Effect of oral adsorbent on blood metabolites in hepatic failure dogs

AST-120 is a specially synthesized carbonaceous adsorbent for oral use. It mainly adsorbs low to middle molecules in the alimentary tract. In the present study, AST-120 was administered to hepatic failure dogs, and blood metabolites were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Thirty adult mongrel dogs underwent posta-cavae (P-C) shunts with 40% and 70% hepatectomies. They were divided into two groups, the AST group (n = 19) and control group (n = 11). The AST group received about 0.5 g/kg of the adsorbent intermittently with diet after the operation. The control group was fed the ordinary diet. Body weight, blood ammonia, plasma bile acids were measured, and blood metabolites were analyzed by the multi-column HPLC system. P-C shunt dogs with 70% hepatotectomies died within three months showing about 40-50% body weight loss. HPLC analysis of their plasma showed some specific peaks for middle molecules, about 3000-5000 daltons. After administration of the adsorbent, these peaks were not detected, so it was considered that these substances had been adsorbed.