Root-Applied Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Specific Effects on Plants: A Review.

With the pronounced increase in nanotechnology, it is likely that biological systems will be exposed to excess nanoparticles (NPs). Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) are among the most abundantly produced nanomaterials in the world. Their widespread use raises fundamental questions related to the accumulation in the environment and further interactions with living organisms, especially plants. NPs present in either soil or soilless environments are absorbed by the plant root systems and further transported to the aboveground parts. After entering the cytoplasm, NPs interact with chloroplast, nucleus, and other structures responsible for metabolic processes at the cellular level. In recent years, several studies have shown the impact of nanoceria on plant growth and metabolic processes. Research performed on different plants has shown a dual role for CeO2 NPs. The observed effects can be positive or negative and strongly depend on the plant species, characterization, and concentrations of NPs. This review describes the impact of root-applied CeO2 NPs on plant growth, photosynthesis, metal homeostasis, and parameters of induced oxidative stress.

Catalytic Transformation of Nitroarenes to Amines over Ba(1-x)SrxTiO3 (0 < x < 1) Perovskites in Water.

This work is focused on the application of lanthanide-free perovskite Ba1-xSrxTiO3 (0 < x < 1) in valorization of toxic pollutants as 4-nitrophenol (4-NPh). The series of perovskites were fabricated by facile, one-step solid-state preparation method and characterized via various techniques: elemental analysis (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry, ICP-OES), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and dielectric properties (impedance spectroscopy, IS). The methods confirmed the assumed composition, structure and high purity of the materials. The results showed that substitution of Ba2+ by Sr2+ in the perovskite crystal lattice influenced the dielectric properties of samples and the size of the grains. The absorption and catalytic properties of Ba(1-x)SrxTiO3 (0 < x < 1) series were evaluated in reduction of 4-NPh in water using NaBH4 as reducing agent. No adsorption of 4-NPh was found for all the materials during 180 min of contact (experiment without reducing agent), and the best catalytic performance was found for the Ba(1-x)SrxTiO3 (x = 0.3) sample. The catalytic transformation of 4-NPh to 4-APh follows a pseudo-first-order model, and the catalysts can be easily regenerated via mild annealing (300 °C).

Ruthenium metallodendrimer against triple-negative breast cancer in mice.

Carbosilane metallodendrimers, based on the arene Ru(II) complex (CRD13) and integrated to imino-pyridine surface groups have been investigated as an anticancer agent in a mouse model with triple-negative breast cancer. The dendrimer entered into the cells efficiently, and exhibited selective toxicity for 4T1 cells. In vivo investigations proved that a local injection of CRD13 caused a reduction of tumour mass and was non-toxic. ICP analyses indicated that Ru(II) accumulated in all tested tissues with a greater content detected in the tumour.

Metal Homeostasis and Gas Exchange Dynamics in Pisum sativum L. Exposed to Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles.

Cerium dioxide nanoparticles are pollutants of emerging concern. They are rarely immobilized in the environment. This study extends our work on Pisum sativum L. as a model plant, cultivated worldwide, and is well suited for investigating additive interactions induced by nanoceria. Hydroponic cultivation, which prompts accurate plant growth control and three levels of CeO2 supplementation, were applied, namely, 100, 200, and 500 mg (Ce)/L. Phytotoxicity was estimated by fresh weights and photosynthesis parameters. Additionally, Ce, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Ca, and Mg contents were analyzed by high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption and inductively coupled plasma optical emission techniques. Analysis of variance has proved that CeO2 nanoparticles affected metals uptake. In the roots, it decreased for Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Mg, while a reversed process was observed for Ca. The latter is absorbed more intensively, but translocation to above-ground parts is hampered. At the same time, nanoparticulate CeO2 reduced Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Ca accumulation in pea shoots. The lowest Ce concentration boosted the photosynthesis rate, while the remaining treatments did not induce significant changes. Plant growth stimulation was observed only for the 100 mg/L. To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates the effect of nanoceria on photosynthesis-related parameters in peas.

Photosynthesis governed by nanoparticulate titanium dioxide. The Pisum sativum L. case study.

Wide availability of anthropogenic TiO2 nanoparticles facilitates their penetration into environment and prompts interactions with plants. They alter plants growth and change their nutritional status. In particular, metabolic processes are affected. In this work the effect of nanometric TiO2 on photosynthesis efficiency in green pea (Pisum sativum L.) was studied. Hydroponic cultivations with three Ti levels (10; 50 and 100 mg L-1) were applied. At all concentrations nanoparticles penetrated into plant tissues and were detected by the single particle ICP-MS/MS method. Nanoparticles altered the CO2 assimilation rate and gas exchange parameters (i.e. transpiration, stomatal conductance, sub-stomatal CO2 concentration). The most pronounced effects were observed for Ti 50 mg L-1 cultivation where photosynthesis efficiency, transpiration and stomatal conductance were increased by 14.69%, 4.58% and 8.92%, respectively. They were further confirmed by high maximum ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylation rate (27.40% increase), maximum electron transport rate (21.51% increase) and the lowest CO2 compensation point (45.19% decrease). Furthermore, concentrations of Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Mg, Ca, K and P were examined with the most pronounced changes observed for elements directly involved in photosynthesis (Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe). The Cu concentrations in roots, stems and leaves for Ti 50 mg L-1 cultivation were below the control by 33.15%, 38.28% and 10.76%, respectively. The Zn content in analogous treatment and organs decreased by 30.24%, 26.69% and 13.35%. The Mn and Fe levels in leaves were increased by 72.22% and 50.32%, respectively. Our results indicated that plant defence mechanisms which restrain the water uptake have been overcome in pea by photocatalytic activity of nanoparticulate TiO2 which stimulated photosynthesis. On the contrary to the substantial stomatal conductance, the transpiration has been reduced because exceptional part of water flow was already consumed in chloroplasts and could not have been freed to the atmosphere.

Carbosilane ruthenium metallodendrimer as alternative anti-cancer drug carrier in triple negative breast cancer mouse model: A preliminary study.

The carbosilane metallodendrimer G1-[[NCPh(o-N)Ru(η6- p-cymene)Cl]Cl]4 (CRD13), based on an arene Ru(II) complex coordinated to imino-pyridine surface groups, has been conjugated with anti-cancer drugs. Ruthenium in the positively-charged dendrimer structure allows this nanoparticle to be considered as an anticancer drug carrier, made more efficient because ruthenium has anticancer properties. The ability of CRD13 to form complexes with Doxorubicin (DOX), 5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu), and Methotrexate (MTX) has been evaluated using zeta potential measurement, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and computer simulation. The results show that it forms stable nanocomplexes with all those drugs, enhancing their effectiveness against MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. In vivo tests indicate that the CRD13/DOX system caused a decrease of tumor weight in mice with triple negative breast cancer. However, the tumors were most visibly reduced when naked dendrimers were injected.

Chronic non-cholestatic liver disease is not associated with an increased fracture rate in children.

Chronic liver disease in adults is a risk factor of osteoporosis, but little is known about risk of fractures in children with non-cholestatic liver disease. The aim of this study was to investigate associations among the severity of liver fibrosis, bone mass and low-energy fractures in children. History of fractures, anthropometry, and bone mass and size were examined in 39 Caucasian children (25 boys, 14 girls) aged 7.1-18 years (mean 11.9 ± 3.1) with chronic hepatitis B and liver fibrosis evidenced by liver biopsy. Severity of liver fibrosis was based on histological classification according to the method of Batts and Ludwig (mild, 1-2 scores; advanced, 3 scores) and Ishak (1-3 and 4-5 scores, respectively). Bone mineral content (BMC), density (BMD) and body composition were determined in the total body and lumbar spine using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Seven subjects (4 girls, 3 boys; 18% of the sample) had low BMD in the total body and lumbar spine region (Z-scores below -2.0). No associations were found among BMC, BMD, bone size and the severity of liver fibrosis. Nine boys (36% of all boys) and one girl reported repeated fractures (forearm, wrist, tibia, ankle, humerus), showing trends similar to the prevalence in general population. Fractures were neither associated with lower BMD/BMC nor with scores of liver fibrosis. Deficits in BMD in children with chronic hepatitis B are not associated with the severity of liver fibrosis. This study suggests that non-cholestatic liver disease does not increase the risk of low-energy fractures during growth. From the practical perspective, however, children with chronic liver disease should be screened for history and clinical risk factors for fractures rather than referred to bone density testing.

The Combined Effect of ZnO and CeO2 Nanoparticles on Pisum sativum L.: A Photosynthesis and Nutrients Uptake Study.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are emerging pollutants that are likely to occur in the contemporary environment. So far, their combined effects on terrestrial plants have not been thoroughly investigated. Obviously, this subject is a challenge for modern ecotoxicology. In this study, Pisum sativum L. plants were exposed to either CeO2 NPs or ZnO NPs alone, or mixtures of these nano-oxides (at two concentrations: 100 and 200 mg/L). The plants were cultivated in hydroponic system for twelve days. The combined effect of NPs was proved by 1D ANOVA augmented by Tukey's post hoc test at p = 0.95. It affected all major plant growth and photosynthesis parameters. Additionally, HR-CS AAS and ICP-OES were used to determine concentrations of Cu, Mn, Fe, Mg, Ca, K, Zn, and Ce in roots and shoots. Treatment of the pea plants with the NPs, either alone or in combination affected the homeostasis of these metals in the plants. CeO2 NPs stimulated the photosynthesis rate, while ZnO NPs prompted stomatal and biochemical limitations. In the mixed ZnO and CeO2 treatments, the latter effects were decreased by CeO2 NPs. These results indicate that free radicals scavenging properties of CeO2 NPs mitigate the toxicity symptoms induced in the plants by ZnO NPs.

Evaluation of Rhodamine B Photocatalytic Degradation over BaTiO3-MnO2 Ceramic Materials.

Ferroelectric ceramics (BaTiO3_MnO2) with different Mn admixtures were prepared using solid-state synthesis. Elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and impedance spectroscopy confirmed that the BaTiO3 and MnO2 coexisted in the ceramics. In addition, the high purity and homogeneity of the element distributions in the ceramic samples were confirmed. The adsorptive and photocatalytic properties of the BaTiO3 (reference sample, BTO) and BaTiO3_MnO2 materials (BTO_x, where x is wt.% of MnO2 and x = 1, 2 or 3, denoted as BTO_1, BTO_2 and BTO_3, respectively) were evaluated using Rhodamine B (RhB) as the model dye in a photocatalytic chamber equipped with a UV lamp (15 W) in the absence of additional oxidants and (co)catalysts. No adsorption of RhB dye was found for all the materials during 360 min (dark experiment). All samples were photocatalytically active, and the best results were observed for the BTO_3 material, where RhB was 70% removed from aqueous solution during 360 min of irradiation. The photodegradation of RhB in the presence of MnO2-modified BTO ceramics followed a pseudo-first order model and the rate constant of BTO_3 was about 10 times higher than that of BTO, 2 times that of BTO_2, and 1.5 times that of BTO_1. The photocatalysts could be successfully reused after thermal activation.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Children with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Parental Anxiety and Attitudes. Follow-Up Data from the Polish Registry of Pulmonary Hypertension (BNP-PL).

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted healthcare systems worldwide. Little is known about the impact of the pandemic on medical and psycho-social aspects of children with rare diseases such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and their parents. The study is based on children registered in The Database of Pulmonary Hypertension in the Polish Population and a parent-reported survey deployed during the first 6 months of the pandemic. The questionnaire consisted of six question panels: demographic data, fear of COVID-19, General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), social impact of pandemic, patients' medical status, and alarming symptoms (appearance or exacerbation). Out of 80 children registered, we collected 58 responses (72.5% response rate). Responders (parents) were mostly female (n = 55; 94.8%) at a mean age of 40.6 ± 6.9 years. Patients (children) were both females (n = 32; 55%) and males with a mean age of 10.0 ± 5.1 years. Eleven (19%) children had symptoms of potential disease exacerbation. Eight parents (72.7%) decided for watchful waiting while others contacted their GPs or cardiologists (n = 6; 54.5%). Three children had to be hospitalized (27.3%). Most planned hospitalizations (27/48; 56.2%) and out-patient visits (20/35; 57.1%) were cancelled, delayed, or substituted by telehealth services. Among the participating parents, the study shows very high levels of anxiety (n = 20; 34.5%) and concern (n = 55; 94.8%) and the need for detailed information (52; 89.6%) regarding COVID-19 and medical service preparedness during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced child healthcare and caused high levels of anxiety among parents.

Additive interactions of nanoparticulate ZnO with copper, manganese and iron in Pisum sativum L., a hydroponic study.

Widespread occurrence of ZnO nanoparticles in environment follows the growing number of applications either in technology or agriculture. The impact of five forms of nanoparticulate ZnO on copper, manganese and iron uptake by Pisum sativum L. cultivated in Hoagland solutions was investigated. Plants were collected after twelve days of zinc administration. Effect of bulk ZnO has also been studied. Initial zinc concentration was 100 mg L-1. Nanoparticles were characterized by the Transmission Electron Microscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering and Zeta potential measurements. Metal contents were analyzed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with flame atomization for samples digested in a microwave closed system. Analysis of variance indicated that zinc species at either molecular or nanoscale levels altered Cu, Mn and Fe uptake and their further transport in pea plants. In particular, significant reduction of Mn and Fe combined with the Cu increase was observed. Additive interactions originated by nanoparticles affect the heavy metals uptake and indicate pollutants migration pathways in plants. Unfortunately, regulations for the plant cultivation were formulated when anthropogenic nanoparticles were not in common use. They underestimate complexity of metals interactions in either plant or habitat. Our results indicate that these additive interactions cannot be neglected and deserve further investigations.

Children and Adolescents with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Baseline and Follow-Up Data from the Polish Registry of Pulmonary Hypertension (BNP-PL).

We present the results from the pediatric arm of the Polish Registry of Pulmonary Hypertension. We prospectively enrolled all pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients, between the ages of 3 months and 18 years, who had been under the care of each PAH center in Poland between 1 March 2018 and 30 September 2018. The mean prevalence of PAH was 11.6 per million, and the estimated incidence rate was 2.4 per million/year, but it was geographically heterogeneous. Among 80 enrolled children (females, n = 40; 50%), 54 (67.5%) had PAH associated with congenital heart disease (CHD-PAH), 25 (31.25%) had idiopathic PAH (IPAH), and 1 (1.25%) had portopulmonary PAH. At the time of enrolment, 31% of the patients had significant impairment of physical capacity (WHO-FC III). The most frequent comorbidities included shortage of growth (n = 20; 25%), mental retardation (n = 32; 40%), hypothyroidism (n = 19; 23.8%) and Down syndrome (n = 24; 30%). The majority of children were treated with PAH-specific medications, but only half of them with double combination therapy, which improved after changing the reimbursement policy. The underrepresentation of PAH classes other than IPAH and CHD-PAH, and the geographically heterogeneous distribution of PAH prevalence, indicate the need for building awareness of PAH among pediatricians, while a frequent coexistence of PAH with other comorbidities calls for a multidisciplinary approach to the management of PAH children.

Serum hyaluronan and laminin level in children with chronic hepatitis B during long-term lamivudine treatment.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim was to assess the effect of long-term lamivudine treatment on liver fibrosis by direct assessment of histological scores and by indirect assessment of serum biomarkers in children with chronic hepatitis B (chB). METHODOLOGY: The observation was carried out on 31 children with biopsy proven chB who were nonresponders to previous IFNalpha therapy. The serum concentration of hyaluronan and laminin were measured before and up to 24 months of therapy. ROC analysis was used to calculate the power of the assays to detect advanced liver fibrosis (score > 2 according to Batts & Ludwig). RESULTS: Serum hyaluronan and laminin level were significantly higher in children with chB compared to controls. There was a significant correlation between serum hyaluronan level and the stage of liver fibrosis. The ability of serum hyaluronan to differentiate children with advanced fibrosis from those with mild fibrosis was significant (AUC = 0.7767). Laminin did not allow a useful prediction. Two-year lamivudine treatment did not improve histological fibrosis but it caused significant decrease of serum hyaluronan level. CONCLUSIONS: Hyaluronan is a better fibrosis marker than laminin to diagnose children with advanced liver fibrosis. The significant decrease of hyaluronan level during therapy suggests antifibrotic effect of lamivudine in children with chB.

Commercial phenoxyacetic herbicides control heavy metal uptake by wheat in a divergent way than pure active substances alone.

BACKGROUND: Impact of two widely used commercial herbicides, i.e. Aminopielik D 450 SL and Chwastox 300 SL, on the uptake and translocation of selected heavy metals in wheat plants Triticum aestivum L. cultivated in the laboratory pot experiments was investigated. Mineral-humus, loamy sand soil representative for the central part of Poland was applied. Bioavailable, exchangeable and total forms of Cd, Co, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Mn were determined. Transfer coefficients, translocation, and bioaccumulation factors illustrating metal migration in the plant were investigated. RESULTS: Administration of commercial herbicides significantly altered heavy metals uptake by wheat in a way distinctively different than that observed for the parent chemically pure synthetic auxins, i.e. 2,4-D and MCPA. In particular, Aminopielik D 450 SL and Chwastox 300 SL prompted heavy metals accumulation in roots as indicated by their high transfer coefficients. Further transport to above ground part of the plant was limited and element dependent. CONCLUSIONS: This work clearly shows that commercial herbicide formulations may act in a distinctively different way than pure active ingredients alone.

Influence of 2,4-D and MCPA herbicides on uptake and translocation of heavy metals in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of the 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid and 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid on the uptake and translocation of Cd, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and Mn by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Two farmland soils typical for the central Polish rural environment were used. Studies involved soil analyses, contents of bioavailable, exchangeable and total forms for all investigated metals. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to determine the concentration of the elements. The best correlation between the herbicide rate and the metal concentration was visibly for the underground part of plants. Analysis of variance proved that herbicide treatment of wheat frequently influences the metal transfer from soil and their concentration in roots and shoots. In particular, higher herbicide rates prompted the significant increase of all metals concentration in roots. Additionally, transfer coefficients depended on the type of soil and the herbicide rate applied. Uptake of metals may be also influenced by the formation of sparingly water-soluble metal-herbicide complexes. Its intensity would then depend on the solubility of particular chemical entity with the low solvable Pb, Cu and Cd complexes being the least mobile.

Analysis of Triticum aestivum seedling response to the excess of zinc.

The effects of 50 and 300 mg L(-1) Zn(2+) (50 Zn and 300 Zn) were investigated in Triticum aestivum (cv. Zura) grown hydroponically for 7 days. Although wheat treated with 50 Zn took up relatively high amount of the metal (8,943 and 1,503 mg kg(-1) DW in roots and shoots, respectively), none of the morphological and cytological parameters were changed. After 300 Zn, the metal concentration increased to 32,205 and 5,553 mg kg(-1) DW in roots and shoots, respectively. It was connected with the depletion of shoot and root growth, their fresh and dry weight, water content and mitotic index of root meristematic cells. Microelement contents (Cu, Mn and Fe) after 50 Zn were changed only in roots, while 300 Zn disturbed ion balance in whole plants. The most evident ultrastructural alterations of root meristematic cells caused by both tested Zn(2+) doses included increased vacuolization, accumulation of granular deposits inside vacuoles and cell wall thickening. The effect of 300 Zn on root cell ultrastructure was greater that of 50 Zn. The majority of mitochondria had condensed matrix and swollen cristae, plastids contained plastoglobuli, nucleoli were ring-shaped, thinned down cytoplasm with lipid droplets and swollen endoplasmic reticulum cisternae appeared. In mesophyll cells, 50 Zn caused slight reorganization of chloroplast thylakoids and formation of condensed mitochondria. Three hundred Zn triggered more extensive, but not degenerative, changes: plasmolysis of some cells; chloroplasts with protrusions, changed thylakoid organisation and often large starch grains; irregular, condensed mitochondria. The results indicate that T. aestivum cv. Zura is relatively tolerant to Zn stress.

Diagnostic accuracy of serum biochemical fibrosis markers in children with chronic hepatitis B evaluated by receiver operating characteristics analysis.

AIM: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of potent serum biochemical fibrosis markers in children with chronic hepatitis B evaluated by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. METHODS: We determined the serum level of apolipoprotein A-I (APO A-I), haptoglobin (HPT) and a-2 macroglobulin (A2M) with an automatic nephelometer in 63 children (age range 4-17 years, mean 10 years) with biopsy-verified chronic HBeAg-positive hepatitis B. Fibrosis stage and inflammation grade were assessed in a blinded fashion according to Batts and Ludwig. We defined mild liver fibrosis as a score < or =2 and advanced fibrosis as a score equal to 3. ROC analysis was used to calculate the power of the assays to detect advanced liver fibrosis (AccuROC, Canada). RESULTS: Serum concentrations of APO A-I, HPT and A2M were not significantly different in patients with chronic hepatitis B compared to controls. However, APO A-I level of 1.19 ng/L had a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 60.7% (AUC = 0.7117, P = 0.035) to predict advanced fibrosis. All other serum biochemical markers and their combination did not allow a useful prediction. None of these markers was a good predictor of histologic inflammation. CONCLUSION: Apolipoprotein A-I may be a suitable serum marker to predict advanced liver fibrosis in children with chronic hepatitis B.

[The evaluation of hyaluronic acid and laminin concentration in serum in children with chronic hepatitis B treated with lamivudine, unresponsive to previous interferon-alpha therapy]. / Ocena stezenia kwasu hialuronowego i lamininy w surowicy dzieci chorych na przewlekle zapalenie watroby typu B leczonych lamiwudyna po nieskutecznej terapii interferonem alpha.

UNLABELLED: THE AIM OF THE STUDY was to evaluate prospectively serum hyaluronic acid (HA) and laminin (LAM) concentration in children with chronic hepatitis B (chB) during lamivudine treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The observation was carried out on 40 children (29 boys and 11 girls), aged 4-17 yrs with biopsy proven chB who were nonresponders to previous IFN alpha therapy. Lamivudine was given in the dose of 3-4mg/kg/day up to 100 mg/day. The concentration of HA and LAM were measured with EIA technique in serum (CORGENIX and TAKARA kits respectively) before and after 12 months of therapy. RESULTS: After 12 months of therapy mean serum concentration of HA and LAM were lower then before treatment (20.3 +/- 13.3 vs 26.1 +/- 18.2 ng/ml, p=0.0112; 430 +/- 93 vs 455 +/- 161 ng/ml, p=NS respectively). The decrease of HA concentration was observed in subgroups of both responders and nonresponders (21.9 +/- 10.9 vs 26.1 +/- 10.6, p=NS; 20.1 +/- 13.7 vs 26.1 +/- 19.0, p=0.01 resp.). CONCLUSION: The decrease of HA and LAM serum concentration may suggest that lamivudine treatment inhibits liver fibrosis. Further studies with liver morphology evaluation are needed to confirm antifibrotic effect of lamivudine in children with chB.

[Serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity in children with chronic hepatitis B]. / Aktywnosc gamma-glutamylotranspeptydazy w surowicy dzieci chorych na przewlekle zapalenie watroby typu B.

UNLABELLED: THE AIM OF THE STUDY was evaluation of serum activity of chosen enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT and ALP) in assessment of fibrosis degree in children with chronic hepatitis B. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We determined serum activity of liver enzymes in 47 children aged 4-16 with biopsy-verified chronic hepatitis B, prior to interferon alpha treatment. Fibrosis stage was assessed in a blinded fashion according to Batts and Ludwig. We defined advanced fibrosis as a score =3. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to calculate the power of the assays to detect advanced liver fibrosis (AccuROC, Canada). RESULTS: Serum GGT activity of 19 IU/I had a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 90% (AUC=0.7324, p=0.0391) to predict advanced fibrosis. All other enzymes did not allow a useful prediction. CONCLUSION: GGT is suitable serum marker to predict advanced liver fibrosis in children with chronic hepatitis B.