Oxidative stress in chronic hepatitis C: a preliminary study on the protective effects of antioxidant flavonoids
Emerit, I.; Huang, C.Yang.; Serejo, F.; Filipe, P.; Fernandes, A.; Costa, A.; Freitas, J.; Baptista, A.; Carneiro de Moura, M.
Hepato-Gastroenterology 52(62): 530-536
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0172-6390 PMID: 15816472 Document Number: 592937
Background/Aims: Oxidative stress is involved in chronic hepatitis C, and efforts have-been made to influence the disease process with antioxidants. The, present study evaluates the protective, effects of a phenol-rich processed grain food with superoxide-scavenging properties (trade name antioxidant biofactor AOB).Methodology: Thirty patients participated in this placebo-controlled double-blind pilot study. AOB was taken orally by fifteen patients, for 3 mo at the recommended daily dose of 3x2 sachets, containing 3g of powder each. Another fifteen patients received a herbal extract, with practically no superoxide scavenging properties as a placebo. Oxidative stress biomarkers, aminnotransferase levels and-viral load were evaluated immediately before and after treatment.Results: AOB treatment considerably improved antioxidant defenses. Also ALT and AST decreased in 11 of the. 15 patients (-11% to -65%, mean -22%, p < 0.05). The effects of placebo were not significant. Viral load remained unchanged.Control biopsies were not done after the short interval of 3 mo. There were no adverse effects After the 3-mo treatment with AOB or placebo, 16 of the 30 patients received conventional antiviral treatment (pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin). A sustained response was observed in 5 of 9 AOB pre-treated patients six mo after discontinuation of the 12-mo antiviral therapy. The 7 patients pretreated With placebo were all, non-responders.Conclusions: These preliminary results are encouraging to conduct more extensive clinical studies combining antioxidantwithantiviral treatment in hepatitis C.