Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a form of hepatitis (liver inflammation) caused by a virus, the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Before the virus was discovered, in 1989, the syndrome was initially referred to as a "non-A-non-B hepatitis". In about 15% of cases, hepatitis C infection is acute, meaning it is cleared spontaneously by the body and there are no long-term consequences. Unfortunately, in the majority of cases (85%), the infection becomes chronic and may damage the liver over many years.

Alternative and experimental therapies

Several "alternative therapies" purport to reduce the liver's duties, rather than treat the virus itself, thereby slowing the course of the disease or keeping the quality of life of the person. As an example, extract of silybum marianum and licorice are sold for their HCV related effects; the first is said to provide some generic help to hepatic functions, and the second to have a mild antiviral effect and to raise blood pressure.

Related Topics:
Alternative therapies - Silybum marianum - Licorice

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It is always important to tell your doctors all medications you are currently taking as well as herbal ones. If you are a post transplant patient it is even more important to notify your doctor of these herbal medications because silybum marianum (aka silymarin or Milk thistle) may inhibit the metabolism of certain drugshttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11038151tle.

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There are new drugs under development like the protease inhibitor NM 283,BILN 2061 or VX 950 that are looking promising but are all in early phase of developmenthttp://www.ismc2004.dk/index.php/Session_2A__The_discovery_of_B/258/0/

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http://www.vpharm.com/Pressreleases2005/pr051005.html. Unfortunately, the BILN 2061 had to be discontinued due to safety problems early in the clinical testing. Some more modern new drugs that provide some support in treating HCV are Albuferon, Zadaxin, and DAPY. Antisense Morpholino oligos have shown promise in preclinical studies http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12883495&query_hl=2 and are beginning human clinical trials in 2005.

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All of these are not approved remedies and have not yet demonstrated their efficacy in clinical trials.

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Immunoglobulins against the Hepatis C virus exist and newer types are under development. Thus far, their roles have been unclear as they have not been shown to help in clearing chronic infection or in the prevention of infection with acute exposures (ie. needlesticks). They do have a limited role in transplant patients.

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