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Elevated serum nitric oxide metabolites in biliary atresia
Paisarn Vejchapipat1, Voranush Chongsrisawat, Apiradee Theamboonlers
1Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Rama IV road, Patumwan, 10330 Bangkok, Thailand. pvejchap@yahoo.co.uk
Pediatric Surgery International
|November 12, 2005
Summary
Nitric oxide (NO) production is elevated in children with biliary atresia (BA). This increased NO correlates with liver injury markers, suggesting a role in BA pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Biliary atresia (BA) is a severe pediatric liver disease.
- The role of nitric oxide (NO) in BA pathogenesis is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between nitric oxide (NO) production and biliary atresia (BA) in children.
- To explore the relationship between NO levels, jaundice, and liver injury markers in post-operative BA patients.
Main Methods:
- Serum nitrite and nitrate levels (NO metabolites) were measured using a colorimetric assay.
- 65 post-operative BA patients and 12 healthy children were included.
- Statistical analysis involved unpaired t-tests, comparing NO levels based on jaundice status and ALT levels.
Main Results:
- Serum NO metabolite levels were significantly higher in BA patients compared to healthy controls (P=0.001).
- No significant difference in NO levels was observed between jaundiced and non-jaundiced BA patients (P=0.70).
- BA patients with elevated serum ALT (> or =100 IU/l) showed higher NO metabolite levels than those with lower ALT (<100 IU/l).
Conclusions:
- Nitric oxide (NO) production is increased in children with biliary atresia (BA).
- Elevated NO levels in BA are associated with markers of liver injury (ALT), but not directly with jaundice status.
- These findings suggest a potential role for NO in the liver injury associated with post-operative BA.