Clinical significance of serum ornithine carbamoyltransferase in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Aim:  Ornithine carbamoyltransferase (OCT) is reported to be a liver-specific marker for the evaluation of hapatocellular damage. In this study, we investigated its clinical significance in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Methods:  Serum OCT levels were measured by the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method. One hundred and twenty patients with NASH (18 liver cirrhosis induced by NASH and 9 NASH combined with hepatocellular carcinoma) were measured. Results:  The serum levels of OCT and the ratios of OCT : alanine amino transferase (ALT) and OCT : aspartate amino transferase (AST) were increased in parallel with the progression of NASH. Especially, OCT and both ratios were markedly increased in hepatocellular carcinoma. As for the relationship between fibrosis grade and OCT, the serum OCT levels and the ratio of OCT : ALT levels were increased in parallel with liver fibrosis. In NASH patients with ALT within normal range, about 30% showed elevation of OCT. Conclusion:  Serum OCT levels and the ratios of OCT : ALT and OCT : AST increase in parallel with the progression of NASH. It was suggested that OCT is a useful marker in the progression of NASH.