Gas chromatographic profiling of phenolic acids in urine of patients with cirrhosis of the liver.

Phenolic acids are analysed within the profile of the organic acids in urine of patients with cirrhosis. For the following constituents an increased urinary excretion is observed: 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid, 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxyhippuric acid, vanillic acid, homovanillic acid, 4-hydroxymandelic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylpropionic acid and p-cresol. The phenols are metabolites of tyrosine and are produced in the liver, in extrahepatic tissues and by intestinal microorganisms. They are suggested as biochemical control parameters for the metabolizing function of the liver, for the effect of therapy and for the existence of portal-systemic venous collaterals.