Effect of eating on plasma radical-trapping antioxidant activity (TRAP) in patients with cirrhosis

Objectives: To ascertain the effects of eating on plasma antioxidant capacity in patients with liver disease. Design and methods: Eighteen cirrhotic patients were compared to 18 age and sex-matched controls. TRAP was measured by a fluorometric assay after a 12 h fast, and 60, 120, and 180 min after the study participants had taken a drink formula food. Results: In the fasting state, TRAP was higher in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (847 ± 39 μmol/L, mean ± SEM) in comparison to patients with viral cirrhosis (653 ± 41) and to controls (758 ± 26) (p < 0.005). In cirrhotic patients, TRAP did not change in the post-absorptive state. In controls, TRAP decreased progressively, to a value of 719 ± 21 (p < 0.02), and the AUC of the Δ- values of TRAP and of plasma insulin showed an inverse correlation (r = - 0.52, p < 0.05). Conclusions: In normal subjects, but not in cirrhotics, TRAP decreases in the post-absorptive state, probably in relationship with the activation of metabolic pathways.