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Longitudinal effects of hepatitis C virus treatment on hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction assessed by 13 C‐methionine breath test
Author(s) -
BANASCH M.,
EMMINGHAUS R.,
ELLRICHMANN M.,
SCHMIDT W. E.,
GOETZE O.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2008.03745.x
Subject(s) - ribavirin , medicine , exhalation , hepatitis c virus , gastroenterology , virus , immunology , antiviral treatment , viral load , hepatitis c , oxidative stress , chronic hepatitis , anesthesia
Summary Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is characterized by remarkable levels of oxidative stress induced by virus interactions with hepatic mitochondria. Aim To examine hepatic mitochondrial function in HCV‐infected patients assessed by a non‐invasive 13 C‐methionine breath test (MeBT) and to explore longitudinal effects of antiviral treatment. Methods Twenty‐one patients with chronic hepatitis C undergoing antiviral treatment with pegIFNα and ribavirin and 20 healthy controls were studied. MeBT was performed at baseline, week 12, end‐of‐treatment and after 24 weeks of follow‐up in all patients with early virological response ( n = 15). Results Twelve patients achieved sustained virological response (SVR); three patients relapsed for HCV‐RNA replication. Cumulative percentage 13 C‐exhalation (cPDR 1.5h ) was significantly decreased in HCV‐infected individuals compared to controls irrespective of genotype and fibrosis stage ( P < 0.001). Antiviral treatment induced a further decay in cPDR 1.5h ( P < 0.01). After treatment cessation, 13 C‐exhalation returned at least to baseline values in all patients. SVR was even associated with a mean cPDR 1.5h increase of 70% compared to baseline. Conclusions Hepatitis C virus infection and antiviral treatment synergistically impair hepatic mitochondrial function, which may return to normal after sustained virus elimination. MeBT may be a valuable diagnostic instrument for monitoring hepatic mitochondrial function in particular in patients with mitochondrial comorbidities.