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Background and purpose: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy changed the treatment of renal stones. Beacause the widespread usage of ESWL (extra Corporeal shock wave lithotripsy) in the treatment of the Urinary tract stones, the effects of these waves on the surrounding tissues are not compeletly understood and it is the origin of so many studies.
Materials and methods: In this prospective study 250 patients suffering from renal and upper ureteral stones were selected. Serum levels of ALT(Alanine Aminotransferase), AST(AspartateAminotransferase), Alkaline Phosphatase were measured in all of the patients before treatment with ESWL and these measurements repeated after the treatment , then these findings were compared. ANOVA test was used for the quantitative variables.
Results: Before the treatment no Significant differences found between groups. But we found a significant elevation in enzymes after the treatment in comparison with their serum levels before treatment. Rising in serum enzymes had a direct correlation with the number of shock waves that were used for treatment. Enzymatic levels in the patients with right renal stones raised more and for longer period than the left side.
Conclusion: After the treatment of renal stones with ESWL, serum leveles of ALT, AST and ALP will increase. If we use these waves at the right side and specially when we use more waves, this rising will be more significant and persist for longer period. Thus when we want to use these waves in the right side we must consider the amount of these waves and the intervals of the treatment. We recommend that in the patients with elevated liver enzymes level, gastrointestinal evaluation before treatment is necessary.

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Background and purpose: Despite relative neutrality of metal gold in chemistry reactions, there is a concern about skin absorption and toxicity of gold nanoparticles that nowadays are increasingly used around us. On the other hand, judging from liver detoxification, in this study, the histological alterations of liver and their enzymes and blood cells were investigated in mice by touch of gold nanoparticles. Material and Methods: The backs of 32 male mice were shaved and then were divided into control group in which their back skins were touched with 0.2ml/day distilled water and 3 groups (25, 50,100 ppm) that were being treated with 0.2 ml/day of gold nanoparticles with mentioned doses and 10 nm diameter for 14 days. Finally, their blood was taken for hematology and biochemistry tests and their livers were removed for histopathology tests. Results: To compare the liver tissues of the control group with 3 other groups showed some abnormalities in liver tissues of all treated groups that in 50 & 100 ppm were significant. The levels of two liver enzymes (ALT,AST) and CBC (complete blood count) of control group in comparison with 3 other groups showed that ALT enzyme levels in 50 &100 ppm groups had increased but the levels of ALT & AST in other groups decreased (not significant) and also the values of CBC test showed no significant differences. Conclusion: Touch of gold nanoparticles and conditions of this study has toxic effect on the liver of male mice. So, this has a hazard potential.

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Background and purpose: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health problem. The prevalence of HBV infection varies throughout regions of the world. More than 350 million people live with chronic HBV infection and many different clinical symptoms are associated with it. Long-term complications of HBV infection lead to cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. Consequently, 0.5-1.2 million death occurs every year. However, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment could reduce such complications. This study intended to investigate the correlation of serum concentrations of HBV-DNA and HBeAg with liver enzymes. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, serum samples of 146 chronic hepatitis B patients were studied. They referred to RaziTeaching Hospital, Qaemshahr, from 2007 to 2009. The subjects were assessed regarding HBV-DNA, HBeAg and ALT enzymes. The patients’ serum was extracted and Real Time PCR test was performed using HBV RG Kit (Nov in Gene). Afterwards, the patients’ medical records were studied and the data was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and t-test in SPSS. Results: From the total of 146 patients, 94 were found negative HBeAg and 52 were HBeAg positive. No correlation was seen between HBV-DNA level and AST enzyme, while there was a significant relationship between HBV-DNA level and ALT enzyme. Conclusion: ALT enzyme is a reliable indicator for severity of liver involvement even in negative HBeAg stages and hidden period of the disease. Hence, the serum levels of HBV-DNA and ALT should be measured in such individuals before developing liver cirrhosis and thereby starting immediate antiviral therapy.

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Background and purpose: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the chronic liver diseases. ( ) Microalgae – as a functional food and prebiotic agent - is supposed as a new approach in the treatment of NAFLD. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the effect of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris (C. Vulgaris) supplementation on inflammatory factors in patients with NAFLD. Materials and methods: This double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 70 NAFLD patients confirmed by ultrasonograohy and liver enzymes level. The subjects were randomly allocated into two groups: (1) “Intervention” (n=35) received 400 mg/d vitamin E plus four 300 mg tablets of C.vulgaris, (2) “placebo” received 400 mg/d vitamin E and four placebo tablets per day for eight weeks. Weight, dietary data and fasting serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), hs-CRP , tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks. Results: Weight, ALT and ALP decreased significantly in both group after the intervention (p˂0.001). There were found significant reductions in AST and hs-CRP in the intervention group (p˂0.001). Intera-groups changes in TNF-α level was statistically significant (P˃0.05). Conclusion: C.vulgaris supplementation could improve liver function through decreasing weight , liver enzymes and hs-CRP concentrations after 8 weeks.

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Background and purpose: Medicinal plants have always been of great interest due to their natural and effective chemical components. Cardamom is one of these plants with many health benefits. In this study, hydro-alcoholic extract of cardamom fruit and its effect on serum levels of liver enzymes was investigated in male Wistar rats injected with lead acetate.

Materials and methods: In this study, 36 male Wistar rats weighing 220-250 g were randomly divided into 6 groups including a control, an experimental, treatment I, II, III groups and a positive control group. Treatment and experimental groups received lead acetate (500ppm) for four weeks. Then, the experimental group was given the cardamom extract for one week. Afterwards, direct blood was taken from hearts for measuring alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Samples of liver tissue were removed for histological studies. Data analysis was done applying ANOVA.

Results: The study showed that lead acetate increased the ALT, AST and GGT levels in liver that had destructive effects. But, the cardamom extract significantly decreased the ALT, AST and GGT level (P>0.001) which in turn had a remediable effect.

Conclusion: The study showed that hydro-alcoholic extract of cardamom has antioxidant and flavonoid components which protect liver against destructive increase of liver enzymes due to poisoning effects of lead acetate.

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Background and purpose: Nitrite is used for preserving food, especially in processed meat products. Processed foods containing nitrite are highly used in many countries. This harmful substances in water, soil and ecosystem endanger the health of people. In this study, we examined the effect of sodium nitrite on liver enzymes and histological structure of the liver in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods: In this study, 60 adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n= 10 per group): a control group, experimental groups receiving 175 and 350 mg/kg/day sodium nitrite, a diabetic control group, and diabetic groups receiving 175 and 350 mg/kg/day sodium nitrite for 60 days. Diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected after anesthesia and the serum AST, ALP, and ALT were measured. Also, liver tissues were removed to investigate the histological changes. Statistical analysis was done by one way variation and student’s ANOVA Test. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Results: The AST, ALP, and ALT levels significantly increased in diabetic groups and the group receiving 175 and 350 mg/kg sodium nitrite (P< 0.05). The mean levels of AST, ALP, and ALT levels in the diabetic group receiving 350 mg/kg sodium nitrite were 239 ± 3.8, 286 ± 3.5, 162 ± 3.6, respectively.

Conclusion: The results showed that sodium nitrite can induce adverse effects on the liver, especially on the liver in diabetic rats.

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Background and purpose: Inactivity due to the mechanization of work is a growing health concern in many countries. It increases the risk of many diseases such as fatty liver, obesity and diabetes. There are evidences on the effect of exercise on levels of liver enzymatic parameters. Herbal products appear to be useful in managing some diseases, such as fatty liver.
Materials and methods: This experimental study investigated the response of liver enzyme indices, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and lipid profile (total triglyceride and total cholesterol) in rat liver after eight weeks of endurance training and consumption of Rosa canina L. extract. Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into four groups: control-saline, training-saline, control-Rosa canina L. and Rosa canina L.+training. Liver enzyme levels, triglycerides and total cholesterol levels were measured.
Results: ANOVA test showed that AST and ALT levels decreased significantly in training-saline (P=0.024 and P=0.002, respectively) and control-Rosa canina L. (P=0.004 and P=0.001, respectively) groups compared to control-saline group. The interaction effect of training and Rosa canina L. caused a significant decrease in AST and ALT levels compared to other groups (P=0.001). ALP levels reduced in training-saline (P=0.008), control-Rosa canina L. (P=0.002), and Rosa canina L.+ training (P=0.001) compared with control-saline. Analysis of GGT showed no significant difference between the groups (P=0.172). Endurance training and the extract of Rosa canina L. improved the levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol.
Conclusion: Endurance training in combination with Rosa canina L. extract can have a significant effect on reducing liver enzyme indicators, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.

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 Background and purpose: Fatty liver disease and overcoming it is a health concern. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a period of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and somatotropin injection on hepatocyte apoptosis markers and atherogenic index in mice with fatty liver disease.
Materials and methods: In this basic experimental study, 21 male mice were randomly divided into three groups (n=7): control (C), exercise (HIIT), Exercise + somatotropin (H-GH). The HITT was performed for eight weeks/ five sessions a week. The speed was 25 meters per minute at the beginning which increased to 70 meters per minute at the end of week eight. The somatropin dosage was 1 mg/kg. Markers, including CK-18, paraoxonase, insulin resistance, ALT/AST ratio, and LDL/HDL were measured. Statistical analysis was carried out using One-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test.
Results: CK18 values significantly decreased only in the HIIT group (P=0.01). Paraoxonase levels in both HIIT (P=0.00) and H-GH (P=0.01) groups significantly increased compared to the control group. Between groups changes of HOMA-IR index significantly reduced in the HIIT group (P=0.05) and slightly increased in the H-GH group but was not significant (P=0.36). The ratio of ALT/AST in both HIIT (P=0.02) and H-GH (P=0.03) groups significantly reduced. LDL/HDL ratio showed significant decrease only in the HIIT group (P=0.01).
Conclusion: High-intensity interval training produced a more effective response in improving the markers of none alcoholic fatty liver disease than GH. Injection of growth hormone alone can have negative consequences on some indicators of the disease.