Role of tryptophan in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy.
OBJECTIVE
To monitor serum levels of total and free tyryptophan in various hepatic dysregulations.


METHODS
The study was conducted on 36 adult patients. All were suffering from acute or chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis (n = 12), cirrhosis (n = 12) and Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) (n = 12). Patients of all age groups and both genders were included. Serum levels of Tyryptophan (TRP) were measured by HPLC-EC. Albumin and bilirubin were analyzed by kit method (Merck).


RESULTS
The serum levels of total TRP (p < 0.01) was found in all patients. Free TRP significantly (p < 0.01) increased only in HE. Patients with hepatitis and cirrhosis did not show significant change in serum free TRP. The Albumin levels significantly decreased in hepatitis, cirrhosis and in HE (p < 0.01). All patients exhibited hypoalbuminaemia (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that an increased ratio of free to bound TRP enhances its availability to the brain, which in turn increases 5-HT synthesis thus precipitating encephalopathy.
Saleem
Darakhshan M
DM
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sir Syed University of Engineering Technology, Karachi.
Haider
Saida
S
Khan
Moona M
MM
Shamsi
Tahir
T
Haleem
Darakhshan J
DJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000418:Albumins; D005260:Female; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012307:Risk Factors; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood
D000418:Albumins; D014364:Tryptophan