Effects of N-(N-P-Carboxyphenylglycyl) Aminoacetonitrile on Chronic Liver Injury

Interesting results concerning the effect of N-(N-p-carboxyphenylglycyl) aminoacetonitrile (p-CAAN) were obtained from experiments using rats at the time of recovery from chronic liver injury induced by CCl₄. Various metabolic investigations were performed. 1. Lathyrogenic action: Reduction of liver collagen was accelerated and OH-proline in urine was increased. 2. Both hepatic biosynthesis of triglyceride and its transfer from liver to blood were depressed. 3. Transfer of phospholipid from liver to blood was accelerated. 4. It is assumed that abnormalities in red-ox equilibrium of pyridine nucleotide (PN) (relative predominancy of reduced PN) is to be improved. 5. Changes in urinary α-KG and amino-N correspond with the results assumed from increase in body peptide pool containing OH-proline. Although p-CAAN has been remarked by the lathyrogenic action which is also proven from the above described experimental results, in recent years, steroidal action to depress symptoms of chronic liver diseases has been clinically highlighted. In the near future new clinical application will be expected. Interesting results concerning the effect of N-(N-p-carboxyphenylglycyl) aminoacetonitrile (p-CAAN) were obtained from experiments using rats at the recovery stage from chronic liver injury induced by CCl₄. Various metabolic investigations were performed. In consequence of lathyrogenic action of p-CAAN, reduction of liver collagen was observed to be accelerated and OH-proline in urine was increased. It was assumed that abnormalities in red-ox equilibrium of pyridine nucleotide (PN) (relative predominancy of reduced PN) is to be improved. This assumption was proven from the variation of the ratio of lactate to pyruvate, of the quantity of α-KG and amino-N in urine. Concerning the lipid metabolism, both intrahepatic biosynthesis of triglyceride and its transfer from liver to blood were depressed, and the transfer of phospholipid from liver to blood was accelerated. Moreover, free fatty acids in liver were clearly reduced and it was supposed that p-CAAN may accelerateoxidation of fatty acids. p-CAAN has been highlighted by the action as lathyrogen, accordingly, new clinical application will be developed in the near future.