Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: EC:2.3.1.109 (AST)
 6,066 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Two patients with HBsAg positive chronic active hepatitis have been treated with human fibroblast interferon 10(7) units daily for two weeks. Before treatment, both patients had high levels of hepatitis B surface antigen, core antibody, and DNA-binding antibody in the blood and one patient had a fourfold rise in serum AST. During treatment there was a striking fall in the core antibody titre and also in the DNA-binding antibody, which has been maintained for several months subsequently; in one patient the initially high AST level fell to normal. No significant adverse effects occurred, and these observations should encourage further trials of fibroblasts interferon in hepatitis B.
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PMID:Treatment of HBsAg-positive chronic active hepatitis with human fibroblast interferon. 63 32

In 1989, the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers was studied by Elisa in 421 healthy teen-agers, 17-19 year old, in Udine, Friuli. The prevalence of any HBV marker was 2.4%, with a male predominance (3.8% vs. 0.5%). The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 0.5% (2/421); both subjects were anti-Hbc IgM negative, with AST/ALT values in the normal levels, and males. The prevalence of any HBV marker was not associated with largest family size, nor with lowest father's years of schooling. These findings suggest a very low exposure to HBV infection in such area.
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PMID:Prevalence of hepatitis B markers among teen-agers in Friuli. 215 6

All cases of liver tumor referred to the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Saudi Arabia during 2.5 years were reviewed. Hepatocellular carcinoma, 104 cases, was considerably more common than metastatic carcinoma with unknown primary, 15 cases. Lymphoma presenting as liver tumor occurred in three cases and there were no cases of cholangiocarcinoma. There were only two cases of benign tumor, both hemangioma. Hepatocellular carcinoma was characterized by a male predominance of 6:1, positive hepatitis B surface antigen in 60%, presentation with an enlarged, hard liver in over 90%, a systolic-diastolic bruit over the mass in 45%, a single highly echogenic lesion in the right lobe on ultrasound in 80%, and rapid progression. The serum AST (aspartate aminotransferase, serumglutamic oxalacetic transaminase [SGOT]) was abnormal in 97% and was higher than the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in 93% of cases compared with 17% in 100 consecutive cases of chronic active hepatitis. Sixty-six percent of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma had serum AFP greater than 200 ng/ml. Excluding five cases of germ cell tumor (none involving the liver), and pregnant patients, serum AFP was less than 200 ng/ml in all other patients in whom it was measured between 1979 and 1981. A practical approach to the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma is outlined. Biopsy does not appear to be indicated in many cases of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
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PMID:Hepatic tumors in Saudi Arabia. A practical approach to diagnosis. 257 17

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Libya has been investigated by seeking evidence of HCV infection in 266 healthy Libyan subjects (147 females, 119 males; age range 1-78 years), 76 of whom were registered blood donors. None had any history of blood transfusions, surgery, homosexuality, drug misuse or other risk factor for viral hepatitis. Sera from all subjects were tested for anti-HCV antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay against synthetic structural and non-structural HCV peptides from the HCV core, envelope, NS1, NS3/NS4 and NS5 regions. Eighteen (6.8%), all of whom were seronegative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), were found to be anti-HCV positive (including 5 blood donors). The patterns of reactivity against the individual peptides varied between subjects as follows: core (14 subjects), envelope (11), NS1 (9), NS3/NS4 (10), and NS5 (6). Fourteen of the 18 had elevated serum aminotransferase activities (AST/ALT) but so also did 9 other subjects who were seronegative for both HBsAg and anti-HCV. Twelve of the 18 anti-HCV positive subjects, including 3 of the 5 anti-HCV positive blood donors, had circulating HCV RNA detected by the polymerase chain reaction. HCV RNA was also detected in 3 of the 9 anti-HCV negative cases with elevated AST/ALT. The finding that 21 (7.9%) of the 266 subjects had evidence of HCV infection indicates that there is a very high frequency of 'community-acquired' HCV in the normal Libyan population, and this has major implications for blood transfusion in that country.
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PMID:High prevalence of hepatitis C virus in the normal Libyan population. 797 63

We evaluated the impact of concomitant infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) on the clinical course after renal transplantation (Tx). In 335 patients (pts) transplanted between 1991 and 1993 we found 30 (9%) recipients who were positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (ELISA, Organon) and anti-HCV antibodies (immunoblot assay Lia Tek) preTx. Chronic liver disease (CLD) (two-fold or greater increase in serum ALT and AST levels for at least six months) developed in 40.7% coinfected pts as compared to 24.4% and 25.7% pts infected only with HCV or HBV, respectively. Maintenance immunosuppression consisted of P + Aza + CsA, mean follow-up time was 28 +/- 15 months. The mean time of the onset of CLD was 3.0 months (range: 1-18 months) after Tx. Percutaneous liver biopsy performed in 5 CLD pts revealed chronic active hepatitis (CAH) in 4 and chronic persistent hepatitis (CPH) in 1 pt. Four pts who had CAH and were positive for HCV RNA (RT PCR) in serum and for HBcAg in liver tissue, received interferon-alpha therapy for 6 months. Clinical improvement of liver function was observed in all of them, but none cleared HBsAg or HCV RNA. One pt lost his graft due to acute rejection. Concomitant infection with HBV and HCV is associated with the high risk of development of CLD early after Tx. We recommend that pretransplant evaluation of both anti-HCV and HBsAg positive pts should include liver biopsy to exclude potential recipients with CAH.
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PMID:Clinical course of concomitant Hbv and Hcv infection in renal allograft recipients. 986 22

Although previous studies have demonstrated the ability of ultrasonography (US) screening to detect small asymptomatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the efficacy of US screening in reducing deaths from HCC still remained unresolved. A 2-stage screening program was designed to identify a high risk group in 7 townships in Taiwan by 6 markers (of risk for HCC) and repeated US screening was further applied to those with at least 1 positive result for the 6 markers, with a range of 3- to 6-month inter-screening intervals to those with liver cirrhosis or other chronic liver diseases and an annual screening regime for the remaining subjects with normal findings according to US. The 4,843 subjects in this cohort were followed up for an average of 7 years. We compared 4,385 attenders with 458 non-attenders, in conjunction with baseline assessment for self-selection bias. In addition, we assessed baseline variables with respect to their effects on risk of incidence of and mortality from HCC and on risk of incidence of liver cirrhosis. The difference in mortality between attenders and non-attenders was then re-estimated adjusting for significant predictors of cirrhosis, HCC incidence and HCC death as a further guard against baseline differences between attenders and non-attenders in risk profiles. Results of US screening for this high risk group found the mortality was lower by 24% (95% CI: -52 to 62%) in the attenders compared to the non-attenders. After adjustment for sensitivity, the mean sojourn time (MST) were 1.57 (95% CI: 0.94-4.68) for subjects with liver cirrhosis and 2.66 (95% CI: 1.68-6.37) years for non-cirrhotic patient. Significant increases in risk of HCC incidence were associated with increasing age, male gender, hepatitis B surface antigen positive (HbsAg), hepatitis C antibody positive (Anti-HCV), high levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and a family history of HCC. Significantly increased risks of liver cirrhosis were associated with predictors of cirrhosis were increasing age, HbsAg, high levels of ALT and of AFP. Significant or borderline significant increases in risk of HCC death were associated with increasing age, male gender, HbsAg, high levels of AST and AFP. Adjusted for the significant variables, the mortality was lower by 41% (95% CI: -20 to 71%, p = 0.1446) in the attenders compared to the non-attenders. The present study provides suggestive evidence on the efficacy of US screening in a selective high risk group in an endemic area of hepatitis B. A randomized controlled trial would yield definitive evidence. Within the protocol of such a trial, a shorter interscreening interval for patients with liver cirrhosis is suggested.
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PMID:Ultrasound screening and risk factors for death from hepatocellular carcinoma in a high risk group in Taiwan. 1185 16

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health problem in China. This study examined liver function in relation to HBV infection, and the occupational and lifestyle factors among workers in Shanghai. The study included 690 male workers aged 20-59 employed at a steel manufacturing company. The occupational and lifestyle factors were evaluated by self-administered questionnaire addressing worksite, exposure to dust or chemicals, history of cigarette smoking and habitual alcohol consumption. The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg) seropositivity was 21.4%. Elevated values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST, >30IU/liter) appeared in HBsAg-positive and current alcohol drinking groups but statistically on the borderline. There was a positive linear trend in the odds ratios(ORs) among age groups and ethanol consumption levels for elevated values of g-glutamyl transferase (GGT, >50IU/liter). There was no clear association between occupational exposure and liver functions. When the effects of HBsAg and the current alcohol drinking status on the elevated value of AST were examined simultaneously, OR for cases with HBsAg-positive and current alcohol drinking rose to 2.85(95%CI.98-8.28) against reference cases with HBsAg-negative and non-alcohol drinking, although this association was statistically on the borderline. The results indicated that some interventional attempts including educational strategy for alcohol drinking would be important among the HBsAg-positive cases to reduce the risk of liver dysfunction and further, hepatocellular carcinoma.
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PMID:The Effects of the Hepatitis B Virus and Occupational and Lifestyle Factors on Liver Function Among Workers in Shanghai. 1271 33

Occult hepatitis B is defined by the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in a serum or liver in the absence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The prevalence and clinical correlates of occult hepatitis B remain incompletely defined. A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the prevalence of occult hepatitis B in a high-risk cohort composed of 188 injection drug users in Baltimore, Maryland. All individuals had chronic hepatitis C viral infections confirmed by RNA detection and liver biopsy. Serologic assays for HBsAg and core antibody (HBcAb) were performed. Serum HBV DNA was detected using the COBAS HBV AMPLICOR monitor assay (lower limit of detection, 200 HBV copies per milliliter) and a semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay (lower limit of detection, 15 HBV copies per milliliter). Although almost all individuals (96%) were anti-HBC positive, only 8 of 188 (4%) were HBsAg positive. Occult hepatitis B was not identified using the COBAS assay, but was found in 81 of 180 (45%) of individuals using semi-nested PCR. Of the 8 HBsAg positive individuals, HBV DNA was found in 1/8 using the COBAS assay and 6/8 using the nested PCR assay. Overall, liver disease was mild, with a median serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of 38 IU/L, median activity grade of 3/18, and median fibrosis stage of 1/6. No association was found between the serum AST (aspartate aminotransferase), activity grade, or stage of liver disease and the presence of occult hepatitis B. Serum ALT levels were slightly higher in patients without occult hepatitis B (46 vs. 35 IU/L), and the median years since first injection drug use was somewhat longer in those without occult hepatitis B (24 vs. 20 years). In conclusion, although further research is needed to assess its clinical significance, there is a high prevalence of occult HBV infection in this cohort of HCV-infected injection drug users.
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PMID:High prevalence of occult hepatitis B in Baltimore injection drug users. 1475 22

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection occurs primarily in hepatocytes in the liver with release of infectious virions and non-infectious empty surface antigen particles into the bloodstream. HBV replication is non-cytopathic. Transient infections run a course of several months, and chronic infections are often life-long. Chronic infections can lead to liver failure with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is generally accepted that neutralizing anti-HBs antibodies plays a key role in recovery from HBV infection by containing the spread of infection in the infected host and facilitating the removal and destruction of viral particles. However, the immune response initiated by the T-cell response to viral antigens is also important for viral clearance and disease pathogenesis in HBV infection. The three structural forms of the viral proteins, the HBsAg, the particulate HBcAg, and the nonparticulate HBeAg, may preferentially elicit different Th cell subsets. The different IgG subclass profiles of anti-HBs, anti-HBc, and anti-HBe in different HBV infection status were revealed. Moreover, the different IgG subclass profiles in chronic carriers did not change with different ALT and AST levels and may reflect the difference between stimulating antigens, immune response, and the stages of viral disease and provide the basis for the use of vaccines and prophylactic treatments for individuals at high risk of human HBV infection. This review elucidates the detailed understanding of the immune responses induced during transient and persistent infection, and the development of immunotherapy and immunodiagnosis in patients with HBV infection, and possible means of reducing the liver damage.
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PMID:The immune response induced by hepatitis B virus principal antigens. 1669 96

Variants in alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) genes differ between ethnic groups and have, in some studies, been found to be associated with alcohol dependence and alcoholic liver disease. This study sought to determine whether an association exists between ADH (ADH1C previously ADH3, ADH1B*2 previously ADH2*2) genotypes, alcohol dependence, drinking history, and liver function tests in the two major ethnic groups of Trinidad and Tobago (TT). One hundred and forty-five alcohol-dependent individuals of both East Indian (Indo-TT) and African (Afro-TT) ancestry, and 108 controls matched by age, sex, and education participated in the study. Serum levels of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT, AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) as well as presence of HIV, hepatitis B surface antigen, and anti-hepatitis C virus antibody were determined. There was a significant difference in the distribution of ADH1C allele polymorphisms between the ethnic groups (P<.0001). Forty-three percent of the Indo-TT were found to have one ADH1C*2 allele and 5% were homozygous, whereas, only 23% of Afro-TT had one allele and one was homozygous. Only three individuals had an ADH1B*2 allele (one Indo-TT alcohol dependent, two Indo-TT controls). The ADH1C*2 allele was significantly associated with alcohol dependence overall and within Indo-TT ancestry, however, it was not associated with current or heaviest alcohol consumption levels. Individuals with at least one ADH1C*2 allele also had significantly elevated levels of ALP (P<.02) and GGT (P<.02) as compared to individuals homozygous for ADH1C*. Additionally, GGT levels were also found to be elevated (P<.02) within Indo-TT alcohol dependents with at least one ADH1C*2 allele but not within the Afro-TT alcohol dependents with that allele. A linear regression that included alcohol dependence and levels of alcohol consumption confirmed that levels of serum GGT were significantly associated with the ADH1C*2 genotype. These results suggest that ADH1C polymorphisms are associated with alcohol dependence and alcohol associated elevations of liver enzymes in a population with a low frequency of ADH1B2 alleles.
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PMID:ADH1C*2 allele is associated with alcohol dependence and elevated liver enzymes in Trinidad and Tobago. 1713 60


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