Serum selenium concentration in patients with Wilson's disease.

Background/aims: Wilson's disease is a genetically determined disorder of copper metabolism in the liver. Due to the toxic accumulation of this trace element, body organs are damaged by free radical generation, lipid peroxidase and inhibition of synthesis of some proteins. Behavior of anti-oxidative factors in Wilson's disease has not been completely evaluated yet.

Serum selenium levels in alcoholic liver disease.

Background: The pathomechanism of liver damage in chronic alcoholic liver disease has not been fully elucidated yet. It seems undoubted that one of the mechanisms of alcohol-induced liver damage involves free radical reactions leading to peroxidation of proteins and lipids. The most important defense mechanisms are associated with the activity of antioxidative enzymes, among which glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), belonging to so-called 'free radical scavengers' should be mentioned.

Results of treatment of Wilson's disease--own observations.

Background: Causative treatment of genetically determined Wilson's disease (WD) has been impossible so far, although gene therapy could be real in the future. Nowadays the principle of treatment is the elimination of the excess of easily mobilized copper, bound by chelating agents, the most important of which is d-penicillamine, through the kidneys. Blocking of the intestinal absorption of copper by administration of zinc preparations, which additionally induce hepatic metallothionein synthesis, is also possible.

Treatment of Wilson's disease.

On the basis of literature review and own experience we presented the method of treatment of Wilson's disease. Causative treatment has been impossible so far, although gene therapy could be real in the future. Nowadays the principle of treatment is the elimination of the excess of easily mobilized copper by chelating agents or blocking the intestinal absorption of copper.