[Studies on lysosomes in hepatic disorders (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Pathology

Background:

• Lysosomes are key cellular organelles containing acid hydrolases.
• Their role in cellular physiology and pathology is under active investigation.
• Specific lysosomal enzymes are implicated in various disease states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the activities of lysosomal enzymes in hepatic disorders.
• To assess the impact of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxication on lysosomal enzyme activity in rats.
• To evaluate the potential protective effects of certain compounds on lysosomal stability.

Main Methods:

• Measured serum and urine levels of beta-glucuronidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase in patients with hepatobiliary diseases.
• Induced experimental fatty liver in rats using CCl4 and analyzed lysosomal enzyme activities.
• Assessed the in vitro effects of corticosteroids and chloroquine on rat liver lysosomes.
• Administered chloroquine and alpha-Tocopherol to CCl4-intoxicated rats and monitored lysosomal and serum enzyme levels.

Main Results:

• Elevated serum and urine levels of beta-glucuronidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase were observed in patients with hepatobiliary diseases.
• CCl4 intoxication in rats increased free lysosomal enzyme activity and altered the free/total activity ratio, indicating increased membrane permeability.
• Corticosteroids and chloroquine showed in vitro stabilization of rat liver lysosomes, but chloroquine had limited effect in vivo.
• Alpha-Tocopherol administration inhibited the increase in free lysosomal activity and serum enzyme levels in CCl4-intoxicated rats.

Conclusions:

• Lysosomal enzyme alterations are indicative of hepatobiliary system diseases.
• CCl4-induced liver injury increases lysosomal enzyme release due to membrane damage.
• Alpha-Tocopherol demonstrates a protective effect against CCl4-induced lysosomal damage and associated biochemical changes.