The effects of a Chinese medicinal suppository (Vitalliver) on insulin‐like growth factor 1 and homocysteine in patients with hepatitis B infection

The liver is the major organ for the metabolism of homocysteine (Hcy) and production of insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1). Hcy metabolism and IGF‐1 synthesis may be impaired in chronic liver diseases. The study investigated the regulatory effect of a Chinese herbal suppository, Vitalliver, on Hcy and IGF‐1, as well as their relationship in patients with hepatitis B infection. Forty patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection without cirrhosis, 25 males and 15 females, were observed for changes in Hcy and IGF‐1 after the administration of Vitalliver (one nightly) for a period of 3 months. Serum levels of Hcy, IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 were measured at baseline, and at 1 month and 3 months after treatment. Vitalliver reduced Hcy levels significantly ( p = 0.001) from 9.7 ± 2.8 to 9.0 ± 2.1 µmol/L after treatment of 3 months. Furthermore, the IGF‐1 levels increased significantly ( p < 0.001) from 170.2 ± 81.8 to 212.8 ± 80.9 ng/mL at 1 month and 187.5 ± 72.3 ng/mL at 3 months ( p = 0.001) after treatment. In conclusion, it is speculated Vitalliver may have a self‐regulatory effect on the release of IGF‐1 in HBV patients without liver cirrhosis. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.