Identification of phytochemical, antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial potential of Calotropis procera leaf aqueous extract

Since the dawn of civilization, people have turned to plants as a safe and efficient form of treatment for a variety of diseases. It has long been known that Calotropis procera has the potential to treat a number of diseases. In this study, the C. procera leaf aqueous extract was obtained using the maceration method, and p-coumaric was found to be the main compound. The extract was rich in phenols (174.82 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and flavonoids (1781.7 µg quercetin equivalent/g). The extract had high antioxidant properties, as indicated by the IC50 values obtained for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (366.33 μg/mL) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) (169.04 μg/mL), as well as the ferric ions reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (1.67 μg ascorbic acid equivalent/g of the extract). The cytotoxicity of the extract was evaluated against the survival of HT 29 cells, and the IC50 was found to be 236.87 μg/mL. The most resistant and sensitive strains to the extract were Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The morphological changes of these strains were demonstrated through scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The C. procera extract could be therefore used as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer agent.

Use of X-Irradiations in Reducing the Waste of Aflatoxin-Contaminated Pistachios and Evaluation of the Physicochemical Properties of the Irradiated Product

This study investigates the effects of electron beam irradiation (0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 kGy) on Aspergillus flavus, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and the physicochemical properties of pistachios. The findings suggested that e-beam significantly reduced the spore population of A. flavus and the concentration of AFB1 at doses of 4 and 6 kGy. Three AFB1 degradation products were detected via LC-MS analysis and their structures were presented. Total phenolic content was improved at a dose of 2 kGy, while antioxidant activity was decreased in all treatments in both DPPH and ABTS assays. The chlorophyll and carotenoid content declined and the color indices changed, leading to a darker color. E-beam at a dose of 2 kGy raised the soluble protein levels and changed the intensity and pattern of protein bands. Irradiation doses of up to 6 kGy enhanced the content of malondialdehyde and total saturated fatty acids while leading to a decline in unsaturated fatty acids. The quality features were adversely affected at doses > 4 kGy. The findings suggest that as an alternative method, e-beam at doses ≥ 2 kGy can effectively decrease fungal load and aflatoxin B1 contamination, and e-beam application at doses ≤ 2 kGy can maintain the physicochemical attributes of pistachios to an acceptable extent.

Evaluation of the compounds, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial potential of Prangos ferulacea plant extract and its effect on Listeria monocytogenes virulence gene expression

Prangos ferulacea plant is very popular in Iran due to its unique properties in treating diseases and its special flavor. To check the characteristics of this plant, first, its extract was extracted using the maceration method. Its chemical composition was investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) that p-coumaric was identified as its main compound, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the presence of functional groups related to phenolic, flavonoid, tannins, and carboxylic acids such as caffeic acid and coumaric acid composition. Total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and beta-carotene were equal to 202.04 ± 5.46 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight, 1,909.46 ± 13 μg quercetin (QE)/g of dry weight, and 2.91 mg/100 g. The antioxidant property of the extract was evaluated using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP). According to the IC50 obtained for DDPH (274 ± 7.2 μg/mL) and ABTS (120.45 ± 9.6 μg/mL) and FRAP values [1.92 ± 0.05 μg ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/g of extract], this extract had high antioxidant properties. Cytotoxicity was evaluated against the survival of HT 29 cells that IC50 was 82.15 ± 0.02 μg/mL. The antimicrobial property of the extract was calculated using disk diffusion agar (DDA), well diffusion agar (WDA), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Listeria monocytogenes has the highest sensitivity to this extract and inhibition zone based on DDA and WDA method and with an MIC and MBC equal to 16 and 128 mg/mL has the least resistance. The morphology change of L. monocytogenes strain was proved through scanning electron microscope (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The extract caused a significant reduction in the transcription of genes involved in the film formation ability of L. monocytogenes. The obtained results fully prove the very practical and pragmatic characteristics of P. ferulacea.

Pb2+ recovery from real water samples by adsorption onto nano Fe3 O4 /chitosan-acrylamide hydrogel ions in real water samples

This study examined the removal of Pb(II) using magnetic chitosan hydrogel adsorbent from diverse sample waters. Spectrometry was used to track the effects of magnetic acrylamide nanocomposite dose, pH extraction, and contact duration on Pb(II) removal from sample water. This research also looked at adsorption isotherm models for the sorption of Pb(II). The magnetic chitosan hydrogel adsorbent Pb(II) adsorption capability was 31.74 mg/g respectively. The Freundlich isotherm model fits the removal of Pb(II) utilising magnetic chitosan hydrogel adsorbent. In addition, this adsorbent was shown to have a q_max value of 31.74 mg/g of Pb²⁺ ions, which is considered to be of high efficiency for Pb²⁺ ion removal. The studied kinetic models have determined that the pseudo-second-order linear model is more suitable to explain the adsorption of lead (II) on magnetic chitosan hydrogel adsorbent. Also, chemical adsorption is the rate-limiting step in the adsorption process of lead (II) ions.

Impact of alginate coating combined with free and nanoencapsulated Carum copticum essential oil on rainbow trout burgers

Carum copticum essential oil (CEO) is known as a valuable active food and pharmaceutical ingredient with antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Solid lipid nanoparticles incorporated with CEO can overcome their limitations, namely low physicochemical stability and water solubility. In the current study, the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of free and nanoencapsulated CEO were measured. The results revealed that although the nanoparticles of CEO had higher DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to free CEO, the antimicrobial activity of free CEO toward Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes was higher than nanoparticles. Fish burger samples coated with free and nanoencapsulated CEO and stored for 12 days at 4°C. Alginate coating without CEO was considered as a control sample. The mean zeta potential, particle size, and polydispersity index (PDI) of nanoparticles were 19.18 ± 0.9 mV, 286.5 ± 18.2 nm, and 0.32 ± 0.01, respectively. The results revealed that lipid oxidation, microbial growth, and production of total volatile basic nitrogen in fish burger samples coated with alginate enriched with nanoencapsulated CEO were lower than free CEO. The main volatile compounds of CEO were para-cymene, γ-terpinene, and thymol, which were responsible for the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of CEO. The data obtained by the current study suggest the application of alginate coating with CEO in form of nanoparticle to enhance fish burgers' shelf life stored at 4°C.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity of nano- and microencapsulated rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaves extract in cress (Lepidium sativum) and basil (Ocimum basilicum) seed gums for enhancing oxidative stability of sunflower oil

There has been interest in the use of plant extract as a natural preservative agent for improving the oxidative stability of vegetable oils. However, plant extracts have low stability against heat and environmental stress. In this study, the antioxidant potential of nano‐ and microencapsulated Rosmarinus officinalis L. extract (RE) obtained using the ultrasonication method was measured. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of the extract was 174.4 ± 25.9 mg gallic acid/g extract and 78.30 ± 3.2 mg rutin/g extract, respectively. Antioxidant activity of 50, 100, 200, and 400 ppm of RE was measured by DPPH free radical scavenging methods, ferric reduction assay, and β‐carotene/linoleic acid assay, and then compared to the 100 ppm of TBHQ as a common synthetic antioxidant. The results showed that the antioxidant activity increased with increasing the concentration of the extract in all evaluating methods. The antioxidant activity of 200 ppm of the free and encapsulated extract in cress (Lepidium sativum) and basil (Ocimum basilicum) seed gums at different ratios (1:0, 1:1, and 0:1) was compared to sunflower oil without antioxidants, and oil‐containing TBHQ which was stored at 60°C for 24 days. The oxidation indexes of oil samples include peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid value, and p‐anisidine value measured at 4‐day intervals. A lower oil oxidation was observed in oil‐containing nanoencapsulated extract followed by microencapsulated extract, free extract, and TBHQ. Since producing nanoencapsulated RE requires a higher time and speed of homogenization and due to no statistically significant difference between the antioxidant properties of nanocapsules and microcapsules in oil, the use of microcapsules of RE in basil seed gum to increase the shelf life of sunflower oil is recommended.

MECHANICAL, BARRIER AND STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF WHEY PROTEIN ISOLATE-BASED FILMS TREATED BY MICROBIAL TRANSGLUTAMINASE

Nowadays, polymers obtained from edible resources such as polysaccharides and proteins have attained growing consideration to substitute petroleum-derived polymers. Edible films are a good alternative for the plastic packaging since these films are biodegradable, environmental-friendly and non-toxic. However, protein based edible films have poor water permeability and lower mechanical strength. In this study, edible films based on whey protein isolate (WPI) were produced with different microbial transglutaminase (MTG) concentrations (0, 5, 10 and 15 Unit/g of protein) and the effect of enzymatic treatment on the film properties was investigated. Results showed that as compared to control, the treatment with the lower concentration of MTG (5–10 U/g) significantly increased the tensile strength (TS) and decreased elongation at rapture (ER) values of WPI-films, while at the higher concentration of MTG (15 U/g), TS value slightly decreased and ER values significantly increased. By increasing the enzyme concentration from 5 to 10 U/g, water vapor transferability (WVT) and water soluble fractions (WSF) decreased significantly (P≤0.05). The MTG-treated films except the film treated with 15 U/g TG, had homogeneous and even surface without any crack or fracture. Based on results, treatment with MTG enzyme may be applied as an appropriate technique to modify the structural and barrier properties of WPI-based films.

Electrospun chia seed mucilage/PVA encapsulated with green cardamonmum essential oils: Antioxidant and antibacterial property

In this work, the potential of chia seed mucilage (CSM) as a new source of carbohydrate for encapsulation of green cardamonmum Essential oils (GCEOs) was evaluated. ¹H NMR spectrum, FTIR spectrum and, SEM image has confirmed the existence of the GCEOs in the nanofibers. The nanofibers of CSM and polyvinyl alcohol have not antibacterial property, while nanofibers containing GCEOs show antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Incorporating GCEOs in CSM nanofibers improved the antioxidant of the generated nanofibers. The amount of radical scavenging for the nanofibers containing 16 (mg/ml) of GCEOs was 18% and increasing the GCEOs concentration up to 64 (mg/ml) leads to grow the activity up to 41%. Thus, our studies indicate that nanofiber can be used as a novel antioxidant and antibacterial agent in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

Biological reduction of aflatoxin B1 in yogurt by probiotic strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus

The present study was conducted to investigate the ability of two probiotic strains, L. acidophilus PTCC 1643 and L. rhamnosus PTCC 1637, to bind aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁, 20 ng/ml) in comparison with yogurt starter cultures, at equal bacterial count (~ 10⁹ LogCFU/ml) during a 21-day storage period at 4 °C. All assessed treatments exhibited high percentages of AFB₁-binding, ranged from 64.56 to 96.58%. However, the ability of probiotic bacteria was statistically higher than yogurt starter cultures. Aflatoxin binding ability of the selected lactic acid bacteria was dependent on both time and bacteria species. The highest and the lowest percentages of AFB_1-removal was observed at 11th day of cold storage by L. rhamnosus (96.58 ± 3.97%) and at the first day of storage for yogurt starter cultures (64.56 ± 5.32%), respectively. The stability of bacterial cells-AFB₁ complex was remarkable, since only 0.84-26.75% of bounded AFB₁ was released from bacterial cells after 3 times washing during the storage period.

The Antidiabetic Potential of Black Mulberry Extract-Enriched Pasta through Inhibition of Enzymes and Glycemic Index

In the present work, pasta enriched in different formulations by black mulberry extract in order to inhibit enzymes related to starch hydrolyzation. Total phenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity and anthocyanin components of ethanol/water black mulberry extract were investigated. TPC of the black mulberry extract was found 65.61 ± 0.07 mg GAE/g. Black mulberry extract could scavenge the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals more effectively than tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) also vitamin C due to its detected polyphenolic compounds (cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, and cyanidin-3-xyloside). The IC₅₀ value of the black mulberry extract was obtained 8.31 μg/mL while it was measured 59.62 and 62.64 μg/mL for TBHQ and vitamin C, respectively. The pasta-enriched with freeze-dried black mulberry extract showed effective inhibition against applied α-amylases (α-amylase from porcine pancreas, Bacillus sp, and human saliva) and α-glucosidase originated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The IC₅₀ values of tested enzymes exhibited that black mulberry effectively act as an inhibitory agent comparing with acarbose because of its antioxidant activity. Results revealed that starch hydrolysis index (HI) and predicted glycemic index (GI_predicted) of cooked pasta-enriched with various concentration levels of black mulberry extract were significantly decreased especially when 1.5% of the extract was incorporated. In addition, The IC₅₀ value of the black mulberry extract obtained from cooked pasta was increased against α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The results obviously presented that diabetes mellitus type 2 could be resolved by enrichment of polyphenolic compounds into the pasta.

The preparation, characterization and in vitro application evaluation of soluble soybean polysaccharide films incorporated with cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsions

In this study, we developed the new bioactive film from soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) incorporated with different concentrations of cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsions (CNO) and the functional properties of them were evaluated. Then CNO-SSPS film was applied on the meat during refrigerate for 8 days. The use of CNO in film production has reduced thickness, water vapor permeability, water solubility, lightness (L*), redness (a*) and whiteness (WI) and increased antioxidant activity of SSPS-films. Also, the SSPS- film containing 0.6% CNO activity only on gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes) and SSPS- film containing 0.8% CNO had antimicrobial activity on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. In vitro application, the pH of the meat treated with CON remained in the natural pH of meat during storage (8 days). Based on the results, the highest and lowest hardness values were for the samples of CNO- 0.8 and control, respectively. Incorporating CON at 0.6 and 0.8% concentration of cinnamon reduced 4.14 and 5.71 log cycle in the total aerobic viable count compared to uncoated and decreased of yeast and molds on 8th day by 1 log cycle compared uncoated. These resulted showed CNO-SSPS film can be used as a good preservative in meat products.

Black Zira essential oil: Chemical compositions and antimicrobial activity against the growth of some pathogenic strain causing infection

The aim of this study was to perform chemical compositions and phytochemical analysis of Black Zira essential oil and other goal of this research was to investigate the antimicrobial effects of Black Zira essential oil against Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes and Candida albicans. Black Zira essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation method using clevenger apparatus. Black Zira essential oil chemical composition was identified through gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. γ-terpinene with a percentage of 24.8% was the major compound of Black Zira essential oil. The antimicrobial effect Black Zira essential oil was evaluated by several qualitative and quantitative methods (disk diffusion, well diffusion, microdilution broth, agar dilution and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration). Phytochemical analysis Black Zira essential oil were appraised based on qualitative methods. Antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and β-carotene/linoleic acid inhibition) and total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteu) were examined. The results of phytochemical analysis of Black Zira essential oil showed the existence of phenolic, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids and tannins. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (reported as IC₅₀) of Black Zira essential oil were equal to 120.50 ± 0.50 mg GAE/g and 11.55 ± 0.25 μg/ml, respectively. The MIC of the Black Zira essential oil ranged from 1 mg/ml to 8 mg/ml, while its MBC and MFC ranged from 1 mg/ml to 16 mg/ml. The results presented that the longest and the shortest inhibition zone diameter at the concentration of 8 mg/ml pertained to C. albicans and E. aerogenes, respectively.

COMPARISON OF SOXHLET AND ULTRASOUND METHODS FOR OIL EXTRACTION FROM SPANISH FLAXSEEDS

Flaxseed oil contains an outstanding amount of the essential fatty acid α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3), as well as other ω-3 fatty acids, which can provide potential benefits in individuals with cardiovascular diseases. This explains the interest of food industries to improve the efficiency of oil extraction from flaxseed. In this sense, the feasibility of two extraction methods (Soxhlet and ultrasounds) has been evaluated through the determination of the amount of oil obtained from 9 flaxseed trademarks (Linum usitatissimum L.). The Soxhlet method extracted more oil than the ultrasounds, with mean values being 36.9 and 20.0%, respectively. Aside from the extraction method, flaxseed trademark was also an influencing variable. In this context, the highest extraction yield (53%) was detected when the Soxhlet method in combination with petroleum ether were used with trademark 1 (raw golden flaxseed). However, further studies are needed to evaluate the quality and safety of the extracted oils.

Effect of Persian and almond gums as fat replacers on the physicochemical, rheological, and microstructural attributes of low-fat Iranian White cheese

The effect of Persian and almond gums (0, 0.1 and 0.2% (w/w)) as fat replacers and milk fat (0.4, 0.9, and 1.4% (w/w)) on physicochemical and rheological characteristics and microstructure of low‐fat Iranian White cheese was studied. Persian and almond gums both effectively increased moisture‐to‐protein (M:P) ratio of low‐fat cheese samples which in turn led to a significant reduction in the hardness parameters fracture stress and Young's and storage (G’) moduli (p < .05); however, the effect of Persian gum was more pronounced (p < .01). Gum addition promoted cheese yield and proteolysis rate (p < .05). Response surface optimization described that supplementation of cheese milk containing 0.9% fat with 0.2% Persian gum and 0.12% almond gum would result in a low‐fat cheese with textural properties similar to its full‐fat counterpart. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the fat replacers produced full‐fat‐like structure in the low‐fat Iranian White cheese, when incorporated at the optimum levels.

Stabilization of canthaxanthin produced by Dietzia natronolimnaea HS-1 with spray drying microencapsulation

The strain bacterium Dietzia natronolimnaea has propounded as a source for biological production of canthaxanthin. Because of sensitivity of this pigment, examine on its stability is important. In this study, stability of encapsulated canthaxanthin from D. natronolimnaea HS-1 using soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS), gum acacia (GA), and maltodextrin (MD) as wall materials was investigated at 4, 25, and 45 °C in light and dark conditions during 4 months of storage. It was shown that the type of walls influenced the size of emulsion droplets; spray dried particles, microencapsulation efficiency (ME), and retention of canthaxanthin in microcapsules. SSPS and MD produced the smallest and the biggest emulsion droplets and spray dried particles, respectively. Microcapsules made with SSPS resulted in better ME and higher stability for canthaxanthin. Samples were degraded in all conditions, especially in light and 45 °C. Degradation of microencapsulated canthaxanthin with SSPS and GA proceeded more slowly than did with MD. Regardless of the type of wall materials, total canthaxanthin contents of the microencapsulated products decreased by an increase in time or temperature. Also, samples exposed to light indicated less stability at 4 and 25 °C when compared to the storage at dark conditions. According to the results of this study, SSPS can be considered as potential wall material for the encapsulation of carotenoids.

Insecticidal and repellent activities of the essential oil of Callistemon citrinus (Myrtaceae) against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

The essential oil of Callistemon citrinus (Curtis) leaves was extracted by hydro distillation and tested on female and male adults of Callosobruchus macullatus (F.) for insecticidal and repellent effects. GC-MS analysis was used to identify and quantify the volatile composition of the essential oil. Results showed that 1,8-cineole (34.2%) and α-pinene (29.0%) were the major components of the oil. Callistemon citrinus oil was found to be toxic to adult insects when applied by fumigation. Responses varied according to the gender of the insect and exposure time. LC50 values were 12.88 and 84.4 μL. L(-1) for males and females, respectively. An increase in exposure time from 3 to 24 h caused an increase in mortality from 50% to 100% in males and from 15.5% to 85.2% in females, at the highest concentration (500 μL. L(-1)). The essential oil also had a repellent effect against C. macullatus in a filter paper arena test. After 2 and 4 h, 86% and 94%, respectively, repellent effects were demonstrated at the highest concentration of 0.4 μL .cm(-2). These observations suggest that C. citrinus essential oil may be usefully applied to control storage pests.

Surgical Approach to Vascular Complications of Intravenous Drug Abuse

OBJECTIVE

To assess the complications related to intravenous drug abuse.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

METHODS

Intravenous drug abusers (IVDAs) with vascular complications were assessed.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients presented with swelling and tenderness in the groin, and 3 patients with similar lesions in the cubital fossa. Infected pseudoaneurysms and deep vein thrombosis (DVTs) were diagnosed in 41 and 31 patients respectively (27 patients had both lesions). In patients with infected pseudoaneurysms, 9 patients underwent excision with early revascularization and 32 patients underwent ligation without revascularization. For all patients with femoral vein thrombosis ligation and excision was performed. 4 patients with pure DVTs were managed conservatively. Disabling claudication occurred in 6 patients. Four of them underwent late revascularization with an acceptable outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Ligation without revascularization is the appropriate treatment of infected pseudoaneurysms in IVDAs. Late revascularization is of great importance in patients with disabling claudication after treatment of addiction. Pure septic DVTs can be managed conservatively.

A quasi-experimental study on the effect of upper gastrointestinal surgery on liver function tests

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To determine the effect of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) surgery on liver function tests, a study was performed at Loghman Hakim Hospital, Tehran, Iran.

METHODOLOGY

In this quasi-experimental study, 60 patients undergoing UGI operations were compared to 20 patients with extra-abdominal surgery. In each case, after obtaining a thorough past medical history and physical exam, 5 ml of fasting venous blood was drawn pre-operatively on the morning of the operation, and liver function tests (LFTs), namely serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), were measured. The three tests were repeated on the morning of days 2 and 4, post-operatively. Other intra- and post-operative parameters were also recorded. Finally, the results were analyzed in all 80 cases using the Student's t-test, Yate's corrected chi-square and Pearson's coefficient of correlation.

RESULTS

The operations performed in the case group were biliary tract operations (75%), surgery on the esophagus and stomach (18.3%) and liver and pancreas operations (6.7%). The control operations consisted of head and neck surgery (45%), breast and thorax operations (35%) and prostate and testes surgery (20%). The mean duration of general anesthesia in the cases and controls was 3.62 and 3.58 hours, respectively, with no statistically significant difference. The SGOT level increased 54% in the study cases on day 2, which significantly differed with the 9% increase in the controls (p<0.05). In the cases studied, SGPT increased 65% on day 2 and 50% on day 4, with a significant difference compared to the 2% decrease and 2% increase on days 2 and 4 in the controls (p<0.005 and p<0.02, respectively). LDH levels also increased 17% on day 2 in the case group with a significant difference compared to the 8% increase in controls (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

An increase in the levels of SGOT, SGPT and LDH in the first 4 days following UGI surgery is a common problem which seems to be due to local trauma to the liver rather than the effect of other factors such as anesthetic drugs, the duration of surgery, blood transfusions, hypotension and other underlying conditions.