamma antagonist (GW9662). HSC DNA and collagen synthesis were inhibited by WY14643 at the concentrations known to activate both PPARalpha and gamma (>100 microm) but not at those that only activate PPARalpha (<10 microm) or by a synthetic PPARalpha-selective agonist (GW9578). 15dPGJ(2) reduced alpha1(I) procollagen, smooth muscle alpha-actin, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 mRNA levels while inducing matrix metalloproteinase-3 and CD36. 15dPGJ(2) and BRL49653 inhibited alpha1(I) procollagen promoter activity. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (10 ng/ml) reduced PPARgamma mRNA, and this effect was prevented by the treatment with 15dPGJ(2). These results demonstrate that HSC activation is associated with the reductions in PPARgamma expression and PPAR-responsive element binding in vivo and is reversed by the treatment with PPARgamma ligands in vitro. These findings implicate diminished PPARgamma signaling in molecular mechanisms underlying activation of HSC in liver fibrogenesis and the potential therapeutic value of PPARgamma ligands for liver fibrosis. Extending effects of phospholipids, cholesterol, and ethanolamines on survival of adult rat hepatocytes in serum-free primary culture. Miyazaki M, Bai L, Namba M. Department of Pathology, Okayama University Medical School, Japan. Res Exp Med (Berl). 1991;191(2):77-83 In a serum-free primary culture, membrane lipids, such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, or cholesterol, effectively prolonged the survival of adult rat hepatocytes. These lipids effectively prevented hepatocytes from morphologic degeneration observed in control cultures, such as enlargement of cell surface, degranulation of cytoplasm, and multinucleation. The maintenance effect of phospholipid precursors, ethanolamine, or phosphoethanolamine on the primary-cultured hepatocytes was similar to that of phospholipids. These effects appear to be due to stabilization of the plasma membrane. Acetyl-L-carnitine treatment stimulates oxygen consumption and biosynthetic function in perfused liver of young and old rats. Mollica MP, Iossa S, Soboll S, Liverini G. Department of General and Environmental Physiology, University of Naples Federico II, Italy. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2001 Mar;58(3):477-84 The effect of treatment with acetyl-L-carnitine on hepatic mitochondrial respiration and biosynthetic function in perfused liver from young (90 days) and old (22-24 months) rats was studied. Rats were given a 1.5% (w/v) solution of acetyl-L-carnitine in their drinking water for 1 month and oxygen consumption together with the rate of gluconeogenesis, urea synthesis, and ketogenesis with and without added substrates were measured in perfused liver. Mitochondrial oxygen consumption was also assessed in liver homogenate and isolated mitochondria to determine the maximal capacity for oxidative phosphorylation. Acetyl-L-carnitine treatment almost completely restored the age-dependent decline in oxygen consumption, gluconeogenesis, urea synthesis, and ketogenesis found in perfused liver of old rats to the levels found in young rats. In addition, acetyl-L-carnitine treatment increased oxygen consumption and biosynthetic function in perfused liver from young rats. After acetyl-L-carnitine treatment, we found detectable 3-oxoacyl-CoA-transferase activity associated with a consumption of ketone bodies in young and old rats. Finally, oxygen consumption measured in homogenate and isolated mitochondria did not change with age and acetyl-L-carnitine treatment. Our results show that in perfused liver, acetyl-L-carnitine treatment slows the age-associated decline in mitochondrial respiration and biosynthetic function. In addition, treatment of young rats with acetyl-L-carnitine has a stimulating effect on liver metabolism, probably through an increase in ATP production. Polyenylphosphatidylcholine attenuates alcohol-induced fatty liver and hyperlipemia in rats. Navder KP, Baraona E, Lieber CS. Alcohol Research and Treatment Center, Bronx Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, New York, USA. J Nutr. 1997 Sep;127(9):1800-6 Chronic administration of a soybean-derived polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC) extract prevents the development of cirrhosis in alcohol-fed baboons. To assess whether this phospholipid also affects earlier changes induced by alcohol consumption (such as fatty liver and hyperlipemia), 28 male rat littermates were pair-fed liquid diets containing 36% of energy either as ethanol or as additional carbohydrate for 21 d, and killed 90 min after intragastric administration of the corresponding diets. Half of the rats were given PPC (3 g/l), whereas the other half received the same amount of linoleate (as safflower oil) and choline (as bitartrate salt). PPC did not affect diet or alcohol consumption [15.4 +/- 0.5 G/(kg.d)], but the ethanol-induced hepatomegaly and the hepatic accumulation of lipids (principally triglycerides and cholesterol esters) and proteins were about half those in rats not given PPC. The ethanol-induced postprandial hyperlipemia was lower with PPC than without, despite an enhanced fat absorption and no difference in the level of plasma free fatty acids. The attenuation of fatty liver and hyperlipemia was associated with correction of the ethanol-induced inhibition of mitochondrial oxidation of palmitoyl-1-carnitine and the depression of cytochrome oxidase activity, as well as the increases in activity of serum glutamate dehydrogenase and aminotransferases. Thus, PPC attenuates early manifestations of alcohol toxicity, at least in part, by improving mitochondrial injury. These beneficial effects of PPC at the initial stages of alcoholic liver injury may prevent or delay the progression to more advanced forms of alcoholic liver disease. Oxidation of LDL in baboons is increased by alcohol and attenuated by polyenylphosphatidylcholine. Navder KP, Baraona E, Leo MA, Lieber CS. Alcohol Research and Treatment Center, Bronx Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10468, USA. J Lipid Res. 1999 Jun;40(6):983-7 Alcohol taken in moderation may prevent atherosclerosis, whereas heavy drinking has the opposite effect, in part by promoting oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDL), a pathogenetic factor in atherogenesis. We assess here: 1 ) whether similar alterations can be reproduced in baboons fed 50% of energy as ethanol (the average intake of alcoholics) for 7- 8 years, and 2 ) whether such alterations are affected by supplementation with polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC), a mixture of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholines, shown to prevent alcoholic fatty liver, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Ten animals were given the ethanol-containing diet and ten were pair-fed isocaloric control diets. In half of the pairs, the diets were supplemented with 2.8 g of polyenylphosphatidylcholine/1000 kcal. Alcohol feeding increased LDL-lipoperoxides and made LDL-proteins more negatively charged, changes that were attenuated or prevented by PPC. The oxidizability of LDL was determined in vitro by the formation of conjugated dienes after oxidation with copper. Alcohol shortened the lag time (which measures LDL antioxidant capacity); this effect was normalized by PPC supplementation. By contrast, PPC produced no changes in the controls. Thus polyenylphosphatidylcholine, by markedly attenuating the ethanol-induced increase in LDL oxidation, opposes one of the effects whereby alcohol promotes atherosclerosis. Effect of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine on immune mediated hepatocyte damage. Neuberger J, Hegarty JE, Eddleston AL, Williams R. Gut. 1983 Aug;24(8):751-5 Studies were carried out to investigate the mechanisms underlying the reduction of hepatocellular necrosis observed when polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine was administered to patients with HBsAg negative chronic active hepatitis. After oral administration of the agent, the susceptibility of rabbit hepatocytes to both antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity and mitogen induced lymphocyte cytotoxicity was substantially reduced. Short term in vitro incubation of either the hepatocytes or lymphocytes with polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine had no effect on antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity. As it has been shown that orally administered polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine can be incorporated into the liver cell membrane, it is possible that polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine exerts its effect by blocking the interaction between immune effector cells and hepatocytes. Hepatitis C. NIDA. NIDA Community Drug Alert Bulletin 2002 Feb 21. Bethesda, MD: National Institute on Drug Abuse/National Institutes of Health/Department of Health and Human Services. Cirrhosis of the Liver NIDDK. 2000 Jan. NIH Publ. No. 00-1134. Bethesda, MD: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases/National Institutes of Health. How is cirrhosis diagnosed? Nidus. Well-Connected Report: Cirrhosis 1999a Mar. New York: Nidus Information Services (www.well-connected.com). What are the primary treatments for cirrhosis? Nidus. Well-Connected Report: Cirrhosis 1999b Mar. New York: Nidus Information Services (www.well-connected.com). Effect of dietary zinc deficiency on alkaline phosphatase and nucleic acids in rats. Okegbile EO, Odunuga O, Oyewo A. Department of Biochemistry, Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. Afr J Med Med Sci. 1998 Sep-Dec;27(3-4):189-92 Weanling male albino rats were randomly alloted to zinc deficient fed (ZnDF) pair-fed (ZnPF) or ad libitum-fed (ZnAL) dietary treatments. The rats were fed diets with either low (5 micrograms/g) or adequate (100 micrograms/g) zinc for 28 days. Zinc deficiency significantly reduced growth rate by 60% and was associated with a significantly low feed intake when compared with ZnPF and ZnAL groups. DNA and RNA contents of the liver were used as indication of nitrogen metabolism. DNA content was similar for both ZnPF and ZnAL groups (1.90 and 2.20 mg/g wet weight, respectively), but significantly different from ZnDF (1.42 mg/g wet weight). Liver RNA values of ZnAL, ZnPF and ZnDF groups similarly varied (25.0, 20.2 and 14.8 mg/g wet weight, respectively). Liver, muscle, spleen, femur and serum zinc concentrations were lowest in rats fed ZnDF relative to adequate zinc levels. The levels of the alkaline phosphatase activity was highest in the serum and lowest in the brain (spleen value was greater than that of the liver). Alkaline phosphatase activity was similar in ZnAL and ZnPF groups, but significantly different from ZnDF. In conclusion, the constitutively expressed growth rate, DNA level, RNA level, organ/serum zinc contents and alkaline phosphatase activities were markedly affected by zinc deficiency in rats. Antioxidant properties of lipoic acid and its therapeutic effects in prevention of diabetes complications and cataracts. Packer L. Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley 94720. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1994 Nov 17;738:257-64 No Abstract Available Neuroprotection by the metabolic antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid. Packer L, Tritschler HJ, Wessel K. Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley 94720-3200, USA. Free Radic Biol Med. 1997;22(1-2):359-78 Reactive oxygen species are thought to be involved in a number of types of acute and chronic pathologic conditions in the brain and neural tissue. The metabolic antioxidant alpha-lipoate (thioctic acid, 1, 2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid; 1, 2-dithiolane-3 valeric acid; and 6, 8-dithiooctanoic acid) is a low molecular weight substance that is absorbed from the diet and crosses the blood-brain barrier. alpha-Lipoate is taken up and reduced in cells and tissues to dihydrolipoate, which is also exported to the extracellular medium; hence, protection is afforded to both intracellular and extracellular environments. Both alpha-lipoate and especially dihydrolipoate have been shown to be potent antioxidants, to regenerate through redox cycling other antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E, and to raise intracellular glutathione levels. Thus, it would seem an ideal substance in the treatment of oxidative brain and neural disorders involving free radical processes. Examination of current research reveals protective effects of these compounds in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, excitotoxic amino acid brain injury, mitochondrial dysfunction, diabetes and diabetic neuropathy, inborn errors of metabolism, and other causes of acute or chronic damage to brain or neural tissue. Very few neuropharmacological intervention strategies are currently available for the treatment of stroke and numerous other brain disorders involving free radical injury. We propose that the various metabolic antioxidant properties of alpha-lipoate relate to its possible therapeutic roles in a variety of brain and neuronal tissue pathologies: thiols are central to antioxidant defense in brain and other tissues. The most important thiol antioxidant, glutathione, cannot be directly administered, whereas alpha-lipoic acid can. In vitro, animal, and preliminary human studies indicate that alpha-lipoate may be effective in numerous neurodegenerative disorders. The effect of aging and acetyl-L-carnitine on the pyruvate transport and oxidation in rat heart mitochondria. Paradies G, Petrosillo G, Gadaleta MN, Ruggiero FM. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bari, Italy. firstname.lastname@example.com FEBS Lett. 1999 Jul 9;454(3):207-9 The effect of aging and acute treatment with acetyl-L-carnitine on the pyruvate transport and oxidation in rat heart mitochondria was studied. The activity of the pyruvate carrier as well as the rates of pyruvate-supported respiration were both depressed (around 40%) in heart mitochondria from aged rats, the major decrease occurring during the second year of life. Administration of acetyl-L-carnitine to aged rats almost completely restored the rates of these metabolic functions to the level of young control rats. This effect of acetyl-L-carnitine was not due to changes in the content of pyruvate carrier molecules. The heart mitochondrial content of cardiolipin, a key phospholipid necessary for mitochondrial substrate transport, was markedly reduced (approximately 40%) in aged rats. Treatment of aged rats with acetyl-L-carnitine reversed the age-associated decline in cardiolipin content. As the changes in cardiolipin content were correlated with changes in rates of pyruvate transport and oxidation, it is suggested that acetyl-L-carnitine reverses the age-related decrement in the mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism by restoring the normal cardiolipin content. Carnitine: an essential nutrient? Plawecki, K. Nutrition Notes 2001 Sep. Northbrook, IL: Weeks Publishing. Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation prevents symptoms of vitamin E deficiency. Podda M, Tritschler HJ, Ulrich H, Packer L. Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, 94720-3200. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1994 Oct 14;204(1):98 alpha-Lipoic acid, an essential cofactor in mitochondrial dehydrogenases, has recently been shown to be a potent antioxidant in vitro, as well as being capable of regenerating vitamin E in vitro. In this study, using a new animal model for rapid vitamin E deficiency in adult animals and a new technique for tissue extraction of oxidized and reduced alpha-lipoic acid, we examined the antioxidant action of alpha-lipoic acid in vivo. Vitamin E-deficient adult hairless mice displayed obvious symptoms of deficiency within five weeks, but if the diet was supplemented with alpha-lipoic acid the animals were completely protected. At five weeks on a vitamin E-deficient diet animals exhibited similar decreases in tissue vitamin E levels, whether supplemented or unsupplemented with alpha-lipoic acid: vitamin E levels in liver, kidney, heart, and skin decreased 70 to 85%; levels in brain decreased only 25%. These data show that there was no effect of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on vitamin E tissue concentrations, arguing against a role for alpha-lipoic acid in regenerating vitamin E in vivo. Dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine decreases hepatic stellate cell activation. Poniachik J, Baraona E, Zhao J, Lieber CS. Alcohol Research and Treatment Center, Bronx Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, USA. J Lab Clin Med. 1999 Apr;133(4):342-8 The prevention of cirrhosis in alcohol-fed baboons by the administration of a soybean extract-43% to 50% of which was dilinoleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DLPC) and 24% of which was 1,palmitoyl 2,linoleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (PLPC)-was associated with a significant reduction in the number of stellate cells transformed to myofibroblast-like cells. To study whether these two major phospholipids affect the similar transformation that occurs by culturing stellate cells on uncoated plastic, we assessed their effects on proliferation (by (methyl-3H)-thymidine incorporation into DNA), expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and type I procollagen (by densitometry of Western blots), and collagen synthesis (by incorporation of tritiated proline into collagenase-digestible proteins). These manifestations of stellate cell activation were decreased by 10 micromol/L DLPC but not by 10 micromol/L PLPC when compared with controls incubated either with 17 mmol/L ethanol (used as solvent for the phospholipids) or without addition. These agents did not affect cell viability, contamination with other cells, or the capacity of stellate cells to synthesize protein. Thus DLPC specifically decreases the in vitro activation of stellate cells, as judged by the decreases in proliferative activity, alpha-smooth muscle actin and procollagen I expressions, and collagen synthesis, whereas PLPC did not show such effects. alpha-Procollagen (type I) mRNA was not affected by DLPC, suggesting a post-translational effect. The reduction in the activation of hepatic stellate cells by DLPC may be responsible for, or at least contribute to, the prevention of fibrosis by the polyenylphosphatidylcholine mixture administered in vivo. (+)-Cyanidanol-3 changes functional properties of collagen. Pontz BF, Krieg T, Muller PK. Biochem Pharmacol. 1982 Nov 15;31(22):3581-9 About 6-7 (+)-cyanidanol-3 molecules are bound per collagen alpha-chain. The (+)-cyanidanol-3 treated collagen contains an increased number of pepsin-resistant cross-links, is less susceptible to attack by mammalian collagenase, has a higher shrinkage temp and forms unstructured aggregates. Cell and organ culture studies show that these biological systems produce less protein and collagen in the presence of (+)-cyanidanol-3 and that the newly synthesized collagen is less soluble. Transection of the oesophagus for bleeding oesophageal varices. Pugh RN, Murray-Lyon IM, Dawson JL, Pietroni MC, Williams R. Br J Surg. 1973 Aug;60(8):646-9 No Abstract Available S-adenosyl-L-methionine for alcoholic liver diseases. Rambaldi A, Gluud C. Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, H:S Rigshopitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark, DK-2100. email@example.com Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001;(4):CD002235 BACKGROUND: Alcohol is a major cause of liver disease in the Western world today. S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) acts as a methyl donor for all known biological methylation reactions and participates in the synthesis of glutathione, the main cellular anti-oxidant. Randomised clinical trials have addressed the question whether SAMe has any efficacy in patients with alcoholic liver diseases. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to assess the efficacy of SAMe on mortality, clinical symptoms, complications, liver biochemistry, and liver histology in patients with alcoholic liver diseases. Adverse events were also analysed. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and full text searches were combined. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised clinical trials studying patients with alcoholic liver diseases were included. Interventions encompassed peroral or parenteral administration of SAMe at any dose versus placebo or no intervention. The trials could be double blind, single blind, or unblinded. The trials could be unpublished or published as an article, an abstract, or a letter, and no language limitations were applied. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: All analyses were performed according to the intention-to-treat method. The statistical package (RevMan and MetaView) provided by the Cochrane Collaboration was used. The methodological quality of the randomised clinical trials was evaluated by components of quality and the Jadad-score. MAIN RESULTS: Eight placebo-controlled randomised clinical trials including a heterogeneous sample of 330 patients with alcoholic liver disease were identified. Only one trial including 123 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis used adequate methodology and reported clearly on mortality and liver transplantation. It demonstrated no significant effects of SAMe on mortality (Peto odds ratio (OR) 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22 to 1.29), liver related mortality (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.58), mortality or liver transplantation (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.20 to 1.09), or patients without complications (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.31). SAMe was not significantly associated with adverse events (OR 3.95, 95% CI 0.77 to 20.24). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review could not demonstrate any significant effect of SAMe on mortality, liver related mortality, mortality or liver transplantation, and liver complications of patients with alcoholic liver disease. SAMe should not be used for alcoholic liver disease outside randomised clinical trials. N-acetylcysteine increases liver blood flow and improves liver function in septic shock patients: results of a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Rank N, Michel C, Haertel C, Lenhart A, Welte M, Meier-Hellmann A, Spies C. Department of Anesthesiology and Operative Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universitat Berlin, Germany. Crit Care Med. 2000 Dec;28(12):3799-807 OBJECTIVE: In septic shock, decreased splanchnic blood flow is reported, despite adequate systemic hemodynamics. Aacetylcysteine (NAC) was found to increase hepatosplanchnic blood flow in experimental settings. In septic shock patients, NAC improved the clearance of indocyanine green and the relationship of systemic oxygen consumption to oxygen demand. We investigated the influence of NAC on liver blood flow, hepatosplanchnic oxygen transport-related variables, and liver function during early septic shock. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind study. SETTING: Septic shock patients admitted to an interdisciplinary surgical intensive care unit. PATIENTS: We examined 60 septic shock patients within 24 hrs after onset of sepsis. They were conventionally resuscitated with volume and inotropes and were in stable condition. A gastric tonometer was inserted into the stomach and a catheter into the hepatic vein. Microsomal liver function was assessed by using the plasma appearance of monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX). INTERVENTIONS: Subjects randomly received either a bolus of 150 mg/kg iv NAC over 15 mins and a subsequent continuous infusion of 12.5 mg/kg/hr NAC over 90 mins (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Measurements were performed before (baseline) and 60 mins after beginning the infusion (infusion). After NAC, a significant increase in absolute liver blood flow index (2.7 vs. 3.3 L/min/m2; p = .01) and cardiac index (5.0 vs. 5.7 L/min/m2; p = .02) was observed. Fractional liver blood flow index (cardiac index-related liver blood flow index) did not change. The difference between arterial and gastric mucosal carbon dioxide tension decreased (p = .05) and MEGX increased (p = .04). Liver blood flow index and MEGX correlated significantly (r(s) = .57; p < or = .01). CONCLUSIONS: After NAC treatment, hepatosplanchnic flow and function improved and may, therefore, suggest enhanced nutritive blood flow. The increase of liver blood flow index was not caused by redistribution to the hepatosplanchnic area, but by an increase of cardiac index. Because of its correlation with liver blood flow index, MEGX may be helpful in identifying patients who benefit from NAC treatment in early septic shock. Reduction in the MK-801 binding sites of the NMDA sub-type of glutamate receptor in a mouse model of congenital hyperammonemia: prevention by acetyl-L-carnitine. Rao KV, Qureshi IA. Division of Medical Genetics, Sainte-Justine Hospital, Montreal, Que, Canada. Neuropharmacology. 1999 Mar;38(3):383-94 Our earlier studies on the pharmacotherapeutic effects of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR), in sparse-fur (spf) mutant mice with X linked ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, have shown a restoration of cerebral ATP, depleted by congenital hyperammonemia and hyperglutaminemia. The reduced cortical glutamate and increased quinolinate may cause a down-regulation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, observed by us in adult spf mice. We have now studied the kinetics of [3H]-MK-801 binding to NMDA receptors in spf mice of different ages to see the effect of chronic hyperammonemia on the glutamate neurotransmission. We have also studied the Ca2+-dependent and independent (4-aminopyridine (AP) and veratridine-mediated) release of glutamate and the uptake of [3H]-glutamate in synaptosomes isolated from mutant spf mice and normal CD-1 controls. All these studies were done with and without ALCAR treatment (4 mmol/kg wt i.p. daily for 2 weeks), to see if its effect on ATP repletion could correct the glutamate neurotransmitter abnormalities. Our results indicate a normal MK-801 binding in 12-day-old spf mice but a significant reduction immediately after weaning (21 day), continuing into the adult stage. The Ca2+-independent release of endogenous glutamate from synaptosomes was significantly elevated at 35 days, while the uptake of glutamate into synaptosomes was significantly reduced in spf mice. ALCAR treatment significantly enhanced the MK-801 binding, neutralized the increased glutamate release and restored the glutamate uptake into synaptosomes of spf mice. These studies point out that: (a) the developmental abnormalities of the NMDA sub-type of glutamate receptor in spf mice could be due to the effect of sustained hyperammonemia, causing a persistent release of excess glutamate and inhibition of the ATP-dependent glutamate transport, (b) the modulatory effects of ALCAR on the NMDA binding sites could be through a repletion of ATP, required by the transporters to efficiently remove extracellular glutamate. Subclinical hepatic encephalopathy predicts the development of overt hepatic encephalopathy. Romero-Gomez M, Boza F, Garcia-Valdecasas MS, Garcia E, Aguilar-Reina J. Hepatology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Valme, Sevilla, Spain. Am J Gastroenterol. 2001 Sep;96(9):2718-23 OBJECTIVES: In patients with compensated liver cirrhosis the clinical repercussions of detecting subclinical hepatic encephalopathy (SHE) are unclear. We present a long-term follow-up study in cirrhotic patients to examine the relationship between SHE and subsequent episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy. METHODS: A total of 63 cirrhotic patients were studied by Number Connection Test and auditory evoked potentials. We determined glutamine, ammonia, zinc, glutamate, urea, and ratio of branched chain amino acids to aromatic amino acids, and Child-Pugh classification. RESULTS: Of 63 patients, 34 (53%) exhibited SHE. Nineteen out of 63 (30%) developed overt hepatic encephalopathy during follow-up. Hepatic encephalopathy in follow-up was related to alcoholic etiology, ammonia, glutamine, zinc, ratio of branched chain amino acids to aromatic amino acids, liver function, presence of esophageal varices, and detection of SHE (84% of patients who exhibited hepatic encephalopathy in follow-up showed SHE). In Cox-regression, glutamine levels, SHE, esophageal varices, and Child-Pugh class were the independent variables related to hepatic encephalopathy in follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: SHE (defined on the basis of number connection test or auditory evoked potentials alteration) could predict a subsequent episode of overt hepatic encephalopathy. Lower glutamine levels, presence of esophageal varices, and liver dysfunction were also related to the development of overt hepatic encephalopathy. The effect of malotilate on type III and type IV collagen, laminin and fibronectin metabolism in dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in the rat. Ryhanen L, Stenback F, Ala-Kokko L, Savolainen ER. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Finland. J Hepatol. 1996 Feb;24(2):238-45 BACKGROUND/AIMS: Dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver damage was used as an experimental model to study the effect of malotilate on liver fibrosis. METHODS: Deposition of type III and IV collagens, laminin and fibronectin were studied from liver section by immunohistochemical techniques using specific antibodies. Serum concentrations of aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen, and aminoterminal and carboxyterminal domains of type IV collagen were determined by radioimmunoassays from both malotilate-treated and untreated animals with dimethylnitrosamine injury. RESULTS: A significant elevation of all three serum parameters was observed after 3 weeks of hepatic injury in animals without malotilate treatment, and a constant increase was noted in the amounts of hepatic type III and IV collagens, laminin and fibronectin. Malotilate prevented increases in serum markers of type III and IV collagen synthesis as well as accumulation of the collagens, laminin and fibronectin in the liver. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that serum marker determinations can be used to monitor changes in type III and IV collagen synthesis in the liver. The data indicate that malotilate has a preventive effect in dimethylnitrosamine-induced experimental hepatic fibrosis. Effect of silymarin on chemical, functional, and morphological alterations of the liver. A double-blind controlled study. Salmi HA, Sarna S. Scand J Gastroenterol. 1982 Jun;17(4):517-21 One hundred and six consecutive patients with liver disease were selected on the basis of elevated serum transaminase levels. The patients were randomly allocated into a group treated with silymarin (treated) and a group receiving placebo (controls). Ninety-seven patients complete the 4-week trial-47 treated and 50 controls. In general, the series represented a relatively slight acute and subacute liver disease, mostly induced by alcohol abuse. There was a statistically highly significantly greater decrease of S-SGPT (S-ALAT) and S-SGOT (S-ASAT) in the treated group than in controls. Serum total and conjugated bilirubin decreased more in the treated than in controls, but the differences were not statistically significant. BSP retention returned to normal significantly more often in the treated group. The mean percentage decrease of BSP was also markedly higher in the treated. Normalization of histological changes occurred significantly more often in the treated than in controls. The influence of 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid on serum lipids in the experimentally alcoholized rat. Samochowiec, L., Wojcicki, J., Kadykow, M. Panminerva Med. 1971; 13(11): 87. No Abstract Available An experimental and clinical study of energy-protein metabolism and host defense-repair mechanism in postoperative period--a significance of administration of branched chain amino acid. [Article in Japanese] Shimazu Y. First Department of Surgery, Sapporo Medical College, Japan. Nippon Geka Gakkai Zasshi. 1990 Oct;91(10):1534-47 The aim of this study is to evaluate in vivo the effect of branched chain amino acid BCAA). Experimentally, hepatic energy production and protein synthetic rate were measured in gastrectomized rat which was infused BCAA postoperatively. Clinically, following indices were examined in prospectively randomized patients who underwent abdominal operation and were administered with conventional total parenteral nutrition keeping Calorie/N ratio about 150, including nitrogen balance, urinary 3-methylhistidine, retinol binding protein, B lymphocyte percentage and lymphocyte blastogenesis by phytohemagglutinin. Furthermore, plasma BCAA with their keto-analog level, Factor XIII and opsonic activity were determined in another group of patients who received full strength load of BCAA immediately after subtotal or total gastrectomy, in a controlled prospective randomized double-blinded manner. Results obtained from above mentioned measurements exhibited significant improvement by the administration of BCAA. From these findings, it is suggested that BCAA sustains energy-protein metabolism, supports immunocompetence and promotes wound healing under moderately stressed condition where catabolic response is physiologically compensated. Biochemical effects of the flavonolignane silibinin on RNA, protein and DNA synthesis in rat livers. Sonnenbichler J, Zetl I. Prog Clin Biol Res. 1986;213:319-31 No Abstract Available Hepatitis C. Strickland, D.K. eMed. J. 2002 Jan 16 (http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic979.htm). Malotilate completely inhibits CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis in rats: biochemical and morphological analysis. Suzuki T. Department of Pathology II, Fukushima Medical College, Japan. Fukushima J Med Sci. 1992 Jun;38(1):19-33 Malotilate, diisopropyl 1,3-dithiol-2-ylidenemalonate, is a relatively recently synthesized hepatotrophic chemical substance. Its inhibitory effect on rat liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was biochemically and morphologically investigated for 10 weeks, since this chemical had been reported to suppress liver damage caused by CCl4 or in vitro collagenogenesis of human fibroblasts. Concomitant administration of malotilate with CCl4 completely suppressed liver cell necrosis and markedly inhibited fatty change of hepatocytes in the first three weeks of the experiment. During the six to ten weeks of the experimental period, liver cirrhosis was perfectly inhibited by malotilate. Previously established liver cirrhosis, however, could not be normalized by malotilate treatment. Precise mechanism of the inhibitory effect of malotilate on liver cirrhosis is not elucidated, but this substance is clearly effective for preventing liver cell damage and/or liver cirrhosis caused by CCl4. Effects of malotilate treatment on alcoholic liver disease. Takase S, Matsuda Y, Yasuhara M, Takada A. Department of Internal Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan. Alcohol. 1989 May-Jun;6(3):219-22 Malotilate, a new hepatotrophic drug, improves serum transaminase levels and the markers of protein metabolism in the liver in chronic liver diseases. However, the effects of malotilate on alcoholic liver disease are not well known. In the present study, the effects of this drug on the recovery process of alcoholic liver disease after abstinence were analyzed. Many hepatic test values were significantly improved after abstinence from alcohol in both the malotilate-treated and nontreated control groups. However, the Normotest values improved significantly only in the malotilate group, and not in the control group. The improvement rates for choline esterase activity were significantly greater in the malotilate group than in the control group. Serum albumin levels significantly increased in the malotilate group but not in the control group. Changes in the serum markers of hepatic fibrogenesis were not different between the 2 groups. These results indicate that malotilate accelerates the recovery of impaired protein metabolism in alcoholic liver disease and that this drug may be useful for the treatment of alcoholic liver diseases. N-Acetylcysteine induces shedding of selectins from liver and intestine during orthotopic liver transplantation. Taut FJ, Schmidt H, Zapletal CM, Thies JC, Grube C, Motsch J, Klar E, Martin E. Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. firstname.lastname@example.com Clin Exp Immunol. 2001 May;124(2):337-41 In orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), N-acetylcysteine (NAC) reduces ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, improves liver synthesis function and prevents primary nonfunction of the graft. To further elucidate the mechanisms of these beneficial effects of NAC, we investigated influence of high-dose NAC therapy on the pattern of adhesion molecule release from liver and intestine during OLT. Nine patients receiving allograft OLT were treated with 150 mg NAC/kg during the first hour after reperfusion; 10 patients received the carrier only. One hour after reperfusion, samples of arterial, portal venous and hepatic venous plasma were taken and blood flow in the hepatic artery and the portal vein was measured. Absolute concentrations of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sP-selectin and sE-selectin were not markedly different. However, balance calculations showed release of selectins from NAC-treated livers as opposed to net uptake in controls (P < or = 0.02 for sP-selectin). This shedding of selectins might be a contributing factor to the decrease in leucocyte adherence and improved haemodynamics found experimentally with NAC-treatment. Liver, transplant. Thomas, G., McNamara, R.M. eMed. J. 2001 November 19, 2001 (http://www.emedicine.com/aaem/topic458.htm). Blood viscosity and red cell morphology in subjects suffering from cirrhosis before and after treatment with S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe). Turchetti V, Bellini MA, Leoncini F, Petri F, Trabalzini L, Guerrini M, Forconi S. Istituto di Medicina Interna e Geriatria, Universita degli Studi di Siena, Italy. email@example.com Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2000;22(3):215-21 Alterations of fluidity of the hepatocytic membrane and of the transport related systems are the basis of the cholesteatic syndrome and favour the tissue accumulation of cytotoxic metabolites. S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAM) is a natural molecule which acts as a giver of methylic groups and as an enzymatic activator in several enzymatic actions of transmethylase and of transulphuration and plays a key role in biochemical processes of hepatic cell. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of SAM on the restoration of the membrane fluidity and on the hepatic function in general. In studying the fluidity of the cell membrane we evaluated some hemorheological parameters (total blood viscosity and red cell morphology). Fluidity of the red cell membrane is one of the most important elements of red cell rheology. We studied 15 patients (Group A) suffering from micro- and macro-nodular cirrhosis verified through hepatic biopsy, with alcoholic or post-viral causes. We evaluated the values of: blood viscosity (with a cone-plate rheometer by Carri-med), haematocrit, plasma fibrinogen and the erythrocytic morphology at the optical microscope with the Zipursky-Forconi method before and after 7 days of therapy with SAM i.v.. Data were compared with those of a similar group (Group B) treated with traditional therapy only (hyposodic and hypoprotein diet supplemented with multivitamin preparations, vitamin K in particular, if necessary, and potassium sparing diuretics). We also measured biliary salts, alkaline phosphatase, transaminase and gamma-GT. In the first group we observed a statistically significant reduction of blood viscosity, haematocrit didn't change significantly; biliary salts reduced in a statistically significant way. Evaluation of red cell morphology showed in all cases a pathological percentage (>15%) of echinocytes and knizocytes which reduced to a mean of 5% after SAM therapy. We observed no further modifications of the other hemorheological parameters. Results demonstrate that SAM has a positive action on the fluidity of the membrane, as indicated by the improvement of haemorheological parameters and by the significant decrease of biliary salts, indicating the presence of cholesteasis. Evidence of hepatic endogenous hydrogen peroxide in bile of selenium-deficient rats. Ueda Y, Matsumoto K, Endo K. Department of Physical Chemistry, Showa Pharmaceutical University, 3-3165, Higashi-Tamagawagakuen, Machida, Tokyo, 194-8543, Japan. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2000 May 19;271(3):699-702 Hepatic endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) in bile of selenium-deficient rats (SeD) was for the first time found using the electron spin resonance (ESR) spin-trap technique, and the relationship between glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity and H(2)O(2) amount is discussed. Normal rats and four groups of rats fed a selenium-deficient diet with different feeding periods were examined. The results showed that the GPX activity decreased depending on the feeding period with the selenium-deficient diet and that the hepatic endogenous H(2)O(2) amount in the bile of the rats fed the selenium-deficient diet for the longest period (a week before birth to 8 weeks old) was drastically higher than those in other groups of rats (P < 0.005). We found that generation of H(2)O(2) due to the decrease in the GPX activity has a threshold value. The results suggest that an exposure to selenium deficiency for long term will cause oxidative stress. Copyright 2000 Academic Press. Selectivity of silymarin on the increase of the glutathione content in different tissues of the rat. Valenzuela A, Aspillaga M, Vial S, Guerra R. Planta Med. 1989 Oct;55(5):420-2 Silymarin, a flavonoid extracted from the seeds of the milk thistle, Silybum marianum, increases the redox state and the total glutathione content of the liver, intestine, and stomach of the rat. The same treatment does not affect the levels of the tripeptides in the kidney, lung, and spleen. This selective effect of the flavonoid on the digestive organs is ascribed to its pharmacokinetics on the digestive track, where the biliary concentration of silymarin is increased and maintained via the entero-hepatic circulation. Gallstones: Cause WebMD. 2002 Jul 19 (last update, 12/31/01) (http://webmd.lycos.com/content.healthwise/141/35096.htm). Lung preconditioning with N-acetyl-L-cysteine prevents reperfusion injury after liver no flow-reflow: a dose-response study. Weinbroum AA, Kluger Y, Ben Abraham R, Shapira I, Karchevski E, Rudick V. Department of Anesthesiology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel. email@example.com Transplantation. 2001 Jan 27;71(2):300-6 BACKGROUND: Circulating xanthine oxidase activity and the generated oxidants have been linked to lung reperfusion injury from no flow-reflow conditions in other organs after organ transplantation or surgery. N-acetyl-1-cysteine (NAC), an oxidant scavenger, promotes glutathione in its reduced form (GSH) that is depleted during ischemia. We have recently demonstrated its efficacy in protecting lungs from reperfusion injury if administered during reperfusion of postischemic liver. We now investigated whether preconditioning of lungs with NAC could attenuate lung respiratory or vascular derangement after no flow-reflow (ischemia-reperfusion, IR) and if this depends on lung GSH levels. METHODS: Rat isolated livers were stabilized and perfused with modified Krebs-Henseleit solution (KH) (control, n=12) or made ischemic (no flow, IR-0, n=12) for 2 hr. Meanwhile, lungs were isolated, ventilated, and stabilized (KH+bovine albumin 5%). Serial perfusion (15 min) of liver+lung pairs took place followed by lung only recirculation (45 min) with the accumulated solution. Another three controls and three ischemic groups included lungs treated during stabilization with NAC at 100 mg x kg(-1), 150 or 225 mg x kg(-1) (in 2.5, 3.7 or 5.5 mmol solutions, respectively). Results. Ischemic liver damage, expressed by circulating hepatocellular constituents, was associated with pulmonary artery and ventilatory pressure increases by 70-100% of baseline, abnormal wet-to-dry weight ratio, and abnormal bronchoalveolar lavage volume and content in the IR-0 (nontreated) and the IR-100 and IR-225 pretreated lungs. NAC-150 pretreatment afforded preservation for most parameters. GSH content in the IR-150 lung tissue was only 11% higher than that of IR-225, but 2-fold that in IR-0 and IR-100 GSH lungs. CONCLUSION: Lung preconditioning with NAC prevents reperfusion injury but not in a dose-related manner. Although enhanced GSH tissue content explains lung protection, GSH-independent NAC activity is another possibility. Effects of 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (cynarin) on cholesterol levels in serum and liver of acute ethanol-treated rats. Wojcicki J. Drug Alcohol Depend. 1978 Mar;3(2):143-5 The effect of 1,5-dicaffeylquinic acid (Cynarine) on total cholesterol levels in serum and liver of acute ethanol-treated rats was studied. Male Wister rats were administered ethyl alcohol, 6 g/kg per day by gavage over three days. In rats treated with ethanol alone, the serum and hepatic cholesterol showed a significant rise of 44 and 75%, respectively. In rats receiving ethanol and Cynarine simultaneously, a distinct reduction of the serum and hepatic cholesterol levels was observed. Cirrhosis. Wolf, D.C. eMed. J. 2001 Sep 6 (http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3183.htm). Cirrhosis and its disorders. Workman, J.J. Liver Disorders Sourcebook 1999, p. 48. Los Angeles: Lowell House. Eds. Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q Yamamura, Y., Folkers, K., Ito, Y., Volume 2 1980. Amsterdam: Elsevier. Plant proteins in relation to human protein and amino acid nutrition. Young VR, Pellett PL. Clinical Research Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142. Am J Clin Nutr. 1994 May;59(5 Suppl):1203S-1212S Plant protein foods contribute approximately 65% of the per capita supply of protein on a worldwide basis and approximately 32% in the North American region. These sources of protein are discussed in relation to their amino acid content, human amino acid requirements, and dietary protein quality. Mixtures of plant proteins can serve as a complete and well-balanced source of amino acids for meeting human physiological requirements. This short review ends with a list of series of myths and realities concerning the relationship between plant protein and human nutrition and a list of some nutritional issues of concern to the health professional and informed consumer. Protective role of selenium against hepatitis B virus and primary liver cancer in Qidong. Yu SY, Zhu YJ, Li WG. Cancer Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China. Biol Trace Elem Res. 1997 Jan;56(1):117-24 High rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and primary liver cancer (PLC) are present in Qidong county. Epidemiological surveys demonstrated an inverse association between selenium (Se) level and regional cancer incidence, as well as HBV infection. Four-year animal studies showed that dietary supplement of Se reduced the HBV infection by 77.2% and liver precancerous lesion by 75.8% of ducks, caused by exposure to natural environmental etiologic factors. An intervention trial was undertaken among the general population of 130,471. Individuals in five townships were involved for observation of the preventive effect of Se. The 8-yr follow-up data showed reduced PLC incidence by 35.1% in selenized table salt supplemented vs the nonsupplemented population. On withdrawal of Se from the treated group, PLC incidence rate began to increase. However, the inhibitory response to HBV was sustained during the 3-yr cessation of treatment. The clinical study among 226 Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)-positive persons provided either 200 micrograms of Se in the form of selenized yeast tablet or an identical placebo of yeast tablet daily for 4 yr showed that 7 of 113 subjects were diagnosed as having PLC in the placebo group, whereas no incidence of PLC was found in 113 subjects supplemented with Se. Again on cessation of treatment, PLC developed at a rate comparable to that in the control group, demonstrating that a continuous intake of Se is essential to sustain the chemopreventive effect. Effect of N-acetylcysteine and deferoxamine on endogenous antioxidant defense system gene expression in a rat hepatocyte model of cocaine cytotoxicity. Zaragoza A, Diez-Fernandez C, Alvarez AM, Andres D, Cascales M. Instituto de Bioquimica (CSIC-UCM), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramon y Cajal sn, 28040, Madrid, Spain. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2000 Apr 17;1496(2-3):183-95 In the present study we investigated on cultures of hepatocytes from phenobarbital-pretreated rats, the effect of the antioxidants, 0.5 mM N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or 1.5 mM deferoxamine (DFO), previously incubated for 24 h and coincubated with cocaine (0-1000 microM) for another 24 h. Cocaine cytotoxicity was monitored by either the lysis of the cell membranes or apoptosis. Lysis of the cell membranes was evidenced by lactate dehydrogenase leakage, apoptosis was observed by detecting a hypodiploid peak (<2C) in DNA histograms obtained by flow cytometry, peroxide production was quantified with 2', 7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and gene expression of the antioxidant enzymes: Mn- and Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutases, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were measured by Northern blot analysis. NAC and DFO significantly decreased the extent of lysis of cell membranes and apoptosis, and the antiapoptotic effect was parallel to peroxide generation. By the effect of NAC and DFO, significant increases were detected in the levels of mRNA of catalase, manganese superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. From these results we conclude that NAC or DFO, when incubated in the presence of cocaine, exerted a protective effect against cocaine toxicity at the level of both lysis of the membranes and apoptosis. This protective effect, in the case of NAC, was directed towards an increase in antioxidant enzyme expression, and in the case of DFO against reactive oxygen species generation. The effect of folic acid on the drug metabolizing liver function in man with viral hepatitis. Zviarynski IU, Zavodnik LB. Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Institute of Biochemistry, Grodno, Belarus. firstname.lastname@example.com Exp Toxicol Pathol. 1999 Jul;51(4-5):455-7 The investigations were carried out on 31 patients (16 men and 15 women, at the age of 20-50) with viral hepatitis. The all patients were divided at two groups. The first group (12 man) received usual treatment (diet, corsil), the second group (19 man) received in addition to the base treatment folic acid (5 mg per day, 10 days). It was found, that at patients with viral hepatitis was decreased the activity of monooxygenase system of liver. So, period of semielimination (T1/2) of antipyrine (AP) was greater in 1,4 time, area under the pharmacokinetic curve - 1,5 time and clearance was below by 39% than in volunteers (29 man). On day of treatment only by corsil, the rate of elimination of AP and clearance were increased by 34 and 31% (p < 0.05) respectively, T1/2 was decreased by 23% (p < 0.05) and area under the pharmacokinetic curve - 17 %. On 10 day of treatment by corsil with folic acid (5 mg per day), the rate of elimination of AP and clearance was increased by 43% (p < 0.05), area under the pharmacokinetic curve and T 1/2 were decreased by 30 and 33% (p < 0.05) respectively. The positive effect of folic acid in treatment of hepatitis at restoration period may be cause participating its derivatives in de novo nucleotide synthesis. Page12

subset: commoncrawl


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