STUDIES OF NUCLEIC-ACID AND COLLAGEN-SYNTHESIS - CURRENT STATUS IN ASSESSING LIVER REPAIR

Specific therapeutic measures which facilitate repair of liver damage and prevent fibrosis are necessary to interrupt the rapidly escalating morbidity and mortality from liver disease. Routine biochemical and morphologic studies do not provide an accurate index to the influences of treatment on these parameters. Kinetic studies employing in vitro uptake of precursors of DNA and collagen have greatly facilitated objective evaluation of liver repair. Correction of deficits of nucleogenic vitamins, minerals, and protein have a demonstrable helpful effect on patterns of DNA synthesis and collagen formation in the diseased liver. Objective studies show prednisone decreases regeneration and fibrogenesis. In absence of a deficiency state imposed by pancreatic insufficiency, insulin and glucagon do not alter these parameters.