Research & Treatment News
June 29, 2010
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Although not yet permitted for screening the general population, the first FDA-approved, Hepatitis C-detecting, rapid blood test will be used for those at risk or already demonstrating symptoms of viral hepatitis.
FDA Approves Rapid Test for Antibodies to Hepatitis C Virus
SILVER SPRING, Md., June 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced approval of the first rapid blood test for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) for individuals 15 years and older.
The OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test is used to test individuals who are at risk for infection with HCV and people with signs or symptoms of hepatitis. HCV is transmitted through exposure to infected blood, which, for example, can occur during intravenous drug use. The virus can also be transferred from an infected mother to her child. Hepatitis C can lead to liver inflammation and dysfunction and, over time, to liver disease and liver cancer.
OraQuick is a test strip and does not require an instrument for diagnosis. It takes about 20 minutes to obtain results from the test.
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http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fda-approves-rapid-test-for-antibodies-to-hepatitis-c-virus-97162349.html
Posted by Editors at 12:08 PM --- Printer-friendly version
June 21, 2010
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Data from a Phase III trial examining telaprevir's safety and efficacy for Hepatitis C has just been released - and it is great news!
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
One of the most promising drugs in development continues to prove itself as the leading contender for improving Hepatitis C antiviral treatment. Currently in Phase III clinical trials, Vertex's telaprevir is in the last stage before obtaining FDA approval. The likelihood of telaprevir becoming widely available soon has just grown since Vertex's recent announcement that telaprevir plus the current standard of treatment substantially increases Hepatitis C treatment's success rate.
Consisting of pegylated interferon and ribavirin, the currently approved Hepatitis C antiviral treatment is only about 50 percent effective for those with the most common genotype in America - Hepatitis C genotype 1. With an estimated four to five million Americans at risk of advanced liver disease because of chronic infection with the Hepatitis C virus, a 50 percent success rate is far too low. Also referred to as combination therapy, experts have been predicting for a while that pegylated interferon and ribavirin need a third medication to increase the chance for curing Hepatitis C.
Telaprevir's readiness for the Hepatitis C market is currently being evaluated by three Phase III trials, one of which is known as the ADVANCE study. The specifics of the three studies differ slightly from one another. The three Phase III trials designed to test telaprevir, include:
1. ADVANCE - In October 2008, Vertex completed enrollment in ADVANCE, the first Phase III clinical trial of telaprevir. ADVANCE is evaluating 24-week telaprevir-based treatment regimens in those with Hepatitis C genotype 1 who have never attempted treatment before. These individuals are known as treatment naïve.
2. ILLUMINATE - In January 2009, Vertex completed enrollment in ILLUMINATE. This trial is evaluating 24-week and 48-week telaprevir-based regimens in those with Hepatitis C genotype 1 who are treatment naïve.
3. REALIZE - In February 2009, Vertex and its collaborator, Tibotec, completed enrollment in REALIZE. This trial is evaluating telaprevir-based treatment regimens for those with Hepatitis C genotype 1 who were previously unsuccessful with pegylated-interferon and ribavirin. These individuals are also known as previous non-responders.
For the purpose of defining what successful Hepatitis C treatment entails, investigators and clinicians use a sustained viral response (SVR) as their determination of success. SVR is considered to be attained if zero Hepatitis C genetic material is detectable immediately following the end of treatment and 24 weeks after the end of treatment.
During the last week of May 2010, Vertex announced results from ADVANCE. The announcement included:
· After 12 weeks of dosing with telaprevir, pegylated interferon and ribavirin was followed by another 12 weeks of just pegylated interferon and ribavirin, 75 percent of treatment naïve patients with Hepatitis C genotype 1 achieved SVR.
· After just 8 weeks of dosing with telaprevir, pegylated interferon and ribavirin was followed by another 16 weeks of just pegylated interferon and ribavirin, 69 percent of treatment naïve patients with Hepatitis C genotype 1 achieved SVR.
· After 48 weeks of treatment with the currently approved regimen of pegylated-interferon and ribavirin, 44 percent of treatment naïve patients with Hepatitis C genotype 1 achieved SVR. As this is the currently recommended medication combination and time frame used to treat Hepatitis C, this was the control group.
Since the addition of telaprevir to the current standard Hepatitis C treatment yields far better results in about half the time, many currently infected people are eagerly anticipating this treatment being available to the public. According to Ira Jacobson, MD, Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medical College and an Investigator for the ADVANCE trial, "The ADVANCE results confirm findings seen in earlier trials of telaprevir and highlight that telaprevir-based combination regimens may increase viral eradication rates and shorten treatment time for many patients."
With such good news coming from the ADVANCE trial, Vertex has indicated that it expects to request FDA approval for telaprevir in the second half of 2010. That means that the long wait for an improved Hepatitis C treatment could finally be right around the corner.
References:
http://www.vrtx.com/current-projects/drug-candidates/telaprevir-VX-950.html, Telaprevir (TX-950), Retrieved June 19, 2010, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, 2010.
http://www.bioworld.com/servlet/com.accumedia.web.Dispatcher?next=bioWorldHeadlines_article&forceid=54657, First Phase III Data on Vertex's Telaprevir: 75% HCV Viral Cure, Trista Morrison, Retrieved June 18, 2010, BioWorld, 2010.
http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/2010/0608_2010_a.html, 75% of Treatment-naive Genotype 1 Hepatitis C Patients Achieve Sustained Response with Telaprevir Combination, Most with 24 Weeks of Therapy, Retrieved June 18, 2010, hivandhepatitis.com, June 2010.
http://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/news/20100526/hepatitis-c-drug-telaprevir-ups-cure-rate?ecd=wnl_hep_061710, Hepatitis C Drug Telaprevir Raises Cure Rate, Daniel J. DeNoon, Retrieved June 18, 2010, WebMD, LLC, 2010.
Posted by Editors at 10:48 AM --- Printer-friendly version
June 18, 2010
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New research has identified a genetic variation associated with a poor response to Hepatitis C treatment. Of potentially great clinical significance, this variation is completely different from Hepatitis C genotype.
Success of Hepatitis C Drugs May Depend on Gene Variant
Researchers hope to identify patients for whom treatment will be ineffective
SATURDAY, June 12 (HealthDay News) -- A genetic variant associated with poor response to treatment for hepatitis C infection has been identified by scientists.
The researchers analyzed the DNA of 1,362 hepatitis C patients and pinpointed the variant in those who failed to respond to treatment.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/640051.html
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June 15, 2010
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For those with Hepatitis C, differentiate between fact and fiction before deciding whether or not to soak in a hot tub.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Most of us consider sitting in a hot tub to be a relaxing, luxurious non-activity. Others think of public hot tubs as cauldrons that breed contagious diseases. Such preconceptions can either encourage or discourage soaking in a hot tub. This is especially true for individuals with Hepatitis C, who already have a known infectious, contagious disease and whom could greatly benefit from some rest and relaxation. By being aware of both the pluses and minuses of hot tubs, people with the Hepatitis C virus can make an educated decision about if, when and how long to take a soak.
To help those with Hepatitis C wade through the myths and truths about going in a hot tub, four common concerns are addressed below:
1. Hot Tubs and Hepatitis C Transmission - Because Hepatitis C is transmitted from blood-to-blood contact, there is virtually no risk of transmission from sharing a hot tub with an infected person. In order for there to be any chance of contracting Hepatitis C in a hot tub, both the infected person and the non-infected person sharing the hot tub would have to be physically touching and have open, bleeding wounds in order to allow for the possibility of transmission. To date, no cases of Hepatitis C have ever been traced to hot tub transmission. As a precautionary measure, anyone with Hepatitis C should not share a soak in a hot tub if they have an open wound. From a grander perspective, it is safest to skip your soak if you see anyone in a communal hot tub with a bleeding or otherwise open wound.
2. Hot Tubs for Myalgias - The fancy word for muscle pain, myalgia is one of the most common problems associated with Hepatitis C antiviral treatment. A documented side effect of interferon, myalgias seem to be related to the systemic inflammation and dehydration brought about by therapy. For those coping with muscle pain, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) may relieve the discomfort. However, soaking in a hot tub is a good, non-pharmaceutical solution to myalgias. Many hepatologists will suggest relaxing in a hot bath or hot tub to ease this common treatment side effect.
3. Hot Tubs and Drug Sensitivity - Although hot tubs can help some people on Hepatitis C therapy, they can be too irritating for others. The skin irritation some experience is primarily because the drugs that comprise antiviral treatment can make the skin overly sensitive to the heat and the chemicals used to keep a hot tub clean.
Besides the skin being sensitive, people on Hepatitis C treatment are susceptible to becoming lightheaded or dizzy in hot temperatures. Experts believe this is due to dehydration, a frequent consequence of Hepatitis C medications.
To reduce skin sensitivity, keep your injection site out of the water or cover it up so the chemicals (usually chlorine or bromine) from the hot tub cause less irritation. This is also a good infection control practice. Check that the hot tub has not just been shocked and that the chemical levels are within normal range. If extreme heat is irritating to your skin or making you feel woozy, have the temperature lowered and limit your soaking time. In addition, make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
4. Hot Tubs for Stress Relief - Although scientific proof is still catching up with what practitioners now understand to be a fact, relieving stress reduces Hepatitis C flare-ups and disease progression. The earliest spa enthusiasts (Romans, Japanese and Chinese) were able to appreciate the health benefits of using hot water to relax the body and generally promote better health. Because immersing the body in warm water relaxes muscles, dilates blood vessels and soothes emotional tension, most of us could benefit from soaking in a hot tub. These very real benefits can be especially appreciated by someone dealing with the physical and emotional stressors of managing the Hepatitis C virus.
Don't allow worries about Hepatitis C interfere with a desire to immerse your body in a hot tub. This virus is not transmitted in a hot tub (under usual circumstances) and soaking could improve certain treatment side effects. Although hot tubs could exacerbate some Hepatitis C sensitivities (which can be minimized by monitoring chemicals, temperature, time and hydration), there is little doubt that relaxing in a hot tub is a great way to relieve stress. And with all of the stress, pressure and medical complexities involved with a Hepatitis C diagnosis, those infected are entitled to a little "R and R."
Editor's Note: Always consult with your physician about the safety of new health care regimen - including soaking in a hot tub.
References:
http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/5-26-2006-97407.asp, Spas and Hot Tubs: Relaxing Your Way to a Better Health, Retrieved May 27, 2010, buzzle.com, 2010.
http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/vahep?page=prtop04-cs-01, Interferon and Ribavirin Treatment Side Effects, Retrieved May 25, 2010, United States Department of Veteran Affairs, 2010.
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hepc/faq-eng.php#a7, Frequently Asked Questions About Hepatitis C, Retrieved May 25, 2010, Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010.
http://www.spadepot.com/spacyclopedia/hot-tub-sanitizer-comparison.htm, Hot Tub Sanitizer Comparison Chart, Retrieved May 27, 2010, The Spa Depot, 2010.
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June 9, 2010
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Could insulin resistance be getting in the way of your Hepatitis C treatment? To manage this possible complication, discover why many experts advise prescribing medications to manage insulin resistance in an effort to improve Hepatitis C treatment outcomes.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Occurring in up to half of American adults, insulin resistance describes when the body can't properly use insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Unfortunate for those affected, research has consistently shown that those with Hepatitis C infection and insulin resistance are more likely to suffer from liver disease progression. Thus, scientists around the globe have been focusing on how to improve the therapeutic outcome of those with insulin resistance who are battling the Hepatitis C virus.
In their search for a common denominator uniting the growing prevalence of obesity, fatty liver disease, congestive heart failure, high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure and diabetes mellitus, health officials agree that insulin resistance appears to fit the profile. Generalized descriptions of the events that lead to insulin resistance are described below:
· Released by the pancreas, insulin is dispersed into the bloodstream in response to elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels.
· By pushing glucose out of the bloodstream and into the body's cells, insulin keeps blood glucose levels from becoming too elevated and allows cells to convert glucose into energy.
· Insulin-resistant cells do not allow for the proper conversion of glucose into energy, resulting in fatigue.
· This resistance to insulin does not permit glucose to enter the cells but, rather, causes it to accumulate in the blood.
· In an attempt to reduce the glucose levels in the blood, the body signals the pancreas to produce and release even more insulin.
· The cycle of insulin-resistant cells causes even more insulin to be released, resulting in high blood insulin levels, which could potentially develop into Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Several studies have shown that people with chronic Hepatitis C are more likely to have insulin resistance or diabetes than those without Hepatitis C. In addition, insulin resistance is associated with a poorer response to interferon-based therapy. To manage this complication, many experts advise prescribing medications to manage insulin resistance in an effort to improve Hepatitis C treatment outcomes.
As revealed at the 2008 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Meeting and published in the August 2009 edition of Hepatology, Spanish researchers found that metformin improved virologic response when added to Hepatitis C interferon-ribavirin therapy in those with insulin resistance. Also known by one of its brand names Glucophage, metformin is an oral medication that helps lower blood sugar in three ways:
1. It lowers the amount of glucose absorbed from food.
2. It lowers the amount of glucose produced by the liver.
3. It increases the body's response to insulin.
Led by Manuel Romero-Gomez, MD, of Valme University Hospital in Seville, 123 patients with genotype 1 Hepatitis C and insulin resistance [homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA) greater than 2] received standard peginterferon-alpha-2a/ribavirin antiviral therapy plus metformin or matching placebo. After six months, the following was determined:
· 67.4 percent of the metformin group had sustained virologic response compared with 49.1 percent of the placebo group
· 57.7 percent of women in the metformin group had sustained virologic response compared with 28.6 percent of women in the placebo group
While the participants who received triple drug therapy (metformin + pegylated interferon + ribavirin) had a better outcome than those without metformin, women had a more dramatic reduction in their viral levels than men.
Adding metformin to antiviral combination therapy may not be the solution for everyone with insulin resistance and Hepatitis C infection. However, Romero-Gomez's research further confirms that taking steps toward maintaining healthy blood sugar levels hinders liver disease progression and increases the likelihood of beating the Hepatitis C virus.
References:
http://www.healthrenewal.org/nhrblog/?p=67, Over 50% of Americans Have Insulin Resistance - Do You?, Dr. Patrick Nemecheck, Retrieved November 28, 2009, healthrenewal.org, 2009.
http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/2008icr/aasld/docs/112108_a.html, Therapies to Manage Insulin Resistance Improve Response to Interferon-based Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients, Liz Highleyman, Retrieved November 28, 2009, hivandhepatitis.com, 2009.
http://www.liversupport.com/wordpress/2007/08/the-natural-supplement-for-metabolic-health/, The Natural Supplement for Metabolic Health, Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., Retreived November 28, 2009, Natural Wellness, 2009.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Gastroenterology/Hepatitis/3450, Fat Gets in the Way of Hepatitis C Therapy, Neil Osterweil, Retrieved November 24, 2009, MedPage Today, LLC, 2009.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/AASLD/11662, AASLD: Metformin Effective Add-On in HCV Treatment, Charles Bankhead, Retrieved November 24, 2009, MedPage Today, LLC, 2009.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19845037, Treatment of insulin resistance with metformin in naïve genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C patients receiving peginterferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin, Romero-Gomez M, et al, Retrieved November 25, 2009, Hepatology, August 2009.
Posted by Editors at 10:15 AM --- Printer-friendly version
June 2, 2010
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People living with Hepatitis C are usually careful to avoid placing any unnecessary toxin burdens on their liver. However, many of us harbor a hidden load of potential toxins inside our mouths - in the form of dental amalgam fillings.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Very few people can claim to have a full set of teeth untouched by cavities. After the offending tooth decay is cleared by a dentist, a majority of us have at least a couple of dental amalgam fillings to replace the void. Unfortunately, such fillings contain mercury, a known toxin. For those with Hepatitis C, a mouth full of dental amalgams could be placing an additional - and perhaps dangerously high - toxin load on their liver.
Hepatitis C and Toxins
As one of the most prevalent causes of chronic liver disease, Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver. While about half of those infected with Hepatitis C can be helped with a combination of drugs, the other half must work to prevent the progression of this illness.
The liver is the primary organ involved in detoxification of the blood. Consequently, all ingested, absorbed or inhaled toxins must make their way through the liver for proper elimination. Unfortunately, a liver defending itself against Hepatitis C has a diminished detox capacity. In this instance, greater amounts of toxins circulate in the bloodstream waiting for purification, giving the poisons more time to damage liver tissue. Thus, one of the main goals for managing chronic Hepatitis C is minimizing exposure and vulnerability to toxic substances.
To reduce their liver's vulnerability to toxins, many with Hepatitis C choose to supplement with milk thistle. For centuries, this herb has been used medicinally to help a range of liver problems. When it comes to reducing the liver's susceptibility to damage from toxins, milk thistle has a unique characteristic of strengthening liver cell walls. This fortification of its cells enhances the liver's ability to defend against anything that threatens to cause damage.
Dental Amalgam
Used for more than 150 years in hundreds of millions of patients, dental amalgam is a material used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay. Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals, consisting of liquid mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin and copper. Although approximately 50 percent of dental amalgam is elemental mercury by weight, its strength and relatively low price still makes it a popular choice for filling cavities - regardless of whether or not the recipient has Hepatitis C.
Mercury Debate
Elemental mercury is known to release a mercury vapor that is toxic. However, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) claim that the amount of mercury measured in the bodies of people with dental amalgam fillings is well below levels associated with adverse health effects. A substantial number of healthcare practitioners across the globe disagree. Regardless of how much or how long it takes for mercury vapor to be officially deemed as dangerous, there is little doubt that those with decreased liver capacity from chronic Hepatitis C are at a greater risk of its toxicity.
Tom McGuire, DDS, a holistic dentist in Santa Rosa, CA and an expert on mercury-free dentistry, compares the body's slow accumulation of heavy metals to the damage done by smoking. A person isn't going to get lung cancer from the first cigarette, he says, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't worry about the long-term health risks of smoking.
"Sadly, most people don't realize they are being poisoned by heavy metals until they have already affected their health," claims McGuire. "Next to plutonium, mercury is the most toxic, naturally occurring substance on the planet. Even one atom of it in the body is going to do some harm. Chewing, drinking hot liquids and grinding the teeth all release mercury vapor."
Mercury Toxicity
To confound matters even further, mercury toxicity can masquerade as a host of other ailments, so it may fly under the radar of conventional healthcare practitioners. According to Liz Lipski, PhD, an expert in dietary detox and author of Digestive Wellness (McGraw-Hill, 1999), "Most physicians don't think to look at heavy metals as an underlying cause of disease. It's just not in their training."
Exposure to high levels of mercury may permanently damage the liver, brain, kidneys and a developing fetus. Some of the purported signs of mercury toxicity include irritability, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, memory problems, lung disorders, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, irritability, mood swings, tremors, autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, increases in blood pressure or heart rate and skin rashes. In addition, mercury competes for space in red blood cells with oxygen so it commonly leads to fatigue. The severity and scope of these ailments cover such vast ground that mercury toxicity can easily be mistaken for any number of other health problems.
Amalgam Removal
Scientists are just beginning to investigate and understand how chronic, low-level exposure to mercury vapors may contribute to chronic illnesses. Since those with liver damage from Hepatitis C may be more vulnerable to mercury, some health advocates advise protecting oneself as best as possible. For some individuals, having their dental amalgams removed may be worth considering. However, the process of removing amalgams in and of itself is known to release considerably more mercury vapors than intact fillings that are left alone. Therefore, if you choose to have your fillings replaced with a non-mercury material, make certain that your dentist follows stringent safety protocol to reduce mercury exposure.
The jury is still out on the apparent safety and toxicity of dental amalgam fillings. Regardless, many individuals choose to remove the mercury inhabiting their teeth. Supplementing with milk thistle to shield the liver from toxin exposure is another sound, toxin prevention strategy. Being aware of substances that could put a damaged liver in jeopardy is intended to help those with Hepatitis C make informed choices. The good news is that those choices typically line the path leading to optimal liver health.
References:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts46.html#bookmark02, ToxFAQs for Mercury, Retrieved November 17, 2009, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2009.
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/heavy-metals-and-your-health.html?&page=7, Heavy-Metal Toxicity: 16 Ways to Limit Your Exposure, Retrieved November 17, 2009, Experience Life, care2.com, 2009.
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DentalProducts/DentalAmalgam/ucm171094.htm, About Dental Amalgam Fillings, Retrieved November 19, 2009, US Food and Drug Administration, 2009.
Posted by Editors at 9:53 AM --- Printer-friendly version
June 1, 2010
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For those who are not able to conquer the Hepatitis C virus with combination therapy, discover three holistic approaches that can help improve your treatment odds and/or stave off liver damage.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
The livers of an estimated four to five million Americans are infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Although the scientific community has made great strides in understanding and treating HCV, the current standard of treatment only has a 50 percent success rate. That statistic leaves a lot of people fighting this disease on their own - searching for ways to make HCV treatment more effective and to prevent their liver function from deteriorating.
Besides instituting lifestyle changes that prolong liver health, three of the most sought after approaches for helping the liver fend off damage from Hepatitis C fall under the domain of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). There are a seemingly infinite number of CAM choices claiming to aid the liver. However, only a few are consistently reported to improve HCV treatment success, relieve symptoms and stall the progression of liver damage.
According to Paul Martin, MD, FACP, chief of the division of hepatology and professor of medicine at the University of Miami, "Western medicine does not have all the answers. Patients who have been treated in the past [for Hepatitis C] and failed to respond are interested in exploring various therapeutic options."
Published in The Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology in 2007, researchers interviewed people infected with chronic HCV to determine the most prevalent strategies for managing their liver disease. Accounting for nearly half of interviewed subjects, the researchers concluded that the use of CAM in chronic HCV patients is significant. In nearly every similar type of investigation, milk thistle supplementation is determined to be the most common CAM therapy for Hepatitis C.
In addition to milk thistle, supplementing with N-Acetyl Cysteine and using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) rank among the top strategies for defending against the Hepatitis C virus.
1. Milk Thistle - By far the most popular herbal remedy for Hepatitis C, milk thistle also has the most scientific studies to back up its use. Demonstrating high levels of safety with few reported side effects, studies on milk thistle have claimed that it can:
· Reduce liver inflammation
· Exert an antiviral effect against HCV
· Stimulate the growth of liver cells
· Protect against damage to liver cells
· Reduce the severity of HCV treatment side effects
Various clinical trials have shown that milk thistle in the form of silybin phytosome (like Maximum Milk Thistle or UltraThistle) has a higher rate of absorption and, thus, is more effective at protecting the liver.
2. N-Acetyl Cysteine - An amino acid that rapidly metabolizes to glutathione, N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is considered to be an extreme antioxidant. Produced in the liver, glutathione is used by virtually every cell of the body to neutralize toxins. It is even administered by physicians during an acetaminophen overdose to prevent the fatal destruction of liver cells. Research from Europe exemplifies why NAC is so valuable to people with Hepatitis C:
· After measuring levels of glutathione in the liver, blood and lymphocytes of patients with chronic HCV, Italian researchers found that the less glutathione present, the more severe their liver disease was.
· By studying people with hepatitis, scientists from Pamplona, Spain suggested that replenishing glutathione levels improves their response to interferon treatment.
3. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - Originating in China over 2000 years ago, TCM is an entire system of healthcare that combines many modalities - like nutrition, acupuncture, heat therapies (such as moxibustion), exercise, massage, meditation and herbal medicine.
Due to its long history of treating liver disorders, many people with HCV turn to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Utilized by trained practitioners, protocols have been developed over the past decade that successfully help HCV-infected people decrease symptoms, normalize or lower liver enzyme levels and slow down the progression of liver disease.
Because of the need for improved solutions, pharmaceutical companies have prioritized Hepatitis C drug research and development. Their commitment to finding a cure for HCV means that therapies with success rates exceeding 50 percent are just around the corner. In the meantime, many with Hepatitis C use complementary and alternative medicine to keep the virus at bay. Between milk thistle, N-Acetyl Cysteine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, many sufferers are able to keep their remaining liver cells as healthy as possible - so that when a cure for Hepatitis C is available, they will be ready and waiting.
References:
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/healthconditionsdisease/a/hepatitis_c.htm, Is There a Natural Hepatitis C Cure?, Cathy Wong, Retrieved March 23, 2010, About.com, 2010.
http://www.amfoundation.org/tcm.htm#A%20BRIEF%20HISTORY%20OF%20TCM, Chinese Traditional Medicine, Retrieved March 26, 2010, Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc, 2010.
http://www.docmisha.com/applying/hepatitisc/hepatitisc.htm, Hepatitis C Help, Retrieved March 25, 2010, Misha Cohen, OMD, L.Ac., 2010.
http://www.liversociety.org/html/hepatitis_c_and_complementary_.html, Hepatitis C and Complementary and Alternative Medicine: 2003 Update, Retrieved March 25, 2010, National Institutes of Health, 2010.
http://www.liversupport.com/wordpress/2008/05/n-acetyl-cysteine-is-a-liver%E2%80%99s-ally/, N-Acetyl Cysteine is a Liver's Ally, Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., MTCM, Retrieved March 25, 2010, Natural Wellness, 2010.
http://www.pulsus.com/journals/abstract.jsp?jnlKy=2&atlKy=7494&isuKy=737&isArt=t&HCtype=Consumer, Complementary and alternative medicine use by patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus, CP White, Retrieved March 25, 2010, The Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology, September 2007.
http://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/features/hepatitis-c-alternative-treatments?ecd=wnl_hep_031810, Hepatitis C Alternative Treatments, Stephanie Watson, Retrieved March 23, 2010, WebMD, LLC, 2010.
Posted by Editors at 4:08 PM --- Printer-friendly version
