肝硬化患者血浆内皮素和一氧化氮水平及与肾功能状态的关系

测定不同阶段肝硬化患者血浆的NO、ET水平，探索它们对肝硬化腹水形成和肾功能损害所起的作用及其相互关系。测血浆NO的代谢产物NO2^-浓度（Griess法），ET-1浓度（放免法）及肾功能。1.血浆NO浓度在肝硬化各组均明显高于正常对照组，在肾衰组明显高于有腹水、无肾衰组。血浆ET浓度在肝硬化各组均明显高于正常对照组，肾衰组明显高于有腹水、无肾衰组。2.肝硬化患者血浆ET浓度与血肌酐呈正相关，与肌酐清除率、血钠、尿钠呈负相关。3.肝硬化患者血浆NO与ET水平呈正相关。血浆NO和ET升高可能在肝硬化病程进展中起了重要作用，是形成腹水和引起肾功损害的重要因素，二者相互依赖、相互影响的协同作用是肝硬化进展及出现并发症的重要机制之一。     

Plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide in patients with cirrhosis.

Plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide, a recently identified cardiac hormone with natriuretic activity, were measured in 11 healthy subjects, 13 cirrhotic patients without ascites, 18 nonazotemic cirrhotic patients with ascites and 6 patients with cirrhosis, ascites and functional kidney failure. Plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide were similar in healthy subjects and cirrhotic patients without ascites (5.56 +/- 0.65 and 7.66 +/- 0.68 fmol/ml, respectively). In contrast, cirrhotic patients with ascites, with and without functional kidney failure, had significantly higher plasma concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide (19.56 +/- 1.37 and 16.00 +/- 1.91 fmol/ml, respectively) than did healthy subjects and patients without ascites (p less than 0.01); no significant difference was found between the two groups of cirrhotic patients with ascites with respect to this parameter. In the whole group of cirrhotic patients included in the study, brain natriuretic peptide level was directly correlated with the degree of impairment of liver and kidney function, plasma renin activity and plasma levels of aldosterone and atrial natriuretic peptide. The results of this study indicate that brain natriuretic peptide is increased in cirrhotic patients with ascites and suggest that sodium retention in cirrhosis is not due to deficiency of this novel cardiac hormone.     

Hyperglucagonaemia in cirrhotic patients and its relationship to the severity of cirrhosis and haemodynamic values

Plasma glucagon concentrations were measured in 160 cirrhotic patients (Pugh's grade A in 52 patients, Pugh's grade B in 64 patients and Pugh's grade C in 44 patients). These values were compared with plasma glucagon concentrations in 57 age and sex-matched healthy subjects. Systemic and portal haemodynamic measurements, effective renal plasma flow and creatinine clearance were recorded for each patient. Plasma glucagon levels were significantly increased in cirrhotic patients compared with healthy subjects. In addition, plasma glucagon levels were higher in cirrhotic patients with ascites than in those without ascites and were increased in relation to the severity of cirrhosis as assessed by Pugh's score. Multiple linear regression found that only Child-Pugh's score was estimated to be an independent predictor of hyperglucagonaemia in cirrhotic patients. However, in patients with different degrees of oesophageal varices and in patients without oesophageal varices, plasma glucagon concentrations were no different among the different groups of patients, but were still higher than plasma glucagon concentrations in healthy subjects. In contrast, plasma glucagon levels were negatively correlated with mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance. The results of the present study suggest that impairment of liver function plays, in part, a role in increased plasma glucagon levels observed in patients with cirrhosis. In addition, these data support the hypothesis that hyperglucagonaemia may contribute, at least in part, to the pathogenesis of peripheral arterial vasodilatation in cirrhosis with portal hypertension.     

Evaluation of Gallbladder Motility in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

To investigate the postprandial gallbladder motility, including emptying and refilling, in cirrhotic patients and to evaluate the relationship to the presence of gallstones and various humoral mediators, 82 patients with liver cirrhosis and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were enrolled into this study. Postprandial gallbladder volumes were measured with ultrasonography every 15 min for 2 hr. Plasma levels of estradiol, testosterone, substance P, and nitrate/nitrite were also measured. Cirrhotic patients showed a higher prevalence of gallstones than healthy subjects (41% vs 15%, P = 0.003), and the prevalence increased with the progression of liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A: 26%, B: 44%, and C: 65%, P = 0.02). Plasma levels of estradiol, testosterone, and substance P, and nitrate/nitrite and estradiol/testosterone ratios were not different between cirrhotic patients with and without gallstones. However, postprandial refilling of the gallbladders was significantly impaired in patients with cirrhosis, especially in those combined with gallstones. There was no significant difference in the postprandial gallbladder motility between cirrhotic patients with and without elevated plasma levels of estradiol, testosterone, and substance P and nitrate/nitrite, and estradiol/testosterone ratios. Gallstones were common in patients with liver cirrhosis and the prevalence increased with the progression of liver diseases. Sex hormones, substance P, and nitrate/nitrite did not play major roles in the formation of gallstones in cirrhotic patients. Refilling of the gallbladder was significantly impaired in patients with liver cirrhosis, especially in those with gallstones, and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of gallstones.     

Von Willebrand factor could be an index of endothelial dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis: relationship to degree of liver failure and nitric oxide levels

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between plasma levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF), a marker of endothelial cell activation, and nitric oxide, a powerful vasodilator synthesized by endothelial cells, in 27 patients with cirrhosis at different stages of the disease. These results were compared with those of age-matched normal, healthy subjects (n=10). METHODS: vWF:antigen was measured by electro-immunodiffusion test and serum nitrite and nitrate levels, the stable end products of nitric oxide metabolism, were determined by an enzymatic procedure. RESULTS: vWF:antigen and nitrite/nitrate levels were significantly higher in cirrhotic patients (367+/-185% and 29.3+/-10.8 micromol/l) than in healthy subjects (92+/-20% and 19.2+/-8.3 micromol/l, p<0.05, respectively). Higher levels of vWF:antigen and nitrites/nitrates were observed in patients with more advanced degrees of liver failure, as reflected by quantitative Child-Pugh's score (516+/-154% and 38.3+/-7.8 micromol/l in Child-Pugh > or = 9 vs 227+/-61% and 21.0+/-6.1 micromol/l in Child-Pugh <9, p<0.001, respectively). Moreover, both endothelial-related factors were higher in patients with ascites than those without ascites (543+/-158% and 37.8+/-8.9 micromol/l vs 262+/-103% and 24.4+/-8.8 micromol/l, p<0.001, respectively). In the overall series, a highly significant linear correlation between nitrites/nitrates and vWF:antigen levels was observed in patients with cirrhosis (r=0.79, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results support a cirrhosis-related endothelial dysfunction and suggest that plasma vWF measurement could be useful as a marker of endothelial disturbance in patients with cirrhosis.     

Plasma endothelin levels in patients with cirrhosis and their relationships to the severity of cirrhosis and renal function

Background/Aims: Increased plasma endothelin levels have been reported in patients with cirrhosis. However, the relationship between plasma endothelin concentrations and hyperdynamic circulation or renal functions has not been documented.Methods: We measured the plasma endothelin-1 and endothelin-3 concentrations using radioimmunoassay in 96 patients with cirrhosis (Pugh's A in 26, Pugh's B in 45 and Pugh's C in 25) and compared these values to 56 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Systemic and portal hemodynamic measurements, effective renal plasma flow, creatinine clearance, plasma aldosterone concentration and plasma renin activity were recorded for each patient.Results: Plasma endothelin-1 and endothelin-3 levels were significantly increased in patients with cirrhosis compared to healthy subjects. Additionally, plasma endothelin-1 and endothelin-3 values were higher in patients with cirrhosis and ascites than in those without ascites. Moreover, plasma endothelin-1 levels increased in relation to the severity of cirrhosis. On the other hand, modest negative correlations were found betwen endothelin-1 and creatinine clearance or effective renal plasma flow.Conclusions: Plasma endothelin-1 and endothelin-3 levels are increased in patients with cirrhosis compared to healthy subjects. The increase in plasma endothelin-1 levels is related at least in part to the severity of cirrhosis. Increased endothelin-1 levels may possibly contribute to renal dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis.     

Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide in hepatic cirrhosis

OBJECTIVES: Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP) is a novel peptide that is structurally similar to atrial, brain, and C-type natriuretic peptides. Many natriuretic peptides are increased in hepatic cirrhosis, but the role of DNP in cirrhosis is unknown at present. The aim of the study was to investigate plasma levels of dendroaspis natriuretic-like immunoreactivity in cirrhosis. METHODS: We measured plasma concentrations of DNP by radioimmunoassay methods in 12 cirrhotic patients without ascites and 44 cirrhotic patients with ascites, and compared these values with 20 age-matched healthy subjects. Renal function, plasma cGMP concentration, plasma renin activity, and plasma endothelin concentration were measured in each patient. RESULTS: Patients without ascites had circulating levels of DNP similar to those of healthy subjects. By contrast, patients with ascites had increased circulating DNP levels compared to both patients without ascites and healthy subjects. In addition, circulating levels of DNP increased in relation to the severity of cirrhosis. Significant positive correlations were also found between DNP levels, endothelin concentrations, and plasma renin activity. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that plasma DNP is increased in cirrhotic patients with ascites.     

Correlation of hepatic venous pressure gradient with variceal bleeding, size of esophageal varices, etiology, ascites and degree of liver dysfunction in cirrhosis of liver

An elevated hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) has been associated with risk of variceal bleeding, and outcome and survival after variceal bleeding. In this pilot study, we measured HVPG in 40 patients with liver cirrhosis and studied its relationship with etiology of liver disease, esophageal variceal size, history of variceal bleeding or ascites, biochemical liver tests and Child-Pugh class. There was no procedurerelated complication. The mean (SD) HVPG was similar in patients who had history of variceal bleeding as compared to those who did not (15.4 [2.8] mmHg vs. 13.9 [2.7] mmHg, p=0.1); HVPG had no significant association with etiology of cirrhosis (p=0.4). HVPG levels were significantly higher in patients with larger esophageal varices (grade III/IV vs. I/II: 15.2 [2.7] mmHg vs.13.1 [2.8] mmHg, p=0.04), poorer Child-Pugh class (B or C versus A), and presence of ascites (p=0.04). Thus, HVPG correlated with variceal size, Child-Pugh class, and presence of ascites, but not with variceal bleeding status.     

Octreotide in liver cirrhosis: a salvage for variceal bleeding can be a gunshot for kidneys.

BACKGROUND: The renal effects of octreotide, used for bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhosis, are controversial. METHODS: Fourteen cirrhotic patients (Child-Pugh; A/B/C: 1/12/1) were enrolled. Plasma nitrite and endothelin (ET) levels, urinary nitrite output, free water clearance (FWC) and fractional excretion of filtered sodium (FENa) were measured and renal Doppler ultrasound was carried out. Octreotide was infused at a rate of 0.75 microg/kg/h for 3 h after a bolus of 0.75 microg/kg body weight. All the parameters were reevaluated during octreotide administration while the patients acted as their own controls. RESULTS: Octreotide induced significant reductions in urinary nitrite, FENa and FWC. Plasma ET levels increased (baseline: 6.7 pg/ml, octreotide: 8.4 pg/ml), whereas the plasma nitrite level did not change significantly after octreotide infusion. Overall, no significant change in renal resistive index (RRI) could be demonstrated on Doppler after octreotide administration. However, patients with elevated baseline RRI values had significantly more deterioration in FWC and FENa compared with patients with normal RRI in response to octreotide. CONCLUSION: A marked decrease in FENa, FWC and urinary nitrite output, together with a significant increase in plasma ET level in response to octreotide, may indicate renal dysfunction in cirrhotic patients. This deleterious renal effect of octreotide may be more enhanced in patients with elevated baseline RRI.     

Atrial natriuretic factor and renin-aldosterone in volume regulation of patients with cirrhosis

The role of the atrial natriuretic factor and of the main counteracting sodium-retaining principle, the renin-aldosterone system, in acute volume regulation of cirrhosis of the liver has been investigated. Central volume stimulation was achieved in 21 patients with cirrhosis, 11 without and 10 with ascites, and 25 healthy controls by 1-hr head-out water immersion. Immersion prompted a highly significant (p less than 0.001) increase of atrial natriuretic factor plasma concentrations in cirrhotic patients without ascites from 8.5 +/- 1.3 fmoles per ml to 16.5 +/- 2.6 fmoles per ml, comparable to the stimulation in control subjects (6.0 +/- 0.6 fmoles per ml to 13.6 +/- 2.6 fmoles per ml). In cirrhotic patients with ascites, atrial natriuretic factor increase (from 7.7 +/- 1.3 fmoles per ml to 11.4 +/- 2.3 fmoles per ml) was blunted (p less than 0.05). Plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone concentration were elevated in cirrhotic patients, especially in the presence of ascites. Following immersion, plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone concentration were reduced similarly in all groups. Water immersion induced a more pronounced natriuresis and diuresis in control subjects than in cirrhotic patients. Neither atrial natriuretic factor nor plasma renin activity nor plasma aldosterone concentration alone correlated to sodium excretion. However, atrial natriuretic factor to plasma aldosterone concentration ratios were closely correlated to basal and stimulated natriuresis in cirrhotic patients, particularly in those with ascites. These data suggest that atrial natriuretic factor and the renin-aldosterone system influence volume regulation in patients with cirrhosis.     

Effects of intravenous amino acid infusion and dietary proteins on kidney function in cirrhosis

Acute intravenous amino acid infusion or a high-protein diet increases renal plasma flow and the glomerular filtration rate in healthy subjects. Conversely, a low-protein diet reduces renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intravenous amino acid infusion and dietary proteins on kidney function in cirrhosis. Protocol 1: renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate were measured before and during intravenous administration of a 10% amino acid solution (0.043 ml/kg/min) to eight compensated cirrhotic patients (group 1), nine nonazotemic cirrhotic patients with ascites (group 2) and seven cirrhotic patients with ascites and functional renal failure (group 3). Amino acid administration induced a significant increase in renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate in all groups studied. Renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate increased by 16% and 14%, respectively, in group 1; 31% and 22% in group 2 and 25% and 21% in group 3. Protocol 2: Renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate were measured in nine cirrhotic patients with ascites after 11 days on a low-protein diet (0.5 gm/kg body weight/day) and also after the patients followed for 11 days a moderately high-protein diet (1.5 gm/kg body weight/day). The moderately high-protein diet was associated with a significant increase in renal plasma flow (12%) and glomerular filtration rate (13%) compared with values obtained while the patients followed the low-protein diet. Plasma glucagon levels increased markedly during the intravenous administration of amino acid and the intake of the moderately high-protein diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Serum uric acid levels in patients with cirrhosis: a reevaluation.

It has been reported that the serum uric acid levels in patients with cirrhosis were decreased compared with healthy subjects. These studies suggested that the lower serum uric acid levels in cirrhotic patients were attributed mainly to an increased effective vascular volume, and consequently to an excessive renal clearance of uric acid. However, the previous observations are challenged by a recent hypothesis for the pathogenesis of hyperdynamic circulation and formation of ascites in cirrhosis. The current study was undertaken to reevaluate serum uric acid levels in patients with cirrhosis. Ninety-eight cirrhotic patients with normal renal functions were included in this study. All biochemical and hemodynamic data were utilized for analysis. The mean serum uric acid level (mean, 6.1+/-1.2 mg/dL; range, 2.7-9.1 mg/dL) was higher than that of the age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects (mean, 5.5+/-1.3 mg/dL; range, 2.9-8.1 mg/dL; p = 0.018). Using multiple regression analysis it was determined that the serum uric acid level was not related to the severity of liver disease, cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance, and hepatic venous pressure gradient but was related closely to age (r = 0.210, p = 0.026) and effective renal plasma flow (r = -0.677, p < 0.0001). Compared with cirrhotic patients without ascites, those with ascites had a significantly higher serum uric acid level (6.7+/-1.6 mg/dL vs. 5.6+/-1.7 mg/dL, p < 0.05) and lower effective renal plasma flow (396+/-125 mL/min vs. 445+/-149 mL/min, p < 0.05). In conclusion, for cirrhotic patients with normal serum creatinine levels, the current study shows that the mean serum uric acid level is higher than that of healthy control subjects. It is not related to the severity of liver failure and systemic and portal hemodynamics, but is related closely to renal functions, especially the renal plasma flow.     

Circulating endogenous cannabinoid anandamide and portal, systemic and renal hemodynamics in cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Endocannabinoids may participate in the homeostasis of arterial pressure. Recently, anandamide, the most extensively studied endocannabinoid, has been proposed as a key mediator in the peripheral arterial vasodilation of cirrhosis. OBJECTIVES: To determine if circulating levels of anandamide are related to the extent of the peripheral arterial vasodilation, the severity of portal hypertension and the degree of liver and renal dysfunction of patients with cirrhosis. METHODS: Plasma levels of anandamide and several systemic, portal and renal hemodynamic parameters were determined in 18 patients with cirrhosis and eight healthy subjects (control group). RESULTS: Plasma levels of anandamide were elevated in patients compared to the control group (P<0.05), nevertheless, no differences between patients with ascites and well-compensated patients were found. There was no correlation between anandamide concentration and arterial pressure, cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance, Child-Pugh's score, portal pressure, renal vascular resistance, plasma renin activity or plasma aldosterone concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating levels of anandamide are increased in cirrhotic patients. However, this elevation was unrelated to the extent of arterial vasodilation, the severity of portal hypertension or the degree of hepatic and renal dysfunction. Although a local hormonal action cannot be excluded, our results do not support a relevant contribution of this system in the hemodynamic disturbance of cirrhosis.     

肝硬化患者血浆内皮素和胰高血糖素水平的变化及其临床意义

目的 研究肝硬化时血浆内皮素-1(ET-1)和胰高血糖素(GLU)水平的改变及其与肝功能损害和门脉高压形成的关系。方法 采用放射免疫分析法测定40例肝硬化患者和18例对照组空腹血浆ET-1和GLU水平。用彩色多普勒超声测定门静脉及脾静脉的直径、流速和流量。结果 肝硬化患者血浆ET-1和GLU水平显著高于对照组。按肝功能Child-Pugh分级将肝硬化患者分为A、B、C三组，各组血浆ET-1和GLU水平依次升高。合并腹水的肝硬化患者血浆ET-1和GLU水平显著高于未合并腹水者。血浆ET-1和GLU水平与门静脉和脾静脉的直径以及脾静脉的流量呈显著正相关。结论 肝硬化患者血浆ET-1及GIU水平升高反映了肝功能损害的严重程度，同时在门静脉高压的形成和发展过程中起着重要的作用。     

The metabolism of erythropoietin in liver cirrhosis patients compared with healthy volunteers.

The purpose of the investigation was to study the metabolism of erythropoietin (EPO) in patients with liver disease. Twelve patients with liver cirrhosis and 10 healthy volunteers were studied. The patients were moderately anemic with a hematocrit of 33 vs 42% (medians) in the volunteers. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated after an intravenous (i.v.) injection of 100 U/kg of recombinant human EPO. The serum EPO was measured by radioimmunoassay at regular intervals until 48 h. The median terminal elimination half life in the cirrhosis patients was 5.15 h vs 5.37 h in the control subjects. The clearance was 7.78 vs 7.52 ml/min/1.73 m² (ns). The steady-state volume of distribution was 3.69 vs 3.09 1/1.73 m² (ns). The estimated endogenous EPO production was significantly higher in liver cirrhosis (486 vs 290 U/d/1.73m², p<0.01). The basal serum EPO was significantly higher in the cirrhosis patients (43.5 vs 26.3 U/***l, p<0.01). The hematocrit correlated inversely with the basal serum EPO level in the cirrhosis patients (r= -0.63, p<0.04). The EPO-clearance was not related to the presence of ascites, esophageal varices, or to abnormal blood chemistry. It was concluded that normal metabolism of EPO was maintained in liver cirrhosis and that the cirrhotic patients had a moderate compensatory increase of EPO production in response to anemia     

Role of substance P in the pathogenesis of spider angiomas in patients with nonalcoholic liver cirrhosis

OBJECTIVE: Cutaneous spider angioma is a common sign observed in patients with liver cirrhosis, but its pathogenesis is still unclear. Increased plasma levels of estrogen, vascular dilation, and neovascularization are possible etiologies. This study was designed to investigate the relationship of spider angiomas in patients with nonalcoholic liver cirrhosis to the plasma levels of sex hormones and various vasodilators and hemodynamic parameters. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with nonalcoholic liver cirrhosis and 20 healthy subjects were included in this study. The number, size, and location of the spider angiomas were recorded. Plasma levels of estradiol, testosterone, substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and nitrate/nitrite and forearm hemodynamics were measured. RESULTS: Cirrhotic patients showed higher plasma estradiol/testosterone ratios (28.3+/-47.2 x 10(-3), median 10.5 x 10(-3) vs 8.2+/-8.3 x 10(-3), median 5.7 x 10(-3), p = 0.003) and levels of nitrate/ nitrite (29.9+/-17.5, median 23.8 vs 21.4+/-10.0, median 20.6 micromol/L, p = 0.01) and substance P (47.5+/-62.5, median 29.2 vs 15.2+/-7.7, median 12.3 pg/ml, p < 0.001) than healthy controls. Sixteen (27%) of the 60 cirrhotic patients had spider angiomas. Cirrhotic patients with spider angiomas disclosed higher plasma levels of substance P (84.7+/-105.3, median 53.1 vs 34.5+/-30.7, median 25.8 pg/ml, p = 0.006) and serum levels of bilirubin (3.9+/-3.8, median 1.9 vs 1.9+/-1.9, median 1.2 mg/dl, p = 0.02) than those without. Stepwise logistic regression showed substance P was the only significant and independent predictor associated with the presence of spider angiomas in cirrhotic patients (odds ratio = 3.0, 95% confidence interval = 1.4-6.6, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Plasma levels of substance P are elevated in patients with nonalcoholic cirrhosis and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of spider angiomas.     

乙型肝炎肝硬化患者外周血单个核细胞Toll样受体2、4的表达

目的 探讨乙型肝炎(乙肝)肝硬化患者中Toll样受体(TLR)2、4表达与细胞因子的相关性.方法 采用随机数字表法随机收集35例乙肝肝硬化患者与35例健康对照者的静脉抗凝血.ELISA检测血TNF-α含量.分离两组外周血单个核细胞(PBMC),流式细胞仪检测PBMC表面TLR2、4表达.实时荧光定量PCR检测每份PBMC中TLR2、4 mRNA的表达水平.正态分布均数比较采用t检验和单因素方差分析,非正态分布数据采用Mann-Whitney U检验、Kruskal-Wallis H检验和Spearman相关分析.结果 肝硬化组的血TNF-α水平明显高于对照组(33.52 ng/L比6.07 ng/L,Z=6.584,P<0.01),且随着Child-Pugh评分的增加而升高.肝硬化组PBMC中TLR2阳性细胞率明显高于对照组(20.65%比12.04%,Z=-4.458,P<0.01),与血TNF-α水平存在正相关(r=0.448 3,P<0.05),且随着Child-Pugh评分的增加而升高.两组PBMC中TLR4阳性率差异无统计学意义.肝硬化组PBMC中TLR2/还原型磷酸甘油醛脱氢酶(GAPDH)mRNA表达水平明显高于对照组(0.234 2比0.043 1,Z=-6.83,P<0.01),与血TNF-α水平存在正相关(r=0.411 1,P<0.05),且随着Child-Pugh评分的增加而升高.两组PBMC中TLR4 mRNA表达水平差异无统计学意义.结论 肝硬化患者PBMC中TLR2表达水平明显增高,与血TNF-α水平及肝硬化的严重程度呈正比,但TLR4表达水平无明显变化,提示在乙肝肝硬化患者中,是TLR2而非TLR4在肝硬化的进展过程中具有重要作用.     

Plasma human atrial natriuretic peptide levels in patients with liver cirrhosis

Plasma levels of human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP) were investigated in patients with liver cirrhosis, and the relationships between plasma hANP levels and the following factors were studied: presence of ascites, serum and urine electrolytes, plasma renin activity, angiotensin I and II, aldosterone, catecholamines, prostaglandin derivatives, conventional liver function tests and circulating blood volume. Plasma hANP level was significantly (P less than 0.05) elevated in patients with ascites (mean = 58.6 pg/mL, s.e.m. = 8.8) compared with cases without ascites (mean = 36.6 pg/mL, s.e.m. = 2.6). With the disappearance of ascites, the level fell to normal in most cases. Urine sodium excretion was positively correlated with plasma hANP in patients without ascites, but not in patients with ascites. The plasma hANP level was disproportionately high for the rate of urinary Na excretion in cirrhotics with ascites. The plasma hANP level was not correlated with any of the other factors such as blood volume, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone levels, catecholamines and liver function tests. These results suggest that plasma hANP levels are elevated in cirrhotic patients especially with ascites, but the natriuretic response of the kidney to this raised hANP level can be impaired in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites.     

肝硬化患者血浆洋地黄样免疫反应物质水平的临床研究

目的 洋地黄样免疫反应物质(DLIS)是参与机体水钠代谢调控的体液因子之一。本文研究肝硬化患者血浆DLIS水平的改变及规律性,并探讨其发生机理。 方法 以地高辛抗体经放射免疫法(RIA)检测80例肝硬化患者的血浆DLIS水平,对照组为50名正常人。 结果 肝硬化组血浆DLIS水平显著高于对照组,其中腹水组又显著高于无腹水组,大量腹水组则显著高于中少量腹水组,Child A,B,C各组间亦存在显著性差异。肝硬化组血浆DLIS水平与肝肾功能障碍及水钠代谢失衡的实验室指标呈显著相关性。 结论 研究结果表明,血浆DLIS水平的改变与肝硬化的病理生理过程有密切关系,即肝硬化时的机体水钠超负荷状态及肝肾功能障碍可能导致DLIS的分泌、代谢及清除的异常或失调。     

肝硬化患者血浆VIP、CCK水平与胆囊排空功能的关系

探讨肝硬化时血浆胃肠激素水平对胆囊运动的影响。用放免法测定肝硬化患者及对照者血浆血管活性肠肽 (VIP)和胆囊收缩素 (CCK)含量 ;用B超测定餐前、餐后胆囊容积及排空率。结果 :肝硬化时血浆VIP、CCK均明显增高 (P <0 0 1,P <0 0 5 ) ;胆囊空腹容积、剩余容积均明显增大 (P <0 0 1,P <0 0 0 1) ,最大排空率较对照组无明显差异 (P >0 0 5 ) ,但Child -PughC级降低 (P <0 0 5 )。肝硬化组胆囊最大排空率与VIP呈负相关 ,胆囊空腹容积及剩余容积与VIP均呈正相关 ,胆囊空腹容积、剩余容积及最大排空率与CCK均无相关。提示肝硬化时VIP增高既抑制胆囊运动 ,又明显降低胆囊张力 ,肝硬化时可能存在对CCK的抵抗。