Detection of TTV in peripheral blood cells from patients with altered ALT and AST levels

This work analyzes the prevalence of TTV DNA in peripheral blood cells from patients with hepatic alterations and healthy blood donors and measures levels of sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine, phosphatase alkaline, total and direct bilirubin, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in certain randomly selected patients. DNA samples from 111 individuals were evaluated. They were divided into two groups, "A" (study) and "B" (control), including 54 patients with liver enzyme alterations (ALT/AST) presenting non-B-non-C hepatitis and 57 blood donors, respectively. TTV DNA was determined by nested PCR. Certain products of the second-round PCR were sequenced. Serum biochemical assay was performed and disclosed TTV in 31.48% (17/54) of patients in group A and 5.26% (3/57) in the control group B. TTV prevalence was significantly higher in patients with liver disease than in healthy donors. In group A, sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine, phosphatase alkaline, total and direct bilirubin, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were analyzed in certain randomly selected patients and no significant difference in biochemical levels (p>0.05) was found when TTV infected and noninfected individuals were compared. Knowledge related to TTV has rapidly increased, but many fundamental aspects remain unclear. This led us to question the role of TTV and doubt remains as to whether or not it is just a commensal virus. Further studies are necessary to confirm and extend these findings.     

Assessment of increased serum aminotransferases in a managed Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) population

Nonspecific chronic hepatitis and increased activities of serum aminotransferases have been reported in cetaceans (dolphins, porpoises, and whales). We identified bottlenose dolphins in our current population with episodic increases in serum aminotransferases, specifically alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and we hypothesized that hematologic and serum biochemical changes in these animals may provide clues as to potential causes of liver disease in cetaceans. A retrospective case-control study involving 1,288 blood samples collected during 1998-2006 from 18 dolphins (six cases and 12 age- and sex-matched healthy controls) was conducted to compare eosinophil and platelet counts; and serum proteins, albumin, globulins, bilirubin, gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, iron, and erythrocyte sedimentation rates. Bottlenose dolphins with increased ALT and AST activities were more likely to have higher serum globulins, bilirubin, GGT, iron, glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels, greater erythrocyte sedimentation rates, and lower platelet counts compared to healthy controls. Our findings suggest that dolphins with chronic increases in aminotransferases may have a chronic hepatitis involving iron overload with similar etiologies and pathophysiology compared to terrestrial mammals. Areas for future research include predisposing metabolic risk factors; associations between iron overload and a diabetes-like condition; and a potential overlap syndrome involving autoimmune responses that may or may not be associated with viral infection.     

A correlative study on serum cholylglycine levels in hepatobiliary disease.

The serum cholylglycine (CG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bilirubin levels were studied in 210 patients with hepatobiliary disease and in 70 healthy subjects. Serum CG concentrations in all the hepatobiliary diseases were found to be significantly higher than those of their controls. Patients with abnormal increases in ALT and bilirubin levels also showed raised CG concentrations; however, some patients with normal ALT and bilirubin levels, still had markedly elevated CG values. Patients with hepatic cirrhosis had high serum CG levels, followed, in descending order, by chronic active hepatitis and chronic persistent hepatitis. In the cholecystitis and cholelithiasis cases, their CG levels were significantly higher than those of the controls but lower than the values in hepatic disease patients; however, more cholecystitis cases had abnormally high serum bilirubin levels than CG. The results also show that serum CG concentrations vary in the different hepatobiliary diseases, and that serial CG measurements are more sensitive than measuring ALT and bilirubin levels in the diagnosis of hepatic diseases. Serum CG can be used as an index for evaluating the activity of chronic hepatitis; it can also be employed as a diagnostic tool in cholecystitis and cholelithiasis.     

Serum biochemical values in fallow deer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dama dama</Emphasis> L.) from different habitats in Croatia

Serum biochemical values were determined in blood samples collected from 48 shot fallow deer from the Brijuni islands and 45 sedated fallow deer (Dama dama L.) from hunting grounds in the continental part of Croatia. The parameters were compared with regard to age, sex and habitat. Statistically significant differences were found for serum total protein concentration, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activity between young and adult island deer, as well as for total protein, triacylglyceride, cholesterol concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity between young and adult continental deer. In young animals, island males had higher albumin concentrations, while continental males had higher alkaline phosphatase values than females. In adult animals, island males had a higher blood urea nitrogen concentration, while continental males had higher albumin and cholesterol concentrations, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase activities. In this group, males exhibited lower bilirubin and triacylglyceride concentrations than females. Our results indicate that besides age, sex and sampling method, nutritional and environmental factors should be considered when evaluating serum biochemical parameters of fallow deer     

Biochemical predictors for Sars-Cov-2 severity

It is of interest to assess the inflammatory marker profile in SARS-CoV-2 patients and to correlate the levels of systemic inflammatory biomarkers such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-Reactive Protein CRP, Ferritin, Creatine kinase (CK), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and liver function analytes total serum proteins, albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections. A total of 1000 COVID-19 positive patient''s data were collected. Laboratory assessments consisted of NLR (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio) by cell counter, C Reactive Protein (CRP) by immunoturbidimetry, Ferritin by electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA) and Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Total Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin, Total Protein and Albumin by spectrophotometry. The mean plasma CRP levels, NLR, ferritin, CK and LDH levels were higher in severe cases than in non-severe cases, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). All liver function tests such as the total and direct bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP, total protein and albumin were higher in severe patients than non-severe patients and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Data indicate that NLR, CRP, Ferritin, CK, LDH and liver function analytes have a crucial role as prognostic markers for SARS-CoV-2 infections and hence should be routinely recommended for risk assessment and stratification of the patients to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality.     

Response of blood serum constituents to production of and recovery from a kwashiorkor-like syndrome in the young pig.

Twenty-six 3-week-old genetically obese pigs were fed in two experiments to determine the serum chemistry profile during severe protein malnutrition and repletion. Severe protein deficiency was produced in pigs fed the high-fat, low-protein diet (growth failure, rough hair, low serum total protein and albumin). In Experiment 1, blood was sampled from the anterior vena cava of each pig five times during depletion and three times during repletion to determine serum total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, glucose, Ca, inorganic P, Mg, Na, K, Cl, total bilirubin, urea N, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase. In Experiment 2, blood was sampled weekly for 8 weeks for serum total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, albumin, glucose, Ca, P, Mg and alkaline phosphatase. HDL-cholesterol was increased (P less than 0.01) and albumin was decreased (P less than 0.01) in protein-deficient pigs in both experiments. Creatinine, total bilirubin, gamma-glutamyltransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase were elevated in protein-deficient pigs compared with controls after 7 weeks of depletion. Inorganic P (P less than 0.01), Ca (P less than 0.01), and Mg (P less than 0.05) concentrations were depressed in protein-depleted pigs compared with controls in both experiments. After 8 weeks of repletion in Experiment 1, all elements except inorganic P were similar in the two groups. Short-term, severe, protein malnutrition affected lipid, electrolyte, and structural mineral metabolism and indices of liver function in the absence of parasites, diarrhea, and infection. The effects were reversed after 8 weeks of repletion. We conclude that the elevated serum cholesterol in protein deficiency is related primarily to an increase in the HDL fraction.     

Adenosine deaminase and guanosine deaminase activities in sera of patients with viral hepatitis.

In order to investigate purin and primidin metabolism pathways in hepatitis, adenosine deaminase (ADA) and guanosine deaminase (GDA) activities in sera of patients with different types and manifestations of viral hepatitis disease (A, B, C, D, E, chronic, acute) were investigated and compared with the control group of healthy individuals. Hepatitis cases were classified with respect to their serological findings and clinics. When compared all the hepatitis cases with the controls, levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase enzymes, as well as ADA and GDA, were significantly higher than the control group (p<0.01). Levels of ADA and GDA in hepatitis cases were determined as 26.07 11.98 IU/l and 2.37 1.91 IU/l, respectively. When compared their ADA and GDA levels amongst the classified hepatitis groups, there was no difference in ADA levels amongst cases (p>0.05). However, GDA levels in hepatitis A group were closed to the controls. Increase in serum ADA activities in hepatitis forms may be dependent on and reflect the increase in phagocytic activity of macrophages and maturation of T-lymphocytes, and may be valuable in monitoring in viral hepatitis cases.     

Protective effects of melatonin against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats: a light microscopic and biochemical study

The aim of this study was to examine the protective effects of melatonin against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in the rat. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Group I was used as a control. Rats in group II were injected every other day with CCl4 for 1 month, whereas rats in group III were injected every other day with CCl4 and melatonin for 1 month. At the end of the experiment, all animals were killed by decapitation and blood samples were obtained. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and conjugated bilirubin levels were determined. For histopathological evaluation, livers of all rats were removed and processed for light microscopy. All serum biochemical parameters were significantly higher in animals treated with CCl4 than in the controls. When rats injected with CCl4 were treated with melatonin, significantly reduced elevations in serum biochemical parameters were found. In liver sections of the CCl4-injected group, necrosis, fibrosis, mononuclear cell infiltration, haemorrhage, fatty degeneration and formation of regenerative nodules were observed. Additionally, apoptotic figures, microvesicular steatosis and hydropic degeneration in hepatocytes were seen in this group. In contrast, the histopathological changes observed after administration of CCl4 were lost from rats treated with CCl4 and melatonin. Except for mild hydropic degeneration of the hepatocytes, a normal lobular appearance was seen in the livers of this group. The results of our study indicate that melatonin treatment prevents CCl4-induced liver damage in rats.     

Changes in serological biomarkers of liver function and connective tissue turnover in chronic hepatitis B during lamivudine therapy

Abstract

Assessment of hepatic damage associated with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) currently relies on measurement of serum transaminases and assessment of hepatic histology. It was determined serum hepatic function tests and the liver fibrosis biomarkers type IV collagen (CIV), amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) and carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) were of value in monitoring the effect of lamivudine therapy for CHB. Thirty-nine patients received orally 100?mg lamivudine daily for 48 weeks. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, 24 and 48 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, the patients were then divided into four groups according to the pattern of HBs and HBe antigens. At baseline, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, PIIINP and the PINP/ICTP ratio and at 24 weeks alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and the PINP/ICTP ratio had lower values in the complete response compared with complete failure groups. Using receiver-operated curve analysis, only the PINP/ICTP ratio at baseline (area under the curve 0.806) and ALT and the PINP/ICTP ratio at 24?weeks (areas under the curve 0.803 and 0.776, respectively) had significant diagnostic ability in detecting responders. In conclusion, the PINP/ITCP ratio is sensitive and specific in detecting responders to treatment.     

Changes in serological biomarkers of liver function and connective tissue turnover in chronic hepatitis B during lamivudine therapy

Assessment of hepatic damage associated with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) currently relies on measurement of serum transaminases and assessment of hepatic histology. It was determined serum hepatic function tests and the liver fibrosis biomarkers type IV collagen (CIV), amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) and carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) were of value in monitoring the effect of lamivudine therapy for CHB. Thirty-nine patients received orally 100 mg lamivudine daily for 48 weeks. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, 24 and 48 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, the patients were then divided into four groups according to the pattern of HBs and HBe antigens. At baseline, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, PIIINP and the PINP/ICTP ratio and at 24 weeks alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and the PINP/ICTP ratio had lower values in the complete response compared with complete failure groups. Using receiver-operated curve analysis, only the PINP/ICTP ratio at baseline (area under the curve 0.806) and ALT and the PINP/ICTP ratio at 24 weeks (areas under the curve 0.803 and 0.776, respectively) had significant diagnostic ability in detecting responders. In conclusion, the PINP/ITCP ratio is sensitive and specific in detecting responders to treatment.     

Analysis of several serum enzymes and blood urea nitrogen of swainsonine–HSA immunized goats

Locoweeds cause significant livestock poisoning and economic loss all over the world. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immune effect of locoweed toxin, swainsonine (SW), and human serum albumin (HSA) immunoconjugate (SW–HSA) on goats. Twenty four Sannon goats were randomly separated into immune control group, immune poisoning group I, immune poisoning group II and poisoning control group. Immune control group, immune poisoning group I and II were first vaccinated with SW–HSA immunoconjugate. Then, the poisoning control group, immune poisoning group I and II were fed with 10.0 g/kg BW/d dry powder of Oxytropis kansuensis Bunge in every morning and the duration of poisoning was 80 days. The immune control group was supplied with an alfalfa-based diet. Blood samples of these experimental animals were collected every 7 days after poisoning, and the serum enzymes α-mannosidase (AMA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were analyzed. Comparing with the poisoning control group, the changes of serum LDH, AKP, AST, AMA and BUN level of the two immune groups (I and II) were delayed 28, 14, 28, 21, 14 days, respectively, which indicated that SW–HSA immunoconjugate could prevent tissues containing BUN and these serum enzymes of the experimental animals from Oxytropis kansuensis Bunge injuring during these days. In the whole study, SW–HSA immunoconjugate and swainsonine did not influence serum ALT levels of the experimental goats.     

Serum malondialdehyde: possible use for the clinical management of chronic hepatitis C patients

Serum lipid peroxidation products are increased in inflammatory liver disease and, as we previously reported, also in chronic hepatitis C. We have performed a specific assay of malondialdehyde, the reported most abundant product of lipid peroxidation, in serum of twenty four chronic hepatitis C patients, before, during, and after interferon treatment. Liver biopsies were performed in each patient before and after interferon treatment. The results show higher serum malondialdehyde values in chronic hepatitis C patients than healthy subjects (n = 68) before interferon treatment (p < .001). Mean value of serum malondialdehyde levels after interferon treatment was significantly lower than before it (p < .002). Associating the histopathological findings in each of the 48 biopsies performed, with serum malondialdehyde and alanine aminotransferase activity levels, of the sample obtained the same day of biopsy, a much better correspondence with the histopathological severity was observed for malondialdehyde concentration than for alanine aminotransferase activity. These levels decreased significantly after interferon treatment. However, when the patients were grouped in responding (group I; n = 9) and non-responding (group II; n = 15) to interferon treatment, according to the histopathological findings before and after interferon, the values of group I before interferon treatment were significantly higher than group II (p < .03). Thus, a potential predictive value could be ascribed to the serum malondialdehyde levels before interferon treatment in these patients. We propose the utility of the specific assay of malondialdehyde for the clinical management of chronic hepatitis C patients.     

前列腺素E1 联合糖皮质激素治疗药物性重症肝炎的临床效果*

目的:探讨前列腺素E1联合糖皮质激素治疗药物性重症肝炎的临床效果。方法:前瞻性研究我院药物性重症肝炎患者68例,随机分为实验组与对照组,每组34例。对照组患者给予糖皮质激素治疗,实验组患者给予糖皮质激素联合前列腺素E1治疗。观察并比较治疗前后两组患者血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、总胆红素(TBIL)水平的变化情况,以及临床疗效和并发症的发生率。结果:与治疗前相比,两组患者治疗后血清ALT,AST,TBIL水平均降低,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);与对照组相比,实验组患者治疗后血清ALT,AST及TBIL水平较低,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);实验组患者并发症发生率(41.18%)明显低于对照组(52.94%),差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。实验组患者临床总有效率(91.18%)显著高于对照组(73.53%),差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:前列腺素E1联合糖皮质激素能够提高药物性重症肝炎的临床总有效率,降低并发症发病率,值得在临床上推广应用。     

Artichoke leave extract for chronic hepatitis C – A pilot study

BackgroundArtichoke leave extracts (ALE) have hepatoprotektive properties and are used by patients with chronic liver disease. Effects in patients with chronic hepatitis C are unclear.Methods17 patients with chronic hepatitis C and persistently elevated aminotransferase levels were treated for 12 weeks with 3200 mg standardized ALE per day. Primary outcome parameter was the rate of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalisation after 12 weeks. Secondary parameters were the course of ALT, aspartate aminotransferase and γ glutamyltransferase levels, quantitative HCV RNA, subjective symptoms frequently associated with chronic hepatitis C (fatigue, discomfort upper abdomen, joint problems) and safety.ResultsNone of the patients had normalized ALT levels after 12 weeks of treatment. There was no significant change of aminotransferase levels or viral load compared to baseline levels. Fatigue and joint problems significantly improved after 4 weeks of treatment. However, after 12 weeks, there was no significant difference to baseline. Tolerability of ALE was rated as good to excellent. Severe side effects did not occur.ConclusionALE seem not to be effective to improve aminotransferase levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C     

Delayed effect of prenatal irradiation on the critical organs functional state in children after Chernobyl accident

Some indexes of a metabolism in 186 children exposed in utero through the Chernobyl accident were investigated ten years after the irradiation. All the children (basic and control groups) live in the territory with contamination less than 15 Ci/km2. It was shown, that the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase and the level of bilirubin (conjugated and unconjugated) differed from the corresponding indexes in the control group (p < 0.05). These change depended on sex. The correlation between the levels of the total bilirubin, activity of the ACT, ALT in serum and absorbed doze to the thyroid of fetus was found (correlation coefficient > -0.8, p < 0.05). The linear regression equations for these three indexes are straight line: the total bilirubin, ACT and ALT decreased with the increase of the absorbed dose to the thyroid of fetus (p < 0.05). The relationship between the all indexes in serum and effective doze and levels of cesium accumulation was not detected.     

Variation in some enzymes in amniotic fluid and maternal serum during pregnancy

The following 10 enzymes were assayed in 187 amniotic fluid and maternal serum samples at 15-42 weeks of gestation: alkaline phosphatase, heat-stable alkaline phosphatase (only in amniotic fluid), acid phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alpha-amylase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and lysozyme. The normal reference ranges are reported for amniotic fluid and maternal serum enzymes, together with the abnormal values accompanying neural tube defects and EPH-gestosis. The determination of gamma-glutamyltransferase, heat-stable alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase was found to be of appreciable diagnostic significance in clinical practice.     

延边地区丙型肝炎患者合并TT病毒感染的检测

检测丙型肝炎患者血清标本中的TT病毒 (transfusiontransmittedvirus,TTV) ,了解延边地区丙型肝炎患者合并TTV感染状况。采用ELISA检测抗TTVIgG和巢式PCR检测丙型肝炎病毒 (HCV)感染患者血清中TTVDNA。采用全自动生化分析仪检测患者血清谷氨酸氨基转移酶 (ALT)和谷氨酸草酰乙酸氨基转移酶 (AST)。 4 5例丙型肝炎患者抗TTVIgG阳性率为 37.8% (17/45 ) ,巢式PCR阳性率为 4 2 .2 % (19/45 )。延边地区HCV感染患者重叠感染TTV较常见。     

One year follow-up of patients treated with misoprostol in acute phase of viral hepatitis B

The study was undertaken to determine the long-term effect of misoprostol, on hepatitis B virus (HBV) elimination in patients treated during acute phase of viral hepatitis B. Forty male patients were evaluated 12 months after treatment with misoprostol (M-group) or sylimarin (S-group). HBsAg clearance, as an indicator of HBV elimination, and serum bilirubin concentration, prothrombin index, and activities of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase as well as gamma glutamyltranspeptidase were analysed. At the end of treatment phase, improvement of liver function demonstrated through these biochemical indices was faster in M-group. After 12 months of follow-up HBsAg was cleared in all misoprostol treated patients and in 85% among S-group. Moreover misoprostol treatment resulted with normalization of bilirubin concentration and enzymes activity in all patients. Two among sylimarin treated patients (both HBsAg positive), had transaminases activities elevated over 100 U/l, that resulted with significantly higher values than in M-group. These results confirm beneficial effect of misoprostol treatment in patients with liver injury, but promising effect on HBV clearance should be confirmed in a study involving more patients.     

Assessment of immunological changes in Epstein-Barr virus co-infection in Egyptian chronic HCV patients

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays a major role in liver pathology. Similar to other members of the herpesvirus family, EBV establishes a persistent infection in more than 90% of adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of EBV and chronic hepatitis C co-infection (HCV) on biochemical and immunological responses in patients. The study was conducted in 62 patients and 33 apparently healthy controls. Patients were divided into three groups: group I, consisting of 31 patients with chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC), group II, consisting of eight patients with EBV infection and without HCV infection and group III, consisting of 23 patients with EBV and chronic HCV. The percentage of CD3⁺ cells, helper CD4⁺ cells and CD19⁺ B-cells was measured by flow cytometry. Human interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-15 levels were measured by an ELISA. The levels of liver alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes were higher in EBV/HCV patients compared to that in EBV and HCV mono-infected patients. EBV/HCV patients had significantly reduced percentages of CD3⁺ and CD4⁺ cells compared to EBV patients. Serum IFN-γ levels were significantly reduced in EBV/HCV patients (3.86 pg/mL) compared to CHC patients (6.76 pg/mL) and normal controls (4.69 pg/mL). A significant increase in serum IL-15 levels was observed in EBV/HCV patients (67.7 pg/mL) compared to EBV patients (29.3 pg/mL). Taken together, these observations suggest that HCV and EBV co-infection can potentiate immune response dampening in patients.     

Effects of melatonin on carbon tetrachloride-induced changes in rat serum

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a volatile organic chemical, which causes tissue damage, especially to the liver and kidney. In experimental animals it has been shown to be carcinogenic. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of exogenous melatonin administration on the CCl4-induced changes of some biochemical parameters in rat blood. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three equal groups: Control, CCl4 and CCl4 plus melatonin (CCl4+MEL). Rats in CCl4 group were injected subcutaneously with CCl4 0.5 ml/kg in olive oil while rats in CCl4+MEL group were injected with CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg) plus melatonin (25 mg/kg in 10% ethanol) every other day for one month. Control rats were treated with olive oil. Serum urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total and conjugated bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT), total iron, and magnesium levels were determined. Serum AST, ALT, total and conjugated bilirubin, ALP, gamma-GT, and total iron levels were significantly higher in CCl4-treated rats than in the controls, while urea, total protein, and albumin levels were significantly lower. Melatonin treatment did not cause a significantly change in serum urea, total protein, and albumin levels. However, the elevations in AST, ALT, total and conjugated bilirubin, ALP, gamma-GT, and total iron levels induced by CCl4 injections were significantly reduced by melatonin. On the other hand, melatonin administration significantly decreased serum magnesium levels. These results indicate that melatonin could be a protective agent against the CCl4 toxicity in rats, most likely through its antioxidant and free radical scavenger effects.