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Alpha-tocopherol [corrected] and ascorbic acid attenuates the ribavirin [corrected] induced decrease of
Keisuke Hino1, Yasuko Murakami, Ayako Nagai
1Department of Laboratory Sciences, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan. k.hino@yamaguchi-u.ac.jp
Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
|July 29, 2006
Summary
Supplementing alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid (vitamins) attenuated the decrease in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in red blood cell membranes during hepatitis C treatment. This vitamin intervention helped mitigate anemia linked to ribavirin therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hepatology
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Ribavirin-induced anemia in chronic hepatitis C patients is linked to erythrocyte membrane oxidative damage.
- Understanding erythrocyte membrane fatty acid changes during combination therapy is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid supplementation on erythrocyte membrane fatty acid composition.
- To assess vitamin impact on anemia during interferon and ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C.
Main Methods:
- 32 chronic hepatitis C patients received interferon and ribavirin, randomized to vitamin supplementation or control.
- Erythrocyte membrane phospholipid fatty acid composition was analyzed using gas chromatography at multiple time points.
- Hemoglobin levels and ribavirin concentrations were monitored throughout the 26-week therapy.
Main Results:
- Vitamin supplementation did not prevent ribavirin-induced anemia but attenuated the decrease of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
- EPA significantly decreased in control patients during therapy, correlating with hemoglobin drop.
- Ribavirin concentration correlated with reduced hemoglobin in controls, but not in the vitamin group.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid supplementation mitigate the reduction of EPA in erythrocyte membranes.
- Vitamins may offer a protective effect against specific erythrocyte membrane alterations during combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C.