Studies of human fasciolosis in Egypt: some serum lipid parameters before and after treatment

Ten adult patients with proven fasciolosis were enrolled in the study. Serum samples were obtained before and one month after successful treatment using a single oral dose of triclabendazole. It was observed that, serum triglycerides (TG) and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL-C) increased, while serum total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) exhibited a significant decrease. These changes were due to the degenerative necrotic damage of the hepatocytes. One month after treatment, the serum level of total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C gained normal values, indicating recovery of the liver and restoration of its functions in cholesterol synthesis and esterification, while TG and VLDL-C were still significantly higher than control values. This might indicate that hepatic triglyceride lipase requires a longer period to return to a normal level.