Background Intractable epilepsy may be due to multidrug resistance induced by conventional antiepileptic drugs. The phenomenon is sometimes associated with an overexpression of multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR 1). T...Background Intractable epilepsy may be due to multidrug resistance induced by conventional antiepileptic drugs. The phenomenon is sometimes associated with an overexpression of multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR 1). The purpose of this study was to determine if the overexpression of MDR 1 could be induced in astrocytes from rat brains in vitro using antiepileptic drugs.Methods Astrocyte cell cultures from postnatal Wistar rats (within 24 hours of birth) were established. Different concentrations of the antiepileptic drugs phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and valproic acid were added to the cultures for 10, 20, or 30 days. The expression of P-glycoprotein (Pgp), the protein product of MDR 1, was investigated with immunocytochemistry. Results Less than 5% of normal, untreated astrocytes had detectable Pgp staining at any time point. Phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and valproic acid induced the overexpression of Pgp in astrocytes in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Significantly higher levels of Pgp staining were detected at therapeutic concentrations of certain antiepileptic drugs (20 μg/ml phenobarbital, 40 μg/ml phenobarbital, and 20 μg/ml phenytoin) on day 30. Upregulation of Pgp was detected when using higher concentrations of phenytoin, phenobarbital, and valproic acid on day 20 and when using higher concentrations of any of the four antiepileptic drugs on day 30. Conclusions Treatment with antiepileptic drugs may contribute to the overexpression in astrocytes of MDR 1 and its protein product, Pgp. The mechanism leading to MDR must be considered in patients undergoing long-term treatment with antiepileptic drugs.展开更多
Previous studies have demonstrated a strong association between carbamazepine(CBZ)-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome(SJS) and HLA-B 1502 in Han Chinese. Here, we extended the study of HLA-B 1502 susceptibility to t...Previous studies have demonstrated a strong association between carbamazepine(CBZ)-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome(SJS) and HLA-B 1502 in Han Chinese. Here, we extended the study of HLA-B 1502 susceptibility to two different antiepileptic drugs, oxcarbazepine(OXC) and phenobabital(PB). In addition, we genotyped HLA-B 1511 in a case of CBZ-induced SJS with genotype negative for HLA-B 1502. The presence of HLA-B 1502 was determined using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers(PCR-SSP). Moreover, we genotyped HLA-B 1502 in 17 cases of antiepileptic drugs(AEDs)-induced cutaneous adverse drug reactions(cADRs), in comparison with AEDs-tolerant(n=32) and normal controls(n=38) in the central region of China. The data showed that HLA-B 1502 was positive in 5 of 6 cases of AEDs-induced SJS(4 CBZ, 1 OXC and 1 PB), which was significantly more frequent than AEDs-tolerant(2/32, 18 CBZ, 6 PB and 8 OXC) and normal controls(3/38). Compared with AEDs-tolerant and normal controls, the OR for patients carrying the HLA-B 1502 with AEDs-induced SJS was 6.25(95% CI: 1.06–36.74) and 4.86(95% CI: 1.01–23.47). The sensitivity and specificity of HLA-B 1502 for prediction of AEDs-induced SJS were 71.4%. The sensitivity and specificity of HLA-B 1502 for prediction of CBZ-induced SJS were 60% and 94%. HLA-B 1502 was not found in 11 children with maculopapular exanthema(MPE)(n=9) and hypersensitivity syndrome(HSS)(n=2). However, we also found one case of CBZ-induced SJS who was negative for HLA-B 1502 but carried HLA-B 1511. It was suggested that the association between the CBZ-induced SJS and HLA-B 1502 allele in Han Chinese children can extend to other aromatic AEDs including OXC and PB related SJS. HLA-B 1511 may be a risk factor for some patients with CBZ-induced SJS negative for HLA-B 1502.展开更多
Background: It is important to choose an appropriate antiepileptic drug (AED) to manage partial epilepsy. Traditional AEDs, such as carbamazepine (CBZ) and valproate (VPA), have been proven to have good therape...Background: It is important to choose an appropriate antiepileptic drug (AED) to manage partial epilepsy. Traditional AEDs, such as carbamazepine (CBZ) and valproate (VPA), have been proven to have good therapeutic effects. However, in recent years, a variety of new AEDs have increasingly been used as first-line treatments for partial epilepsy. As the studies regarding the effectiveness of new drugs and comparisons between new AEDs and traditional AEDs are few, it is determined that these are areas in need of further research. Accordingly, this study investigated the long-term effectiveness of six AEDs used as monotherapy in patients with partial epilepsy. Methods: This is a retrospective, long-term observational study. Patients with partial epilepsy who received monotherapy with one of six AEDs, namely, CBZ, VPA, topiramate (TPM), oxcarbazepine (OXC), lamotrigine (LTG), or levetiracetam (LEV), were identified and followed up from May 2007 to October 2014, and time to first seizure after treatment, 12-month remission rate, retention rate, reasons for treatment discontinuation, and adverse effects were evaluated. Results: A total of 789 patients were enrolled. The median time of follow-up was 56.95 months. CBZ exhibited the best time to first seizure, with a median time to first seizure of 36.06 months (95% confidential interval: 30.64~4.07). CBZ exhibited the highest 12-month remission rate (85.55%), which was significantly higher than those of TPM (69.38%, P = 0.006), LTG (70.79%, P= 0.001), LEV (72.54%, P = 0.005), and VPA (73.33%, P = 0.002). CBZ, OXC, and LEV had the best retention rate, followed by LTG, TPM, and VPA. Overall, adverse effects occurred in 45.87% of patients, and the most common adverse effects were memory problems (8.09%), rashes (7.76%), abnormal hepatic function (6.24%), and drowsiness (6.24%). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that CBZ, OXC, and LEV are relatively effective in managing tbcal epilepsy as measured展开更多
BACKGROUND Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures are relatively rare injuries.They are usually associated with underlying metabolic bone disorders or systemic diseases.Long-term use of narcotics and bisphospho...BACKGROUND Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures are relatively rare injuries.They are usually associated with underlying metabolic bone disorders or systemic diseases.Long-term use of narcotics and bisphosphonates can also result in similar fracture patterns;however,association of this fracture type with longterm use of antiepileptic drugs is not very common.Only one such case has been reported in the literature.This article describes the second.CASE REPORT We report a case of simultaneous displaced bilateral femoral neck fractures in a 50-year-old epileptic patient,who had taken phenytoin for the past 3 years.The fractures were a result of low-velocity injury following a fall from the bed.The fractures were managed with a bilateral hemi-replacement arthroplasty.Oral bisphosphonates were given to improve the bone quality in the post-operative period.The patient had a good post-operative outcome,that was sustained throughout the entire follow-up period of 1 year.CONCLUSION Antiepileptic drugs should be supplemented with bisphosphonates and vitamin D to improve bone quality and prevent fractures in epileptic patients.展开更多
BACKGROUND Epilepsy impacts millions of people,with many not responding to existing treatments.Some evidence links neuroinflammatory processes to epilepsy.Statins exhibit anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properti...BACKGROUND Epilepsy impacts millions of people,with many not responding to existing treatments.Some evidence links neuroinflammatory processes to epilepsy.Statins exhibit anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties,potentially offering antiepileptic effects.AIM To evaluate the anticonvulsant effects of rosuvastatin in animal models of epilepsy.METHODS Ninety-six albino mice were divided into 16 groups.In the maximal electroshock seizure(MES)model,eight groups received intraperitoneal vehicle,carbama-zepine,rosuvastatin,or a combination.Outcomes measured included seizure protection[tonic hind limb extension(THLE)],duration of THLE,seizure duration,and mortality.In the pentylenetetrazol(PTZ)model,eight groups were pretreated with vehicle,valproate,rosuvastatin,or a combination,with outcomes measured as seizure latency,seizure duration,and mortality.RESULTS In the MES model,rosuvastatin exhibited protection against THLE in a small percentage of mice.Rosuvastatin shortens the duration of THLE in a dose-dependent manner.However,none of these were statistically significant com-pared to the control group.The combination of rosuvastatin 10 mg/kg with carbamazepine 4 mg/kg resulted in a significant reduction in seizure duration compared to the control group,better than carbamazepine alone at 4 mg/kg and 6 mg/kg.In the PTZ model,rosuvastatin alone showed no significant effects on latency,duration of seizure,or mortality.However,rosuvastatin 10 mg/kg combined with valproate 100 mg/kg significantly delayed the onset of seizures,seizure duration and mortality percentage,better than valproate alone at 100 mg/kg.CONCLUSION Rosuvastatin enhanced the anticonvulsant effects of carbamazepine and valproate.Further studies are required to explore the antiepileptic potential of rosuvastatin at various doses,durations,dosage forms,routes and models.展开更多
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by high morbidity,high recurrence,and drug resistance.Enhanced signaling through the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is intricately associated with epilepsy.Meta...Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by high morbidity,high recurrence,and drug resistance.Enhanced signaling through the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is intricately associated with epilepsy.Metabotropic glutamate receptors(mGluRs)are G protein-coupled receptors activated by glutamate and are key regulators of neuronal and synaptic plasticity.Dysregulated mGluR signaling has been associated with various neurological disorders,and numerous studies have shown a close relationship between mGluRs expression/activity and the development of epilepsy.In this review,we first introduce the three groups of mGluRs and their associated signaling pathways.Then,we detail how these receptors influence epilepsy by describing the signaling cascades triggered by their activation and their neuroprotective or detrimental roles in epileptogenesis.In addition,strategies for pharmacological manipulation of these receptors during the treatment of epilepsy in experimental studies is also summarized.We hope that this review will provide a foundation for future studies on the development of mGluR-targeted antiepileptic drugs.展开更多
Hypersensitivity syndrome reaction of antiepileptic drug (AED) can induce serious cutaneous, hematological and hepatic events. In severe cases, fulminant hepatic failure may necessitate liver transplantation, and mo...Hypersensitivity syndrome reaction of antiepileptic drug (AED) can induce serious cutaneous, hematological and hepatic events. In severe cases, fulminant hepatic failure may necessitate liver transplantation, and most patients die due to the liver failure. Severe adverse cutaneous reactions, including Steven-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and hypersensitivity syndrome, are rare but life-threatening. Its morality rate is as high as 5%-50%. Accurate early diagnosis and timely treatment may contribute to decreased morality rate. In this paper, we reported cases of hypersensitive syndrome reaction to carbamazepine (CBZ) or phenobarbital (PB) in two patients with epilepsy. Clarification of the therapeutic process and the early manifestation of epilepsy may be helpful to improve the epilepsy therapy while avoiding the potential severe adverse cutaneous reactions of AED. The two reported cases highlighted that the therapeutic process of CBZ and PB might lead to the fatal allergic reaction, which was mainly caused by the absence of epoxide-hydroxylase and the defect of hepatocytes.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Liver injury associated with antiepileptic drugs accounts for a large proportion of drug-induced liver injuries (DILI) in children. Although withdrawal of the causative agent is the only proved treatmen...BACKGROUND: Liver injury associated with antiepileptic drugs accounts for a large proportion of drug-induced liver injuries (DILI) in children. Although withdrawal of the causative agent is the only proved treatment for DILI, in some dinical situations it is not possible. Recent studies have reported promising results of using hepatoprotective drugs with antioxidant actions for the management of DILl. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of folic acid versus silymarin treatment in relation to decreasing liver enzymes in patients with DILI due to antiepileptic therapy. METHODS: This randomized, open-label, clinical trial evalu- ated 55 children with epilepsy who were on antiepileptic treat- ment and experienced DILL The children were randomized to receive either silymarin (5 mg/kg per day) or folic acid (1 mg per day) for one month and were followed up for three months. RESULTS: Liver enzymes significantly decreased in both groups. The decrease trend in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were stronger in the folic acid group compared to silymarin group (P=0.04 and P=0.007, respectively). At the end of the study patients in the folic acid group had significantly lower ALT (P=0.04), AST (P=0.02), and gamma-glntamyl transferase (GGT) (P〈0.001) levels and also higher percentage of normal ALT (30.7% vs 3.4%, P=0.009) and AST (42.3% vs 0%, P〈0.001), and GGT (23.1% vs 0%, P=0.008) values compared to the patients in the silymarin group. No rebound elevations in ALT, AST and GGT levels or adverse reactions were noted in neither of the study groups.CONCLUSION: Although both treatments were safe and effective in decreasing liver enzymes, folic acid seems to be superior to silymarin in the management of DILl.展开更多
文摘Background Intractable epilepsy may be due to multidrug resistance induced by conventional antiepileptic drugs. The phenomenon is sometimes associated with an overexpression of multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR 1). The purpose of this study was to determine if the overexpression of MDR 1 could be induced in astrocytes from rat brains in vitro using antiepileptic drugs.Methods Astrocyte cell cultures from postnatal Wistar rats (within 24 hours of birth) were established. Different concentrations of the antiepileptic drugs phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and valproic acid were added to the cultures for 10, 20, or 30 days. The expression of P-glycoprotein (Pgp), the protein product of MDR 1, was investigated with immunocytochemistry. Results Less than 5% of normal, untreated astrocytes had detectable Pgp staining at any time point. Phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and valproic acid induced the overexpression of Pgp in astrocytes in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Significantly higher levels of Pgp staining were detected at therapeutic concentrations of certain antiepileptic drugs (20 μg/ml phenobarbital, 40 μg/ml phenobarbital, and 20 μg/ml phenytoin) on day 30. Upregulation of Pgp was detected when using higher concentrations of phenytoin, phenobarbital, and valproic acid on day 20 and when using higher concentrations of any of the four antiepileptic drugs on day 30. Conclusions Treatment with antiepileptic drugs may contribute to the overexpression in astrocytes of MDR 1 and its protein product, Pgp. The mechanism leading to MDR must be considered in patients undergoing long-term treatment with antiepileptic drugs.
基金supported by a grant from Clinical Scientific Research of Wuhan Sanitary Bureau(No.WX11C26)research fund from Janssen Research Council of China(No.JRCC2011-01)
文摘Previous studies have demonstrated a strong association between carbamazepine(CBZ)-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome(SJS) and HLA-B 1502 in Han Chinese. Here, we extended the study of HLA-B 1502 susceptibility to two different antiepileptic drugs, oxcarbazepine(OXC) and phenobabital(PB). In addition, we genotyped HLA-B 1511 in a case of CBZ-induced SJS with genotype negative for HLA-B 1502. The presence of HLA-B 1502 was determined using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers(PCR-SSP). Moreover, we genotyped HLA-B 1502 in 17 cases of antiepileptic drugs(AEDs)-induced cutaneous adverse drug reactions(cADRs), in comparison with AEDs-tolerant(n=32) and normal controls(n=38) in the central region of China. The data showed that HLA-B 1502 was positive in 5 of 6 cases of AEDs-induced SJS(4 CBZ, 1 OXC and 1 PB), which was significantly more frequent than AEDs-tolerant(2/32, 18 CBZ, 6 PB and 8 OXC) and normal controls(3/38). Compared with AEDs-tolerant and normal controls, the OR for patients carrying the HLA-B 1502 with AEDs-induced SJS was 6.25(95% CI: 1.06–36.74) and 4.86(95% CI: 1.01–23.47). The sensitivity and specificity of HLA-B 1502 for prediction of AEDs-induced SJS were 71.4%. The sensitivity and specificity of HLA-B 1502 for prediction of CBZ-induced SJS were 60% and 94%. HLA-B 1502 was not found in 11 children with maculopapular exanthema(MPE)(n=9) and hypersensitivity syndrome(HSS)(n=2). However, we also found one case of CBZ-induced SJS who was negative for HLA-B 1502 but carried HLA-B 1511. It was suggested that the association between the CBZ-induced SJS and HLA-B 1502 allele in Han Chinese children can extend to other aromatic AEDs including OXC and PB related SJS. HLA-B 1511 may be a risk factor for some patients with CBZ-induced SJS negative for HLA-B 1502.
文摘Background: It is important to choose an appropriate antiepileptic drug (AED) to manage partial epilepsy. Traditional AEDs, such as carbamazepine (CBZ) and valproate (VPA), have been proven to have good therapeutic effects. However, in recent years, a variety of new AEDs have increasingly been used as first-line treatments for partial epilepsy. As the studies regarding the effectiveness of new drugs and comparisons between new AEDs and traditional AEDs are few, it is determined that these are areas in need of further research. Accordingly, this study investigated the long-term effectiveness of six AEDs used as monotherapy in patients with partial epilepsy. Methods: This is a retrospective, long-term observational study. Patients with partial epilepsy who received monotherapy with one of six AEDs, namely, CBZ, VPA, topiramate (TPM), oxcarbazepine (OXC), lamotrigine (LTG), or levetiracetam (LEV), were identified and followed up from May 2007 to October 2014, and time to first seizure after treatment, 12-month remission rate, retention rate, reasons for treatment discontinuation, and adverse effects were evaluated. Results: A total of 789 patients were enrolled. The median time of follow-up was 56.95 months. CBZ exhibited the best time to first seizure, with a median time to first seizure of 36.06 months (95% confidential interval: 30.64~4.07). CBZ exhibited the highest 12-month remission rate (85.55%), which was significantly higher than those of TPM (69.38%, P = 0.006), LTG (70.79%, P= 0.001), LEV (72.54%, P = 0.005), and VPA (73.33%, P = 0.002). CBZ, OXC, and LEV had the best retention rate, followed by LTG, TPM, and VPA. Overall, adverse effects occurred in 45.87% of patients, and the most common adverse effects were memory problems (8.09%), rashes (7.76%), abnormal hepatic function (6.24%), and drowsiness (6.24%). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that CBZ, OXC, and LEV are relatively effective in managing tbcal epilepsy as measured
文摘BACKGROUND Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures are relatively rare injuries.They are usually associated with underlying metabolic bone disorders or systemic diseases.Long-term use of narcotics and bisphosphonates can also result in similar fracture patterns;however,association of this fracture type with longterm use of antiepileptic drugs is not very common.Only one such case has been reported in the literature.This article describes the second.CASE REPORT We report a case of simultaneous displaced bilateral femoral neck fractures in a 50-year-old epileptic patient,who had taken phenytoin for the past 3 years.The fractures were a result of low-velocity injury following a fall from the bed.The fractures were managed with a bilateral hemi-replacement arthroplasty.Oral bisphosphonates were given to improve the bone quality in the post-operative period.The patient had a good post-operative outcome,that was sustained throughout the entire follow-up period of 1 year.CONCLUSION Antiepileptic drugs should be supplemented with bisphosphonates and vitamin D to improve bone quality and prevent fractures in epileptic patients.
文摘BACKGROUND Epilepsy impacts millions of people,with many not responding to existing treatments.Some evidence links neuroinflammatory processes to epilepsy.Statins exhibit anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties,potentially offering antiepileptic effects.AIM To evaluate the anticonvulsant effects of rosuvastatin in animal models of epilepsy.METHODS Ninety-six albino mice were divided into 16 groups.In the maximal electroshock seizure(MES)model,eight groups received intraperitoneal vehicle,carbama-zepine,rosuvastatin,or a combination.Outcomes measured included seizure protection[tonic hind limb extension(THLE)],duration of THLE,seizure duration,and mortality.In the pentylenetetrazol(PTZ)model,eight groups were pretreated with vehicle,valproate,rosuvastatin,or a combination,with outcomes measured as seizure latency,seizure duration,and mortality.RESULTS In the MES model,rosuvastatin exhibited protection against THLE in a small percentage of mice.Rosuvastatin shortens the duration of THLE in a dose-dependent manner.However,none of these were statistically significant com-pared to the control group.The combination of rosuvastatin 10 mg/kg with carbamazepine 4 mg/kg resulted in a significant reduction in seizure duration compared to the control group,better than carbamazepine alone at 4 mg/kg and 6 mg/kg.In the PTZ model,rosuvastatin alone showed no significant effects on latency,duration of seizure,or mortality.However,rosuvastatin 10 mg/kg combined with valproate 100 mg/kg significantly delayed the onset of seizures,seizure duration and mortality percentage,better than valproate alone at 100 mg/kg.CONCLUSION Rosuvastatin enhanced the anticonvulsant effects of carbamazepine and valproate.Further studies are required to explore the antiepileptic potential of rosuvastatin at various doses,durations,dosage forms,routes and models.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province,No.2021JJ30389(to JG)the Key Research and Development Program of Hunan Province of China,Nos.2022SK2042(to LL)and 2020SK2122(to ET)。
文摘Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by high morbidity,high recurrence,and drug resistance.Enhanced signaling through the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is intricately associated with epilepsy.Metabotropic glutamate receptors(mGluRs)are G protein-coupled receptors activated by glutamate and are key regulators of neuronal and synaptic plasticity.Dysregulated mGluR signaling has been associated with various neurological disorders,and numerous studies have shown a close relationship between mGluRs expression/activity and the development of epilepsy.In this review,we first introduce the three groups of mGluRs and their associated signaling pathways.Then,we detail how these receptors influence epilepsy by describing the signaling cascades triggered by their activation and their neuroprotective or detrimental roles in epileptogenesis.In addition,strategies for pharmacological manipulation of these receptors during the treatment of epilepsy in experimental studies is also summarized.We hope that this review will provide a foundation for future studies on the development of mGluR-targeted antiepileptic drugs.
文摘Hypersensitivity syndrome reaction of antiepileptic drug (AED) can induce serious cutaneous, hematological and hepatic events. In severe cases, fulminant hepatic failure may necessitate liver transplantation, and most patients die due to the liver failure. Severe adverse cutaneous reactions, including Steven-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and hypersensitivity syndrome, are rare but life-threatening. Its morality rate is as high as 5%-50%. Accurate early diagnosis and timely treatment may contribute to decreased morality rate. In this paper, we reported cases of hypersensitive syndrome reaction to carbamazepine (CBZ) or phenobarbital (PB) in two patients with epilepsy. Clarification of the therapeutic process and the early manifestation of epilepsy may be helpful to improve the epilepsy therapy while avoiding the potential severe adverse cutaneous reactions of AED. The two reported cases highlighted that the therapeutic process of CBZ and PB might lead to the fatal allergic reaction, which was mainly caused by the absence of epoxide-hydroxylase and the defect of hepatocytes.
基金supported by a grant from the research deputy of Tehran University of Medical Sciences
文摘BACKGROUND: Liver injury associated with antiepileptic drugs accounts for a large proportion of drug-induced liver injuries (DILI) in children. Although withdrawal of the causative agent is the only proved treatment for DILI, in some dinical situations it is not possible. Recent studies have reported promising results of using hepatoprotective drugs with antioxidant actions for the management of DILl. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of folic acid versus silymarin treatment in relation to decreasing liver enzymes in patients with DILI due to antiepileptic therapy. METHODS: This randomized, open-label, clinical trial evalu- ated 55 children with epilepsy who were on antiepileptic treat- ment and experienced DILL The children were randomized to receive either silymarin (5 mg/kg per day) or folic acid (1 mg per day) for one month and were followed up for three months. RESULTS: Liver enzymes significantly decreased in both groups. The decrease trend in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were stronger in the folic acid group compared to silymarin group (P=0.04 and P=0.007, respectively). At the end of the study patients in the folic acid group had significantly lower ALT (P=0.04), AST (P=0.02), and gamma-glntamyl transferase (GGT) (P〈0.001) levels and also higher percentage of normal ALT (30.7% vs 3.4%, P=0.009) and AST (42.3% vs 0%, P〈0.001), and GGT (23.1% vs 0%, P=0.008) values compared to the patients in the silymarin group. No rebound elevations in ALT, AST and GGT levels or adverse reactions were noted in neither of the study groups.CONCLUSION: Although both treatments were safe and effective in decreasing liver enzymes, folic acid seems to be superior to silymarin in the management of DILl.