Aa
alcohol and interferon
So, why can't you drink if youre going through treatment? Does it make you sick? Or is it because youre doing damage to your liver
Yesterday I didn't drink enough water. I had a few beers, though its frown upon, and I woke up today with a fever a feeling really sick. I slept until 3 or 4 in the afternoon. Everything was sore and achey...
Feedback please
Yesterday I didn't drink enough water. I had a few beers, though its frown upon, and I woke up today with a fever a feeling really sick. I slept until 3 or 4 in the afternoon. Everything was sore and achey...
Feedback please
http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh27-3/232-239.htm
Hepatitis C and Alcohol
Eugene R. Schiff, M.D., and Nuri Ozden, M.D.
(this is just a brief part of the paper but describes various ways that alcohol could affect folks with HCV- While this is directed towards heavier drinker Schiff suggests that it may also apply in part to moderate drinkers. In any case it's an interesting read.......Willy)
Mechanisms of Liver Injury in Alcoholic Hepatitis C Infection
Although researchers do not fully understand how alcohol consumption accelerates liver injury in patients with HCV infection, it is likely that several factors are involved. The following mechanisms have been proposed:
Increased replication of HCV in the liver. As illustrated in figure 4, some research (although not all) has found that greater alcohol consumption is related to higher HCV RNA blood concentrations (Pessione et al. 1998). Moreover, as shown in figure 5, when people infected with HCV who drank more than 10 g of alcohol (about 5.8 drinks) per day abstained from alcohol or substantially reduced their consumption for 4 months before treatment, HCV RNA levels dropped; the decline in serum HCV RNA among subjects who drank less than or equal to 10 g of alcohol (less than one drink) per day before abstaining was not statistically significant (Cromie et al. 1996).
Mutations of the HCV virus (forming what are known as quasi–species). Alcoholics infected with HCV show greater quasi–species complexity than do nonalcoholics with HCV infection. In alcoholic HCV patients, such increased viral complexity might make it difficult for the immune system to control the mutated viruses, leading to progressive injury (Takahashi et al. 2001).
Increased programmed cell death (apoptosis) of liver cells. Apoptotic death of liver cells, which can ultimately lead to liver fibrosis, is increased by alcohol consumption in people with HCV infection (Szabo 2003).
Higher levels of inflammation and immunoregulatory proteins (specifically, interleukin, tumor necrosis factor, and interferon). In research with mice, Geissler and colleagues (1997) noted that chronic alcohol feeding in mice inhibited immune responses (specifically, responses by T–helper cells and cytotoxic T–lymphocytes) that play a pivotal role in removal of HCV from the body (i.e., HCV clearance).
Viral gene mutations.
Fatty liver. Accumulation of fat in the liver is common in patients with HCV. Examining a large group of patients with HCV infection, Serfaty and colleagues (2002) found that fibrosis progressed about twice as quickly among drinkers with steatosis as among drinkers without steatosis or nondrinkers with or without steatosis.
Accumulation of excess iron in body tissues (i.e., iron overload). Alcohol consumption increases iron stores in the liver, and iron overload seems to contribute to HCV disease progression by inducing fibrosis (Piperno et al. 1998).
Oxidative stress. Alcohol stimulates the production of reactive oxygen–containing molecules (i.e., oxygen radicals). Heavy alcohol use also depletes the body’s supply of molecules that normally defend tissues against damage caused by oxygen radicals (i.e., antioxidants). This state, known as oxidative stress, may accelerate liver damage in patients with HCV (Rigamonti et al. 2003). (For more information about how alcohol use can lead to oxidative stress and subsequent liver injury, see the article by Nanji and French in the next issue of Alcohol Research & Health, [Vol. 27, No. 4].)
Depression of the immune system by alcohol.
Hepatitis C and Alcohol
Eugene R. Schiff, M.D., and Nuri Ozden, M.D.
(this is just a brief part of the paper but describes various ways that alcohol could affect folks with HCV- While this is directed towards heavier drinker Schiff suggests that it may also apply in part to moderate drinkers. In any case it's an interesting read.......Willy)
Mechanisms of Liver Injury in Alcoholic Hepatitis C Infection
Although researchers do not fully understand how alcohol consumption accelerates liver injury in patients with HCV infection, it is likely that several factors are involved. The following mechanisms have been proposed:
Increased replication of HCV in the liver. As illustrated in figure 4, some research (although not all) has found that greater alcohol consumption is related to higher HCV RNA blood concentrations (Pessione et al. 1998). Moreover, as shown in figure 5, when people infected with HCV who drank more than 10 g of alcohol (about 5.8 drinks) per day abstained from alcohol or substantially reduced their consumption for 4 months before treatment, HCV RNA levels dropped; the decline in serum HCV RNA among subjects who drank less than or equal to 10 g of alcohol (less than one drink) per day before abstaining was not statistically significant (Cromie et al. 1996).
Mutations of the HCV virus (forming what are known as quasi–species). Alcoholics infected with HCV show greater quasi–species complexity than do nonalcoholics with HCV infection. In alcoholic HCV patients, such increased viral complexity might make it difficult for the immune system to control the mutated viruses, leading to progressive injury (Takahashi et al. 2001).
Increased programmed cell death (apoptosis) of liver cells. Apoptotic death of liver cells, which can ultimately lead to liver fibrosis, is increased by alcohol consumption in people with HCV infection (Szabo 2003).
Higher levels of inflammation and immunoregulatory proteins (specifically, interleukin, tumor necrosis factor, and interferon). In research with mice, Geissler and colleagues (1997) noted that chronic alcohol feeding in mice inhibited immune responses (specifically, responses by T–helper cells and cytotoxic T–lymphocytes) that play a pivotal role in removal of HCV from the body (i.e., HCV clearance).
Viral gene mutations.
Fatty liver. Accumulation of fat in the liver is common in patients with HCV. Examining a large group of patients with HCV infection, Serfaty and colleagues (2002) found that fibrosis progressed about twice as quickly among drinkers with steatosis as among drinkers without steatosis or nondrinkers with or without steatosis.
Accumulation of excess iron in body tissues (i.e., iron overload). Alcohol consumption increases iron stores in the liver, and iron overload seems to contribute to HCV disease progression by inducing fibrosis (Piperno et al. 1998).
Oxidative stress. Alcohol stimulates the production of reactive oxygen–containing molecules (i.e., oxygen radicals). Heavy alcohol use also depletes the body’s supply of molecules that normally defend tissues against damage caused by oxygen radicals (i.e., antioxidants). This state, known as oxidative stress, may accelerate liver damage in patients with HCV (Rigamonti et al. 2003). (For more information about how alcohol use can lead to oxidative stress and subsequent liver injury, see the article by Nanji and French in the next issue of Alcohol Research & Health, [Vol. 27, No. 4].)
Depression of the immune system by alcohol.
Ashley: thanks for the post. Great commentary. A most welcome visitor! :)
Everyone: every comment and post, though each just a drop in the bucket, has the potential to ripple so far and wide. I always appreciate people's passion on this forum, and honesty -- I think even imposters can bring out the best or worst in each of us -- I usually see the best coming out of the members here, though.
And, even if threads *seem* to go in circles... if one can stay on long enough without losing it ;-)... the rollercoaster ride is still a thrill and a head rush -- and gives much to reflect on after we get off.
Cheers to everyone :).
eureka
Everyone: every comment and post, though each just a drop in the bucket, has the potential to ripple so far and wide. I always appreciate people's passion on this forum, and honesty -- I think even imposters can bring out the best or worst in each of us -- I usually see the best coming out of the members here, though.
And, even if threads *seem* to go in circles... if one can stay on long enough without losing it ;-)... the rollercoaster ride is still a thrill and a head rush -- and gives much to reflect on after we get off.
Cheers to everyone :).
eureka
Another thing to consider....Alcohol is NOT the only thing that can damage your liver. We put toxins in our body every day that taxes our liver. I read some of these posts and I wonder...are the people that are harping on those that have an occasional beer or wine also living a toxin free life? No cigarettes. No prescription meds. No over the counter meds. No tylenol. No coffee products. No red meat. Illegal drugs....The list goes on and on.
I'm not a supporter of someone drinking with a transplanted liver or during treatment, but I also can't judge anyone because I am not there myself. I love my family member with Hep C with all my heart. I support everything he/she does. I cannot judge anyone because I myself am not in their shoes.
I'm not a supporter of someone drinking with a transplanted liver or during treatment, but I also can't judge anyone because I am not there myself. I love my family member with Hep C with all my heart. I support everything he/she does. I cannot judge anyone because I myself am not in their shoes.
I'm a visitor here on your community. I stop by to read your posts. It's very interesting. I have a family member with Hep C. I also work with transplant patients, mostly liver transplant patients. I'm learning so much about what my family member is going through and what I'm reading here. I was quick to say certain things about what was being posted. My family member with the Hep C put some things in perspective for me. It changes the way I view some of the things that my patients tell me now. We have transplanted numerous people that have recurrent Hep C and have an occasional beer or wine...even those who have had a prior transplant. Once they receive their organ, the go back to drinking occassionally, and then they go into rejection, usually requiring another transplant.
My family member and I were talking about it. It's hard to stop doing something that you've done all your life. I was asked by a patient once, it floored me, 'would I ever consider having a transplant.' I still can't answer. I have another family member that died with a transplanted lung. I watch what people go through. And mind you, I only see the ones that don't do well, because they come to the hospital I work at. I really can't say if I would or not. I would have to answer if that time ever came.
I really enjoy your posts. I am learning so much. Please know that what you're saying is reaching people outside this particular community. It really is helping other people with Hep C. Whether you believe, agree, or disagree with each other...everything you are saying, I'm reading...and it helps me to relate to my patients in ways I never thought I would.
Have a great weekend.
My family member and I were talking about it. It's hard to stop doing something that you've done all your life. I was asked by a patient once, it floored me, 'would I ever consider having a transplant.' I still can't answer. I have another family member that died with a transplanted lung. I watch what people go through. And mind you, I only see the ones that don't do well, because they come to the hospital I work at. I really can't say if I would or not. I would have to answer if that time ever came.
I really enjoy your posts. I am learning so much. Please know that what you're saying is reaching people outside this particular community. It really is helping other people with Hep C. Whether you believe, agree, or disagree with each other...everything you are saying, I'm reading...and it helps me to relate to my patients in ways I never thought I would.
Have a great weekend.
Bad reporting = flawed data
Under reporting alcohol use= less evidence of damage due to alcohol use.
Yes i know the studies are flawed.
Under reporting alcohol use= less evidence of damage due to alcohol use.
Actually its the reverse. Under reporting means more damage seen at lower levels of consumption. You drink 8 but report three you get the idea.
CS
Under reporting alcohol use= less evidence of damage due to alcohol use.
Yes i know the studies are flawed.
Under reporting alcohol use= less evidence of damage due to alcohol use.
Actually its the reverse. Under reporting means more damage seen at lower levels of consumption. You drink 8 but report three you get the idea.
CS
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