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Updated: Mar 23, 2026
06:28
Immunofluorescence to Monitor the Cellular Uptake of Human Lactoferrin and its Associated Antiviral Activity Against the Hepatitis C Virus
Published on: October 1, 2015
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[EFFECTS OF URSODEOXYCHOLIC ACID IN STANDART INTERFERONTHERAPY OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C AND B]
Summary
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) improves standard antiviral therapy (SAT) for chronic hepatitis B and C. UDCA helps normalize liver enzymes faster and reduces side effects like cholestasis and hematologic issues.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis B and C are significant global health concerns.
- Standard antiviral therapy (SAT) involves peg-interferon and ribavirin.
- Assessing adjunct therapies to improve SAT efficacy and tolerability is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) as an add-on to standard antiviral therapy (SAT) for chronic hepatitis B and C.
- To assess UDCA's impact on liver enzyme normalization, cholestasis, and treatment-related side effects.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 580 patients with chronic viral hepatitis (B, C, B+C, B+D).
- Patients received either SAT alone or SAT plus UDCA for at least 6 months.
- Biochemical markers (ALT, AST, bilirubin, GGT, ALP) and blood counts were monitored throughout the 48-week treatment period.
Main Results:
- UDCA group showed faster normalization of ALT and AST levels (by week 12) compared to the SAT-only group.
- Cholestasis and elevated bilirubin levels were significantly reduced in the UDCA group by week 12 and 24.
- Fewer hematologic side effects, including anemia and decreased platelet counts, were observed in patients receiving UDCA.
Conclusions:
- UDCA enhances the efficacy of SAT for chronic hepatitis B and C by accelerating biochemical responses.
- UDCA improves the management of cholestasis during antiviral treatment.
- Adding UDCA to SAT reduces the frequency and severity of hematologic adverse events associated with peg-interferon and ribavirin therapy.
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