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Antioxidant levels in peripheral blood, disease activity and fibrotic stage in chronic hepatitis C
Author(s) -
Bandara Priyanka,
George Jacob,
McCaughan Geoffrey,
Naidoo Daya,
Lux Ora,
Salonikas Chris,
Kench James,
Byth Karen,
Farrell Geoffrey C
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
liver international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.873
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1478-3231
pISSN - 1478-3223
DOI - 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2005.01049.x
Subject(s) - glutathione , medicine , fibrosis , vitamin e , antioxidant , gastroenterology , liver biopsy , vitamin c , vitamin , inflammation , liver disease , endocrinology , biopsy , biology , biochemistry , enzyme
Background: This study addressed the suggested association between levels of the antioxidants glutathione (GSH), vitamin C and vitamin E in peripheral blood and the histological activity and fibrosis stage in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). We then determined whether regular antioxidant supplementation influenced these antioxidant levels or disease severity. Methods: Clinical, biochemical, histological and demographic data were collected from 247 CHC patients at the time of liver biopsy. Whole blood total GSH, plasma vitamin C and E were assessed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Statistical analyses were performed to test for associations between the variables and to identify independent predictors for hepatic necroinflammatory and fibrosis scores. Results: GSH and vitamin C, but not vitamin E correlated with both portal/periportal activity ( r =−0.19, P =0.004; r =−0.19, P =0.009 respectively) and fibrosis stage ( r =−0.18, P =0.007; r =−0.18, P =0.009 respectively). GSH was an independent negative predictor of portal/periportal inflammation ( P =0.02) and fibrosis ( P =0.01). Vitamin C was an independent negative predictor of fibrosis stage ( P =0.02). Antioxidant intake was associated with higher vitamin C ( P <0.0001) and vitamin E ( P =0.005) levels, but not GSH. Conclusions: Whole blood GSH and plasma vitamin C are negatively associated with hepatic portal/periportal inflammation and fibrosis stage in CHC. Controlled intervention studies with vitamin C and agents that boost endogenous GSH levels are warranted.