title: Proteins and liver function changes in rats following cumulative total body irradiations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Total body irradiation (TBI) is a choice therapy for the management of some malignancies; it is also a major cause of oxidative stress. The aim of this research is to sequentially document the effect of total body radiation on body function utilizing the sequential changes in liver function enzymes and proteins in rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Serum protein and liver enzymes were assessed using kits in rats exposed to total body radiations of 1.27 Gy/minute in cumulative doses to the fourth radiation at five-day intervals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and serum protein were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated with increasing radiation. No significant differences between experimental and control groups for bilirubin concentrations were noted at any time. Serum levels of albumin were significantly (p < 0.05) increased with the first to third radiation exposures but reduced at the fourth cumulative dose exposure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Variations are associated with acute stress, inflammation which could be due to nonspecific stress reaction, while fluctuations could arise as a result of tolerance and repair within the liver These tests are significant for diagnosis of radiation-induced injury and can be important for evaluation of its severity and correct management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica. chukwuemekanwokocha@uwimona.edu.jm
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Nwokocha
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nwokocha
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mounmbegna
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Orhue
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Onyezuligbo
authors.forename: E H
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Olu-Osifo
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Okojie
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Asuquo
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ejimofor
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ikenna
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Judith
mesh_terms: D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D011833:Radiation Injuries, Experimental / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014916:Whole-Body Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D001798:Blood Proteins; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase