Serum levels of astroglial S100-beta and neuron-specific enolase in hepatic encephalopathy patients

To find a reliable, noninvasive method for the diagnosis of cognitive impairment in patients with hepatic cirrhosis we measured serum levels of astroglial S100beta and neuron-specific enolase in cirrhotic patients with and without hepatic encephalopathy [HE]. S100beta levels showed a significant increase in groups with HE stage 1 and 2 compared to both control and cirrhosis patients. However serum neuron-specific enolase levels were not significantly different between the studied groups. S100beta levels had a specificity of 91.3% and sensitivity of 51.7% for detection of HE from cirrhosis. Serum S100beta may be a useful surrogate marker for the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment in cirrhotic patients before they progress to more advanced stages of HE

Ammonia

An expert assessment of the effects on human health and the environment posed by ammonia. Prepared by a 14-member task group, the book bases its evaluations on more than 600 published reports of epidemiological, laboratory, and clinical investigations, including controlled studies in man. The most extensive sections of the book are devoted to the effects of ammonia in the aquatic and terrestrial environments where, as a result of urbanization, industry, and farming, significant toxic effects of ammonia may arise. Readers will find especially detailed assessments of the effects on aquatic animals as well as effects on cattle, swine, and poultry resulting from continuous exposure under confined housing conditions. Information on the kinetics and metabolism of ammonia and on its effects on experimental animals and in vitro systems is also presented