Liver Injury in Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy: Possible Link to Placental Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a rare disorder which is fatal if not recognized and treated early. Delivery of the feto-placental unit results in dramatic improvement in maternal liver function, suggesting a role for the placenta. However, the mechanisms by which defects in the fetus or placenta lead to maternal liver damage are not well understood and form the focus of this study. Placenta and serum were obtained at delivery from patients with AFLP, and placental mitochondria and peroxisomes were isolated. Placental mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and fatty acid composition as well asserumantioxidants, oxidativeandnitrosative stress markers,andfatty acid analysis were carried out. Hepatocytes in culture were used to evaluate cell death, mitochondrial function, and lipid accumulation on exposure to fatty acids. Oxidative stress was evident in placental mitochondria and peroxisomes of patients with AFLP, accompanied by compromised mitochondrial function. Increased levels of arachidonic acid were also seen inAFLPplacenta when compared to control. Patients with AFLP also had a significant increase in oxidative and nitrosative stress markers in serum, along with decreased antioxidant levels and elevated levels of arachidonic acid. These levels of arachidonic acid were capable of inducing oxidative stress in hepatocyte mitochondria accompanied by induction of apoptosis. Exposure to arachidonic acid also resulted in increased lipid deposition in hepatocytes. Conclusion: Oxidative stress in placental mitochondria and peroxisomes is accompanied by accumulation of toxic mediators such as arachidonic acid, which may play a causative role in maternal liver damage seen in AFLP

[85] Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy

Objective: To present a live demonstration of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. Renal transplantation is a universally accepted renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, this option of treatment is in its infancy in Dubai and plans are underway to promote renal transplantation programme for the benefit of the dialysis-dependent local population with chronic kidney disease. Methods: The International Modern Hospital at Dubai is part of Sunrise Group of Hospitals, where an active renal transplantation programme is underway. Results: The following video is a live demonstration of such a procedure in a patient with two renal arteries. After donor nephrectomy, both arteries were joined together into a single stump at the back table, prior to carrying out renal transplantation in the recipient. Conclusion: Plans are underway to promote a renal transplantation programme in Dubai

Diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction can we do away with pressureflow studies?

Objective: To compare pressure-flow study on one hand with BWT, prostate volume, urine flow rate PVR and IPSS index in the other arm for diagnosis of BOO. Materials and methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in 48 men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). International prostate symptom score was completed by the patient who then underwent free urine flow study. Pressure-Flow study was performed as per recommendations of International continence Society. Abrams-Griffiths nomogram and number were used to diagnose BOO. Patients with diabetes, neurovesical dysfunction, acute urinary retention, prior pelvic surgery and known prostate cancer were excluded. Suprapubic ultrasonography was performed independently by a consultant radiologist, who was blinded to findings of Pressure-Flow study. Prevoid bladder volume, postvoid residue (PVR), prostate volume and bladder wall thickness (BWT) were noted. Results: Based on objective evidence from Pressure-Flow study, 35 patients were obstructed, 13 were not. Multivariate analysis was performed using Backward Stepwise Logistic Regression Model. Bladder wall thickness, prostate volume and urine flow rate had statistically significant relationship with BOO. Their coefficients of correlation were +0.794, +0.084 and 0.393 respectively. Bladder outlet obstruction could be defined by using a mathematical formula as detailed in the text (Positive Predictive Value 96.97%). Post-void residue and IPSS index were statistically insignificant. Conclusion: In a select group of patients presenting with LUTS, it should be possible to diagnose BOO without the use of Pressure-Flow study

Liver Injury in Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy: Possible Link to Placental Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a rare disorder which is fatal if not recognized and treated early. Delivery of the feto-placental unit results in dramatic improvement in maternal liver function, suggesting a role for the placenta. However, the mechanisms by which defects in the fetus or placenta lead to maternal liver damage are not well understood and form the focus of this study. Placenta and serum were obtained at delivery from patients with AFLP, and placental mitochondria and peroxisomes were isolated. Placental mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and fatty acid composition as well asserumantioxidants, oxidativeandnitrosative stress markers,andfatty acid analysis were carried out. Hepatocytes in culture were used to evaluate cell death, mitochondrial function, and lipid accumulation on exposure to fatty acids. Oxidative stress was evident in placental mitochondria and peroxisomes of patients with AFLP, accompanied by compromised mitochondrial function. Increased levels of arachidonic acid were also seen inAFLPplacenta when compared to control. Patients with AFLP also had a significant increase in oxidative and nitrosative stress markers in serum, along with decreased antioxidant levels and elevated levels of arachidonic acid. These levels of arachidonic acid were capable of inducing oxidative stress in hepatocyte mitochondria accompanied by induction of apoptosis. Exposure to arachidonic acid also resulted in increased lipid deposition in hepatocytes. Conclusion: Oxidative stress in placental mitochondria and peroxisomes is accompanied by accumulation of toxic mediators such as arachidonic acid, which may play a causative role in maternal liver damage seen in AFLP