The influence of portosystemic shunting on zinc and vitamin A metabolism in liver cirrhosis

• Published in: Hepato-gastroenterology Vol. 30; no. 4; p. 143
• Main Authors: Schölmerich, J, Becher, M S, Köttgen, E, Rauch, N, Häussinger, D, Löhle, E, Vuilleumier, J P, Gerok, W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Greece 01.08.1983
• Subjects: Female; Humans; Hypertension, Portal - complications; Hypertension, Portal - metabolism; Liver Cirrhosis - complications; Liver Cirrhosis - metabolism; Liver Cirrhosis - physiopathology; Liver Function Tests; Male; Middle Aged; Portasystemic Shunt, Surgical; Retinol-Binding Proteins - analysis; Vitamin A - blood; Vitamin A Deficiency - complications; Vitamin A Deficiency - metabolism; Zinc - blood; Zinc - deficiency; Zinc - urine
• ISSN: 0172-6390

To elucidate the possible role of portosystemic shunting on zinc and vitamin A deficiency which has been described in patients with cirrhosis of the liver, a study on 37 hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis was performed. Patients with surgical portosystemic shunt were found to have a significantly lower levels of zinc, vitamin A and retinol-binding protein (RBP) than controls and patients with cirrhosis without shunt. Patients with portal hypertension--considered to have spontaneous shunting--also has lower levels than those without this symptom. A significant correlation between zinc and vitamin A and RBP levels, respectively, was found. Also an increased renal zinc output was demonstrated. An influence of portosystemic shunting on zinc deficiency and subsequent vitamin A deficiency by decreased RBP release is concluded. The importance of these metabolic disorders for clinical symptoms is discussed.