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Updated: Jul 22, 2026

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Cholesterol Efflux Assay
Published on: March 6, 2012
Hepatic cholesterol ester hydrolase in human liver disease
Gastroenterology
|September 1, 1978
Summary
Human liver contains acid cholesterol ester hydrolase (CEH). This study found significantly elevated CEH activity in patients with acute hepatitis, suggesting a role in liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hepatology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Human liver possesses acid cholesterol ester hydrolase (CEH), an enzyme of presumed lysosomal origin.
- The specific role and significance of hepatic CEH in liver physiology and pathology remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sensitive assay for measuring hepatic CEH activity in small liver biopsy samples.
- To investigate the activity of hepatic CEH in patients with various liver diseases, particularly acute hepatitis.
Main Methods:
- A modified radioassay was developed to quantify CEH activity in percutaneous liver biopsy specimens.
- Hepatic CEH activity was measured in 69 patients, including those with normal livers, alcoholic liver disease, obstructive jaundice, and acute hepatitis.
Main Results:
- Hepatic CEH activity was significantly elevated (over 3-fold) in patients with acute hepatitis compared to normal livers (21.05 vs. 5.80 mumoles/hr/g protein).
- CEH activity normalized as hepatitis resolved in serial studies.
- Hepatic CEH activity correlated strongly with SGOT levels (r=0.84) but not with serum cholesterol or lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity.
Conclusions:
- This study confirms the presence of CEH activity in human liver and demonstrates a marked increase during acute hepatitis.
- The findings suggest a potential role for altered hepatic CEH activity in the pathogenesis of acute hepatitis.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the clinical significance and precise role of CEH in liver disease.
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