Mineral metabolism in dimethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic fibrosis.
OBJECTIVE
Complications such as ascites during the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis may lead to several abnormalities in mineral metabolism. In the present investigation, we have monitored serum and liver concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium during experimentally induced hepatic fibrosis in rats.


METHODS
The liver injury was induced by intraperitoneal injections of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN; N-nitrosodimethylamine, NDMA) in doses 1 mg/100 g body weight on 3 consecutive days of each week over a period of 21 days. Calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the serum and liver on days 7, 14 and 21 after the start of DMN administration.


RESULTS
Negative correlations were observed between liver function tests and serum mineral levels, except with albumin. Calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium concentrations in the serum were decreased after the induction of liver injury. The liver calcium content was increased after DMN treatment. No change occurred in liver sodium content. However, magnesium and potassium content was significantly reduced in the hepatic tissue.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that DMN-induced hepatic fibrosis plays certain role in the alteration of essential elements. The low levels of albumin and the related ascites may be one of the major causes of the imbalance of mineral metabolism in hepatic fibrosis and further aggravation of the disease.
George
Joseph
J
Department of Biochemistry, Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Madras 600 020, India. jgeorge40@hotmail.com
D000818:Animals; D001201:Ascites; D001835:Body Weight; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D004128:Dimethylnitrosamine / Q000633:toxicity*; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008903:Minerals / Q000378:metabolism*; D009929:Organ Size; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D008903:Minerals; D008274:Magnesium; D004128:Dimethylnitrosamine; D011188:Potassium; D002118:Calcium