TreatmentUpdate78 - Vol. 7, No. 8; June 1997
Sean Hosein

To protect cells from harmful chemical reactions, the body makes antioxidant enzymes using the molecule GSH (glutathione). Researchers in Italy have been studying the effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on the liver and the body's production of GSH. According to their results, people with chronic HCV have less than normal levels of GSH and may therefore benefit from supplements designed to boost GSH levels.

Study details

Doctors enrolled 156 adult subjects, 55 of whom were infected with both HIV and HCV, 50 others who had HCV infection alone and 51 healthy subjects with neither infection. Twenty-nine females and 127 males took part. Among the HIV-infected subjects, the average CD4+ cell count was 530 cells, while for those with HCV but not HIV, the figure was 720 cells. In the healthy group, the average was 750 cells.

Results -- liver enzymes

Levels of liver enzymes in the blood are often higher than normal in people with liver damage. Subjects with HCV in this study were no exception. The average level of the liver enzyme ALT was182 units/Litre (with or without HIV). In healthy subjects ALT levels averaged about 18 U/Litre.

Results -- GSH

On average, subjects with HIV and HCV had less than normal levels of GSH in their liver, blood and T cells, as did those with HCV alone. Moreover, subjects with HCV and low levels of GSH were more likely to have:

* high levels of HCV

* extensive liver damage

The researchers think that levels of GSH in the liver could partly be responsible for the extent of liver damage caused by HCV. As well, T cells cannot function properly when their GSH levels are low. So researchers think that supplements of substances used to make GSH may be useful for people infected with HCV.

To make GSH, the body needs the amino acid cysteine, which is found in eggs and dairy products including whey protein (sold as Immunocal«). Another source of cysteine is the drug NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine) which is used in North America to treat livers damaged by high doses of Tylenol«. As a general guide, several supplement programmes for PHAs suggest 1-2 grams/day of NAC. This drug is available on prescription in liquid form and is also available in capsules from some health food stores.

REFERENCES:

1. Barbaro G, Di Lorenzo G, Soldini M, et al. Hepatic glutathione deficiency in chronic hepatitis C: quantitative evaluation in patients who are HIV positive and HIV negative and correlations with plasmatic and lymphocytic concentrations and with the activity of liver disease. American Journal of Gastroenterology 1996;91(12):2569-2573.

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