Plasma biochemistry of one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius): effects of anticoagulants and comparison with serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals but limited informations are existing for camel plasma biochemistry. Eleven clinically healthy one-humped camels were blood sampled in different tubes containing different anticoagulants and plain tubes for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, and chloride and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of AST, ALT, CK, total bilirubin, and inorganic phosphorus, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than in serum. Most parameters did not show any difference, but significant increase for CK activity and significant decrease for GGT, cholesterol, creatinine and chloride were seen when heparin was used as anticoagulant. Using EDTA as an anticoagulant caused a significant difference in the amounts of some measured parameters in plasma except glucose, AST, ALT, GGT, cholesterol, albumin, total protein, bilirubin, and triglyceride in comparison with serum.     

Plasma biochemistry of one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius): Effects of anticoagulants and comparison with serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals but limited informations are existing for camel plasma biochemistry. Eleven clinically healthy one-humped camels were blood sampled in different tubes containing different anticoagulants and plain tubes for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, and chloride and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of AST, ALT, CK, total bilirubin, and inorganic phosphorus, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than in serum. Most parameters did not show any difference, but significant increase for CK activity and significant decrease for GGT, cholesterol, creatinine and chloride were seen when heparin was used as anticoagulant. Using EDTA as an anticoagulant caused a significant difference in the amounts of some measured parameters in plasma except glucose, AST, ALT, GGT, cholesterol, albumin, total protein, bilirubin, and triglyceride in comparison with serum.     

Liver-related biochemical changes in the serum of dogs being treated with phenobarbitone

The concentrations of phenobarbitone, albumin, bile acids and cholesterol, and the activities of alkaline phosphatase (AP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) were measured in the serum of 95 epileptic dogs whose clinical signs were controlled with phenobarbitone. The dogs were divided into groups on the basis of the concentration of phenobarbitone in their serum, the dose administered and the duration of the treatment. The concentration of phenobarbitone in serum was directly related to the activities of ALT, AP, GGT and GLDH and inversely related to the concentration of albumin. There was no significant relationship between the duration of treatment and the serum concentration of phenobarbitone, but there was a significant relationship between the duration of treatment and the activities of ALT, AP and GLDH. Thirty-five of the dogs (37 per cent) had serum activities of AP above the normal range, 19 had abnormally high activities of ALT, and 15 had high activities of GLDH, but these incidences were not related to the serum concentration of phenobarbitone. The dogs receiving higher doses for longer periods had the highest incidence of high activities of AP, ALT and GLDH. The concentration of bile acids in seven of the dogs was above the normal range but there was no relationship between the concentration and either the serum concentration, dose or duration of treatment with phenobarbitone.     

Analysis of canine and feline blood samples using the Kuadro in-house wet-reagent chemistry analyser

OBJECTIVES: Kuadro is a new wet-reagent biochemistry analyser that is available for in-house use. The aim of this study was to compare the results produced by this analyser with those obtained by a wet-reagent analyser (KoneLab 30i) that served as the reference instrument. METHODS: Blood samples from 80 clinical cases (40 dogs and 40 cats) were analysed for urea, creatinine, total proteins, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, amylase, total calcium, and phosphate using both the reference and Kuadro instruments. RESULTS: Kuadro performed very well on canine and feline samples, showing clinically acceptable correlations (r value) (canine/feline) for urea (0.99/0.97), creatinine (0.99/0.98), total proteins (0.95/0.97), albumin (0.98/0.90), glucose (0.99/0.99), cholesterol (0.99/0.99), alanine aminotransferase (1.00/0.99), alkaline phosphatase (0.96/0.99), total bilirubin (1.00/1.00), amylase (0.98/0.96), and phosphate (0.91/0.92). The correlation for total calcium measurements was clinically unacceptable (0.78/0.83). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Urea, creatinine, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, and phosphate Kuadro values can be used interchangeably with those generated by the reference analyser. Alkaline phosphatase, amylase, and total proteins Kuadro values cannot be used interchangeably, as Kuadro overestimated alkaline phosphatase and amylase and underestimated total protein measurements. Kuadro significantly underestimated total calcium concentrations due to the shorter incubation time used by the Kuadro analyser compared with the incubation time used in the reference analyser assay system.     

Value of so called cholestasis markers in the dog: an experimental study

In experimental bile obstruction in dogs, the most sensitive change in blood plasma composition is the increase in alkaline phosphatase activity which occurs after eight hours. Maximum alkaline phosphatase activities (approximately 100 times normal values) occur between the fifth and the 14th day. The increase in activity is accompanied by smaller increases in gamma-glutamyl transferase activity, and total bilirubin concentration also increases to a smaller extent and less regularly. Cholestasis also induces an intense cytolysis which is demonstrated mainly by increases in glutamate dehydrogenase and alanine amino transferase activities which are more intense and lasting than those induced by 0.5 ml/kg carbon tetrachloride.     

Effect of age on serum chemistry profile, electrophoresis and thyroid hormones in beagle dogs two weeks to one year of age

Chemistry tests were conducted on serum from young Beagle dogs in order to deter mine the effect of age on these parameters. Blood was collected at regular intervals from 25 normal Beagle puppies (13 males and 12 females) at ages ranging from 2 weeks to 12 months. Serum chemistry profiles, protein electrophoresis and radioimmunoassays for thyroxine and triiodothyronine were included. Rapidly changing age related differences were observed in several parameters. Urea nitrogen, cholesterol, triglycerides, lactate dehydrogenase, thyroxine, glucose, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, and total bilirubin values were elevated early in life, and decreased during the first 6 to 8 weeks, while alanine aminotransferase activity was low initially and increased during this period. Lactate dehydrogenase, thyroxine, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase attained stability by 3 months, but the remaining parameters showed slight changes subsequently, gradually approaching adult values. More gradual age related changes were observed in other parameters. These included alkaline phosphatase, inorganic phosphorus and calcium values, which were higher in younger dogs, and creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and total protein values, which were lower in younger dogs. Creatinine and aspartate aminotransferase values were stable by approximately 6 months; alkaline phosphatase, inorganic phosphorus, calcium and total protein values continued to change gradually up to 1 year.     

Effects of Common Anticoagulants on Routine Plasma Biochemistry of Horse and Comparison with Serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry have been studied in humans and various animals; however, limited information exists for effects on horse plasma biochemistry. Ten clinically healthy Thoroughbred horses were blood sampled in tubes containing different anticoagulants as well as no anticoagulant. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium and iron, and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK), and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, and GGT, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than in serum. When corrected for dilution, significant differences were seen for the amounts of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, bilirubin, calcium, iron, and the activity of ALT, ALP, and CK in citrated plasma. Most parameters did not show any difference; however, significant decreases in BUN, total bilirubin, ALT, and CK activity were seen when heparin was used as an anticoagulant. When compared with serum, using ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (EDTA) as an anticoagulant produced a significant difference in the amounts of measured plasma parameters with the exception of GGT, albumin, creatinine, inorganic phosphorus, and triglyceride.     

Serum chemistry alterations in Alaskan sled dogs during five successive days of prolonged endurance exercise

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of successive days of endurance exercise on select serum chemistry values in conditioned Alaskan sled dogs. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. ANIMALS: 10 conditioned Alaskan sled dogs. PROCEDURES: All dogs ran 160 km/d for 5 consecutive days. Serum was obtained prior to exercise and immediately after each exercise run; all samples were obtained before dogs were fed. Serum electrolyte, mineral, protein, total bilirubin, urea nitrogen, creatinine, and cardiac troponin-I concentrations and serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase, and aspartate aminotransferase activities were measured. Data were analyzed by means of analysis of covariance for a randomized complete block design with dog as a blocking variable, time as a covariate, and distance run as the treatment of interest. Least square mean values were compared with values obtained prior to exercise, and linear and quadratic contrasts were examined. RESULTS: Serum globulin concentration was low prior to exercise (mean +/- SD, 2.2 +/- 0.3g/dL) and progressively decreased as exercise continued. Exercise was associated with increases in serum chloride, urea nitrogen, and cardiac troponin-I concentrations and serum alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase, and aspartate aminotransferase activities and with progressive decreases in serum potassium, total protein, and albumin concentrations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that multiple successive days of endurance exercise resulted in mild aberrations in serum chemistry variables in conditioned sled dogs. Changes likely reflected the metabolic stresses of prolonged endurance exercise as well as dietary composition. Hypoglobulinemia in resting, conditioned sled dogs may reflect the immunosuppressive or catabolic effects of intense endurance training.     

Effect of age on reference intervals of serum biochemical values in kittens

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of age on reference intervals of serum biochemical values in kittens. DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: 55 kittens from 12 specific-pathogen-free queens. PROCEDURE: Kittens were allocated at birth into colostrum-fed (n = 27) and colostrum-deprived (28) groups. Blood was collected at birth and on days 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 28, and 56. Serum samples were analyzed for activities of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, amylase, and lipase and for concentrations of albumin, total protein, bilirubin, urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholesterol, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, and triglycerides by use of an automated analyzer. Total serum solids concentrations were determined by use of refractometry. Serum IgG concentrations were quantified by use of radial immunodiffusion. RESULTS: For several analytes, reference intervals changed rapidly, most notably during the first few days of life. Reference intervals for alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and triglycerides were higher from birth to 8 weeks than adult reference intervals. Aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, urea nitrogen, and creatinine were higher than in adults at birth but were similar to or lower than adult reference intervals by 8 weeks. Compared with adult reference intervals, reference intervals for calcium and phosphorus concentrations were higher and for albumin and total protein concentrations were lower throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Important differences exist between reference intervals for serum biochemical values of neonatal and adult cats. Age-appropriate reference intervals should be used for accurate assessment of serum biochemical test results in cats.     

Plasma biochemistry of ostrich (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Struthio camelus</Emphasis>): effects of anticoagulants and comparison with serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals, but limited information is existing for ostrich plasma biochemistry. Ten clinically healthy ostrich were blood sampled in different tubes containing each anticoagulant and plain tube for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, uric acid, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and magnesium and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. The concentrations of glucose, uric acid, total protein, and calcium were significantly lower in citrated plasma than that of serum. For dilution corrected citrated plasma significant differences were only seen for the concentration of uric acid. Most parameters did not show any differences, but significant increase were seen for glucose, total protein, albumin, and phosphorus concentrations when heparin was used as an anticoagulant.     

Analyte comparisons between 2 clinical chemistry analyzers

The purpose of this study was to assess agreement between a wet reagent and a dry reagent analyzer. Thirteen analytes (albumin, globulin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, amylase, urea nitrogen, calcium, cholesterol, creatinine, glucose, potassium, total bilirubin, and total protein) for both canine and feline serum were evaluated. Concordance correlations, linear regression, and plots of difference against mean were used to analyze the data. Concordance correlations were excellent for 8 of 13 analytes (r > or = 0.90); the correlations for albumin, potassium, and calcium were clinically unreliable. The linear regression analysis revealed that several analytes had slopes significantly different from unity, which was likely related to methodological differences. Compared to the wet reagent analyzer, the dry reagent analyzer showed excellent agreement for alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, amylase (feline), urea nitrogen, cholesterol, creatinine, glucose, total bilirubin (canine), and total protein. However, it showed only slight to substantial agreement for amylase (canine), calcium, albumin, potassium, and total bilirubin (feline).     

Thyroid function and serum hepatic enzyme activity in dogs after phenobarbital administration

Phenobarbital is the drug of choice for control of canine epilepsy. Phenobarbital induces hepatic enzyme activity, can be hepatotoxic, and decreases serum thyroxine (T4) concentrations in some dogs. The duration of liver enzyme induction and T4 concentration decreases after discontinuation of phenobarbital is unknown. The purpose of this study was to characterize the changes in serum total T4 (TT4), free T4 (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), cholesterol and albumin concentrations, and activities in serum of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) after discontinuation of long-term phenobarbital administration in normal dogs. Twelve normal dogs were administered phenobarbital at a dosage of approximately 4.4-6.6 mg/kg PO q12h for 27 weeks. Blood was collected for analysis before and after 27 weeks of phenobarbital administration and then weekly for 10 weeks after discontinuation of the drug. The dogs were clinically normal throughout the study period. Serum ALT and ALP activity and TSH and cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher than baseline at week 27. Serum T4 and FT4 were significantly lower. Serum albumin and GGT were not changed from baseline at week 27. Changes in estimate of thyroid function (TT4, FT4, TSH) persisted for 1-4 weeks after discontinuation of phenobarbital, whereas changes in hepatic enzyme activity (ALT, ALP) and cholesterol concentration resolved in 3-5 weeks. To avoid false positive results, it is recommended that thyroid testing be performed at least 4 weeks after discontinuation of phenobarbital administration. Elevated serum activity of hepatic enzymes 6-8 weeks after discontinuation of phenobarbital may indicate hepatic disease.     

Clinicopathologic study of horses surviving pyrrolizidine alkaloid (Senecio vulgaris) toxicosis

Twenty horses of various ages had inadvertently ingested alfalfa hay contaminated with Senecio vulgaris. Among them, 4 died of liver disease. Blood was collected from affected horses at monthly intervals for 7 months and at the 9th and 14th months. The following serum enzymes and chemical items were assayed: aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, BUN, glucose, cholesterol, inorganic phosphate, calcium, total protein, and albumin. Amino acid profiles, conjugated bile acids, sulfobromophthalein clearance times, and liver histopathologic changes via serial biopsies were also monitored. Liver histopathologic changes revealed lesions progressively increasing in severity. Aspartate aminotransferase and plasma amino acid ratios indicated chronic liver degeneration (0.05 level of significance). gamma-Glutamyl transferase and lactate dehydrogenase as well as BUN values fluctuated, but returned to within reference values. Horses appeared clinically normal 14 months after intoxication, but were unable to tolerate stress of exercise.     

Effects of heparin, citrate, and EDTA on plasma biochemistry of sheep: Comparison with serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals, but limited information is existing for sheep plasma biochemistry. Ten clinically healthy Baloochi breed of sheep were blood sampled in different tubes containing each anticoagulants and plain tube for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and magnesium and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of GGT, bilirubin and inorganic phosphorus, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than that of serum. For corrected citrated plasma significant differences were seen for the concentrations of glucose, creatinine, calcium and the activity of ALP.Most parameters did not show any difference, but significant increase was seen for albumin concentration when heparin was used as an anticoagulant. Using EDTA as anticoagulant caused a significant difference for the concentrations of some of the measured parameters in plasma except glucose, GGT, cholesterol, albumin, bilirubin, CK, and inorganic phosphorus comparing with serum.     

扎龙自然保护区放飞训练亚成体丹顶鹤血液生化指标的分析

为探究放飞训练对亚成体丹顶鹤血液生化指标的影响并积累丹顶鹤野化训练的基础数据,应用全自动生化分析仪在2010年7月对扎龙国家自然保护区放飞训练的5只和对照组的5只亚成体丹顶鹤的24项血液生化指标(钙离子、钾离子、钠离子、氯离子、尿酸、甘油三酯、总胆固醇、高密度脂蛋白、低密度脂蛋白、总蛋白、白蛋白、球蛋白、总胆红素、直接胆红素、间接胆红素、碱性磷酸酶、谷丙转氨酶、谷草转氨酶、肌酸激酶、γ-谷氨酰转肽酶、肌酐、总胆汁酸、尿素氮、血糖)进行了测定和分析。结果表明:多项血液生化指标比较稳定,钙离子等20项血液生化指标在放飞训练组和对照组丹顶鹤之间没有显著差异(P>0.05);而肌酸激酶、γ-谷氨酰转肽酶、肌酐和尿素氮几项指标在放飞训练组和对照组丹顶鹤之间差异显著(P<0.05),这几项血液生化指标的变化表明丹顶鹤在放飞训练中具有高度的生理适应性。     

Serum biochemical values of rusa deer (Cervus timorensis russa) in New Caledonia

Blood samples were collected from 91 rusa deer (Cervus timorensis russa), immediately after being shot. Serum mean biochemical values from shot deer are presented for blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, calcium, and phosphorus. Mean total protein and albumin increased with age. There was an age-associated increase of gamma globulins. Mean creatine kinase activity and creatinine, albumin and phosphorus concentrations were higher in stags than in hinds. Pregnant hinds had lower mean creatine kinase activity and phosphorus and higher mean alanine aminotransferase and total protein than non-pregnant hinds. Mean calcium concentration increased when deer were agitated before bleeding.     

On the clinical chemistry of the Bennett's wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus)

The following parameters were determined in blood serum of apparently healthy Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) using the Hitachi 917 (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) and/or the Vettest 8008 (IDEXX-GmbH, Woerrstadt, Germany): alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, ammonia, alpha-amylase, aspartate aminotransferase, Ca, Cl, cholesterol, cholinesterase, creatine kinase, creatinine, gammaglutamyltransferase, glucose, iron, lactate dehydrogenase, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, protein, sodium, total bilirubin, triglyceride, and urea. The results for cholesterol, glucose, total protein, triglyceride and for the enzymes alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase and lactate dehydrogenase differed significantly between both methods (P < 0.05). There is a negative correlation between the age of the Bennett's wallabies and the activity of the alkaline phosphatase. Five protein fractions could be separated on cellulose acetate electrophoresis. The mean concentrations of fructosamine and beta-hydroxybutyrate were 447.3 micromol/L and 0.27 mmol/L, respectively. The estimated vitamin A intake had no influence on the vitamin A concentration in serum. The serum vitamin E concentration was in general low and vitamin E was below the detection limit of 0.82 micromol/L in 29 out of 42 serum samples. The use of these analytes is discussed concerning the knowledge about the physiology, nutrition and diseases of macropods.     

The effects of aging on hematology and serum chemistry values in the beagle dog

To distinguish age-related changes in hematology and clinical chemistry values from those resulting from disease, hematology, and clinical chemistry values of healthy, age-matched Beagle dogs 3 to 14 years of age were analyzed. Serum potassium, total protein and globulin concentration, and lactic dehydrogenase activity increased with age, while urea nitrogen, creatinine and albumin concentration, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity decreased. The 12-year-old group had some distinct differences from the other age groups: glucose concentration was lower, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activity and triglyceride concentration were higher. No significant age-related differences were found in the hematology parameters analyzed. This report extends the documented, age-related changes in normal Beagle dogs to 14 years of age. The age-related changes in organ-specific serum chemistries such as urea nitrogen and creatinine (kidney), and alanine aminotransferase (liver) noted here suggest that 12 years may be a pivotal age for determining longevity in the Beagle dog.     

Haematological and biochemical studies on experimental Theileria annulata infection in crossbred calves

Administration of ground-up tick tissue stabilate (0.75 tick equivalent) by the subcutaneous route to crossbred calves aged 1 week to 1 month led to the development of acute theileriosis. Haematological studies revealed significant progressive decreases in haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and red blood cell count, whereas the total leukocyte count showed an initial non-significant leukocytosis followed by a significant leukopenia. Analysis of serum revealed significant increases in levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine kinase and -glutamyltransferase, and in the concentrations of uric acid, blood urea nitrogen and bilirubin. The concentrations of total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol and calcium showed non-significant decreases, while phosphorus decreased significantly during the terminal stages of the disease.     

Relationship between plasma vitamin C and serum diagnostic biochemical markers in lactating cows

We investigated the relationship between plasma vitamin C concentration and serum levels of some diagnostic biochemical markers in 118 lactating Holstein cows. Blood sample was collected once from each cow and we measured the plasma vitamin C concentration and the serum levels of glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate, free fatty acids, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, albumin, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase. The regression of plasma vitamin C with each serum diagnostic biochemical marker indicated that the vitamin C concentration significantly decreased as glucose, alkaline phosphatase or aspartate aminotransferase level increased and as total cholesterol or albumin concentration decreased. Furthermore, the plasma vitamin C concentration was significantly lower in the cows showing that each of these marker levels was out of its reference interval than in the cows showing that the marker level was within its reference interval. The significant correlations were observed among total cholesterol, albumin, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, to which the glucose concentration was not related. These results showed that the plasma vitamin C concentration was low in the cows that had concurrently low levels of total cholesterol and albumin, and high levels of alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase. Therefore, a hepatic malfunction possibly decreases plasma vitamin C concentration through suppressing vitamin C production. On the other hand, the high level of glucose possibly decreases plasma vitamin C concentration through suppressing vitamin C recycling.