Some aspects on liver enzymes in protein-energy malnutrition.

Liver enzymes alkaline phosphatase and transaminases (GPT & GOT) were studied in cases of protein-depleted rats. Alkaline phosphatase activities were determined with and without Mg addition to the incumedia, since it is the essential metal for this enzyme. The liver transaminases were also determined before and after pyridoxine injection, which is the coenzyme for this group. Both liver alkaline phosphatase and transaminases activities were increased on protein depletion. The study indicates that the increased activities of liver alkaline phosphatase in protein-depleted animals is suggestive of increased enzyme protein synthesis. On the contrary, high activities of liver transaminases are suggestive to be a result of some regulation mechanisms between the enzyme protein and its coenzyme.