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Phenylalanine breath test as a method to evaluate hepatic dysfunction in obstructive jaundice.
Masaru Aoki1, Yukimoto Ishii, Asuka Ito
1Department of Digestive Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|October 18, 2005
Summary
Obstructive jaundice hepatic dysfunction can be measured using a phenylalanine breath test (PBT) with l-[1-(13)C]phenylalanine. This method offers a rapid assessment of liver function in jaundiced rats.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Medical Diagnostics
- Animal Models
Background:
- Obstructive jaundice leads to hepatic dysfunction.
- Assessing this dysfunction requires reliable and rapid methods.
- Current methods may not be sufficiently timely for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the phenylalanine breath test (PBT) in measuring hepatic dysfunction.
- To utilize changes in expiratory 13CO2 levels after l-[1-(13)C]phenylalanine administration.
- To establish a rat model of obstructive jaundice for this investigation.
Main Methods:
- Bile duct ligation (BDL) was performed in rats to induce obstructive jaundice.
- A control group underwent simple laparotomy.
- l-[1-(13)C]phenylalanine was administered intravenously, followed by a 30-minute PBT to measure 13CO2 levels (SPT and ST).
Main Results:
- BDL rats showed significantly decreased SPT and ST values compared to controls.
- Phenylalanine hydroxylase activity (PHA) was reduced in BDL rats and correlated with SPT.
- Blood chemical parameters also showed correlations with PBT measurements.
Conclusions:
- The phenylalanine breath test (PBT) effectively measures hepatic dysfunction in obstructive jaundice.
- This diagnostic approach provides a rapid assessment of liver function.
- The PBT shows promise as a non-invasive tool for evaluating liver health.