Raised plasma thromboxane B2 levels in alcoholic liver disease.

In experimental animals endotoxin administration causes increased levels of thromboxane B2 and prostaglandins. Liver cirrhosis is often complicated by endotoxemia. In sixteen patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, we measured plasma thromboxane B2 levels. In twelve patients we found on one or more occasions raised plasma thromboxane B2 levels. Raised plasma thromboxane B2 levels were associated with significantly higher serum levels of urea, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and lower antiplasmin and antithrombin III levels. It is possible that some of the complications in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis are mediated by thromboxanes.