Liver function evaluation using L-[1-¹³C] phenylalanine breath test

Abstract

Recently, analysis of the expiratory component has become easier, because a analytical technique has been developed. How an exhalation component is associated with pathology of digestive disease and alimentary function was investigated and ¹³CO₂ infrared spectrophotometry devices are introduced as one of the clinical laboratory test methods. The ¹³C labeled compound breath test is beginning to be used for the diagnosis of a digestive disease, and for judgment of medical treatment effects. We performed on L-[1-¹³C] phenylalanine breath test as a liver function test. It was shown that L-[1-¹³C] phenylalanine breath test is a useful method to assist in detecting histological changes in the liver and enzymatic activity throughout the whole liver, unlike conventional liver function test.