Serum GST Activity and Total Thiols Status in Patients with Liver Disease Secondary to Various Disorders

Introduction: There have been several reports on levels of GST and thiol status in hepatocellular damage. Very few comparative studies are available to know the levels of GST and thiols in various disorders causing hepatocellular damage. Current study was undertaken to know serum GST activity and total thiols status in patients with various disorders causing liver damage. Subjects and methods: Study consisted of 95 patients with various disorders affecting liver leading to hepatocellular damage and 53 healthy controls not on any kind of medication or any therapeutic regimen. Serum GST activity and total thiols were measured using spectrophotometric methods, and standard liver function test was done using clinical chemistry analyzer Hitachi 912. Results: The serum GST activity in patients with acute viral hepatitis, cirrhosis with portal hypertension, leptospirosis, left ventricular failure and falciparum malaria did not differ markedly, however, there was significant increase in serum GST activity (p<0.001) in patients with sepsis and multi organ failure. Total thiols were significantly decreased (p<0.001) in all these patients. Discussion: With exception of sepsis with multi-organ failure, no statistically significant increase in serum GST activity was found in hepatocellular damage caused secondarily to various diseases. Low levels of total thiols in these patients indirectly indicate increased presence of oxidative stress.