To estalish bio-indices for detection of the development of multistep hepatotumorigenesis, rats were fed water containing 0.01% diethylnitrosamine (DEN) ad libitum for 13-14 weeks. Hepatocellular carcinoma was developed by treatment with DEN, DEN only...
To estalish bio-indices for detection of the development of multistep hepatotumorigenesis, rats were fed water containing 0.01% diethylnitrosamine (DEN) ad libitum for 13-14 weeks. Hepatocellular carcinoma was developed by treatment with DEN, DEN only was able to induce hepatic tumors in rats without any other cocarcinogen. Compared to control group, liver cytosol protein concentration in all treated grous was significantly decreased (p<0.05). From week to week, $20{\alpha}$-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase ($20{\alpha}$-HSD) activity was increased and the highest activity was observed on the 12th week (p<0.05). In addition, the urine biopterin concentration was also significantly increased compared to control groups (p<0.05) in a time course manner. These results indicated that $20{\alpha}$-HSD activity, urine biopterin and liver cytosol protein concentration might be very useful maker to hepatic tumorigenesis.