Thiols and Hepatic Coma

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Abstract
The plasma concentrations of methane and ethane thiols were determined during the course of acute [human] liver failure by a gas-chromatographic technique and a prognostic evaluation is possible using this analysis. The effects of some therapeutic measures, notably hemoperfusion, on the thiol levels were investigated. These toxins, which are to a large extent covalently protein-bound, are extremely difficult to remove in an extracorporeal liver support system. Since the cause of the pathological thiol concentrations is probably the elevated plasma methionine levels associated with severe liver disease, the most hopeful course of action against the accumulation of thiols in the body might be a preventative therapy involving the normalization of methionine at an early stage of the disease.