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Updated: Apr 2, 2026

Human Liver Spheroids from Peripheral Blood for Liver Disease Studies
Published on: January 27, 2023
Abstract:
Leprosy is a chronic progressive granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Hepatic involvement is seen in early stages of the disease. Administration of the hepatotoxic drugs like Rifampicin and Dapsone may further deteriorate the liver function. The present study was undertaken to evaluate hepatic status by studying the various liver function tests in leprosy patients and compared to healthy controls. Thirty untreated leprosy patients (18 Multibacillary, 12 Paucibacillary) with duration of illness varying from one month to three years were selected as cases. Twenty healthy age and sex matched persons were taken as controls. Hepatic functional status was evaluated by estimation of serum total bilirubin, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin and globulin. Independent sample 't' test was used to compare the data. P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Except for serum total protein, there was a statistically significant difference between the mean values of all the parameters in cases when compared to controls. The present study revealed minimal derangement in hepatic function in leprosy patients. Therefore monitoring of liver function tests is very important to assess the functional status of the liver before administration of therapy in leprosy.
Insights
Leprosy patients show minimal liver function derangement, even with potential drug toxicity. Monitoring liver function tests is crucial before initiating treatment for this chronic granulomatous disease.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Biochemistry
Background:
- Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is a chronic disease often affecting the liver.
- Hepatotoxic drugs used in leprosy treatment can further impair liver function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the hepatic status in leprosy patients.
- To compare liver function tests (LFTs) between untreated leprosy patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Study included 30 untreated leprosy patients (18 Multibacillary, 12 Paucibacillary) and 20 healthy controls.
- Assessed serum levels of bilirubin, ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, albumin, and globulin.
- Statistical comparison using independent sample 't' test, with P < 0.05 considered significant.
Main Results:
- Significant differences observed in most LFT parameters between leprosy patients and controls, except for serum total protein.
- Indicated minimal derangement in hepatic function among leprosy patients.
Conclusions:
- Leprosy patients exhibit minimal hepatic function impairment.
- Routine monitoring of LFTs is essential for assessing liver health before leprosy treatment initiation.
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