Alterations in lipid metabolism during the development of aflatoxin B-1 induced experimental hepatocellular carcinoma

We have investigated the lipid metabolism of rats bearing hepatocellular ca rcinoma and compared changes with normal rats. Hepatocellular carcinoma was induced by a single dose of aflatoxin B-1. Plasma, liver and kidney homoge nates were analysed for levels of total cholesterol, free cholesterol, eate r cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids and activi ties of total lipase, lipoprotein lipase, lecithin:cholesterol acyl transfe rase, cholesterol ester hydrolase and cholesterol ester synthetase The amou nts of total cholesterol, free cholesterol and triglycerides were significa ntly higher and those of ester cholesterol, free fatty acids and phospholip ids significantly lower, in carcinoma bearing animals. The activities of to tal lipase, lipoprotein lipase, lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase and c holesterol ester synthetase were significantly lower and cholesterol ester hydrolase activity significantly raised. Due to these alterations in lipid metabolism, rats with hepatocellular carcinoma developed hyperlipidaemia an d this may be a useful indicator for the early detection of aflatoxin B-1-m ediated hepatocellular carcinoma. Med Sci Res 27:779-782 (C) 1999 Lippincor t Williams & Wilkins.