OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effects of S-Adenosyl-L-methionine(SAMe) in the treatment of cholestasis after total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

METHODSThirty SD rats were randomly divided into control group, hypercalorie group, hypercalorie adds SAMe group; sepsis group and sepsis adds SAMe group; their stages of cholestasis were compared. Sixteen patients received SAMe because of cholestasis after prolonged TPN.

RESULTSBile flow, serum levels of total bile acid and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase were elevated markedly in hypercalorie and sepsis groups. Hepatocellular fatty degeneration, dilatation of cholangiole, and bile sludge could be seen microscopically, while SAMe administration in hypercalorie adds SAMe and sepsis adds SAMe groups could increase bile flow, decrease serum total bile acid and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels. Microscopic findings were normal, no dilated cholangiole or bile sludge could be found. Cholestasis and abnormal results of liver function test were the main clinical manifestations of 16 patients before SAMe administration. Three weeks after SAMe administration, their serum levels of total bilirubin, alkaline phosphotase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, alanine aminotransferase(ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) were decreased markedly; they became normal in the 4 th week.

CONCLUSIONSAMe could prevent and treat cholestasis without discontinuation of TPN.