Investigation of Selective Biochemical Markers from Chronic Hepatitis C Patients in Relation to Environmental Pollutants

Submitted: Jul 26, 2013; Accepted: Sep 3, 2013; Published: Sep 4, 2013 ABSTRCT: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes acute and chronic hepatitis which can eventually lead to permanent liver damage, hepatocellular carcinoma and death. The interactions among chronic liver disease and essential micronutrients in blood are arguable and have not been well understood. Therefore, HCV was analyzed in the serum from 35 previously untreated patients with chronic hepatitis C. In serum of all subjects different biochemical parameters were analyzed (Sodium, Potassium, Iron, Zinc, Phosphorus, Calcium, CRP, ALT, AST, Amylase, GGT, Cholesterol, TG, HDL, LDL and Serum Protein). The control group contained 15 healthy volunteers. Industrial localities and other sources that emanate various metals to the environment are known to induce metal toxicity to the population through a number of routes. All patients and healthy individuals investigated by using recommended procedures. The contents of zinc, calcium, cholesterol, triglyceride and total protein were significantly lower in hepatitis C patients than in the controls. On the contrary potassium, phosphorus, C-reactive protein, alaninie aminotransferase, aspartate amino transferase, amylase and g-glutamyl transferase was significantly higher than normal controls. Furthermore, serum sodium, iron, high density lipoproteins and low density lipoproteins remained non-significant.