Disturbances in the GlutathioneOphthalmate Redox Buffer System in the Woodchuck Model of Hepatitis Virus-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract EN

Purpose.

The incidence of liver tumors is rising in USA.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate liver oxido-reductive status in the presence of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods.

Glutathione species and ophthalmate (OA) concentrations were measured by LC-MS in processed plasma and red blood cells (RBC) from infected Woodchuck with hepatitis virus (WHV).

Blood samples were obtained from: (i) infected animals with tumors (WHV+/HCC+), (ii) infected animals without tumors (WHV+/HCC−) and (iii) healthy animals (WHC−/HCC−).

Results.

The concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the ratio GSH/GSG were lower in plasma from WHV+/HCC+ animals when compared to WHV+/HCC− and WHV−/HCC− (P<0.01).

In contrast, the concentration of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) was found to be higher in plasma from WHV+/HCC+ animals when compared to WHV+/HCC− and WHV−/HCC− (P<0.01).

The Glutathione species and its ratio from the RBC compartment were similar among all groups.

OA concentration in both plasma and RBC was significantly higher from WHV+/HCC+ when compared to WHV+/HCC− and WHV−/HCC− (P<0.01).

Conclusions.

Disturbances of the glutathione redox buffer system and higher concentrations of OA were found in the WCV+/HCC+ animal model.

The role of these compounds as biomarkers of early tumor development in patients with end stage liver disease remains to be determined.