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Liver is an important organ with major role in carbohydrates, proteins and lipids metabolism. In addition, secretion and excretion of toxic materials occur in this organ. Exposure to a variety of infectious agents such as parasitic, viral, bacterial or toxic materials may lead to liver damage. Today, one of the best way for investigation and diagnosis of liver damage is measurement of some liver enzyme such as Alanine Aminotransferase (GPT or ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (GOT or AST). Since, these enzymes exist in other tissues, measurement of other specific enzyme is required. In this study activity of Ornithine Carbamyltransferase (OCT), the second enzyme in urea cycle, in 56 patients with liver problem (Cirrhosis and viral hepatitis) was determined. SGPT, SGOT, Alb, Bil, ?GT and ALP tests were performed. To assess the health and unhealthy liver in both control and sample groups. Our data shows a correlation between activity of OCT with SGOT (R=0.782, P<0.001) and with SGPT (R=0.857, P<0.001). Since OCT enzyme is specific for liver, further investigation of activity of this enzyme in assessment of other liver problems is required.

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Background and Objective: Extensive exercise may be disrupting oxidant and antioxidant balance and cause the phenomenon of oxidative stress in human and decrease athletics performance. This study was done to determine the effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation for two weeks on markers of lipid peroxidation in soccer player. Methods: In this queze – experimental study, 36 soccer players (mean age, 20.08±1.12 years, weight 63.28±1.65 kg and maximal oxygen uptake 53.12±0.98 ml per kg/bw) divided into three groups for 14 days and the desired experiment was done during this period of time. Soccer players in control group did not receive the supplements and exercise. Subjects in placebo group were received 5 mg/kg/bw aspartame capsules. Subjects in supplement group were received 5 mg/kg/bw of Ubiquinone-10. Soccer players also performed two 90-minute soccer matches with less than 48 hours. Blood samples 24 hours before and after the period were collected. Malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured. Results: Serum level of MDA and AST after two consecutive football matches was significantly increased in the placebo group in compared to supplementation and placebo groups (P<0.05). The serum levels of AST and MDA in supplementation group did not significantly increased when compared to control and placebo groups. Conclusion: Short-term supplementation of coenzyme Q10 before and during of the two consecutive soccer matches can prevent the elevation of lipid Peroxidation indeces.

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Background and Objective: The liver is the main organ involved in the metabolism of various drugs and toxins. Thus, it is highly vulnerable to damage caused by drugs and toxins. Alpinia officinarum belongs to the Ginger family and has been used in traditional Iranian medicine for its therapeutic effects on the digestive system, including strengthening the function of the stomach and organs, improving digestion and reducing bloating. In addition, the plant has anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer and antioxidant properties. This study investigated the hepatotoxic effects of Alpinia officinarum rhizomes aqueous extract in male Wistar rats.
Methods: This experimental study was performed on 35 male Wistar rats that were randomly allocated into 5 groups of 7. Four groups received 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of the extract for 28 days, while a group did not receive the extract (control group). Tissue sections (5 microns) were stained by hematoxylin and eosin at the pharmacology laboratory of Golestan University of Medical Sciences. The groups were examined for liver tissue pathology, and the level of liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was measured by Pars Azmoun ELISA kit.
Results: Administration of the aqueous extract of Alpinia officinarum rhizome for 28 days by gavage increased the level of AST, ALT and ALP in the serum of rats. Tissue damage was observed in most groups receiving the extract.
Conclusion: The results show that consumption of the aqueous extract of Alpinia officinarum rhizome at a dose of more than 100 mg/kg can cause liver damage and is lethal at a dose of 800 mg/kg.