The effects of a Chinese medicinal suppository (Vitalliver) on insulin-like growth factor 1 and homocysteine in patients with hepatitis B infection.
Chui, Siu-Hon Chan, Kelvin C. Chui, Albert K. K. Shek, L.S. Wong, Ricky N. S.
Chui, Siu-Hon
Chan, Kelvin C.
Chui, Albert K. K.
Shek, L.S.
Wong, Ricky N. S.
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2005
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Abstract
The liver is the major organ for the metabolism of homocysteine (Hcy) and production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Hcy metabolism and IGF-1 synthesis may be impaired in chronic liver diseases. The study investigated the regulatory effect of a Chinese herbal suppository, Vitalliver, on Hcy and IGF-1, as well as their relationship in patients with hepatitis B infection. Forty patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection without cirrhosis, 25 males and 15 females, were observed for changes in Hcy and IGF-1 after the administration of Vitalliver (one nightly) for a period of 3 months. Serum levels of Hcy, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were measured at baseline, and at 1 month and 3 months after treatment. Vitalliver reduced Hcy levels significantly (p = 0.001) from 9.7 +/- 2.8 to 9.0 +/- 2.1 micromol/L after treatment of 3 months. Furthermore, the IGF-1 levels increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 170.2 +/- 81.8 to 212.8 +/- 80.9 ng/mL at 1 month and 187.5 +/- 72.3 ng/mL at 3 months (p = 0.001) after treatment. In conclusion, it is speculated Vitalliver may have a self-regulatory effect on the release of IGF-1 in HBV patients without liver cirrhosis.
Citation
Phytotherapy Research, 19(8): 674-678
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16177969
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Journal article
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en
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0951-418X