Effects of silymarin MZ-80 on oxidative stress in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. Results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The role of silymarin in the treatment of liver cirrhosis is controversial.

AIM:

Clinical outcome,biochemical profile and the antiperoxidative effects of silymarin MZ-80 during 6 months treatment were investigated in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

METHODS:

Sixty consecutive patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis were randomized to receive either silymarin MZ-80 (S) (150 mg t.i.d. per day) or placebo (P) for periods of 6 months. Erythrocyte total glutathione (GSH) content, platelet malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum amino-terminal propeptide of procollagen Type III (PIIINP) were determined at baseline and at the end of treatment.

RESULTS:

Forty-nine patients completed the study (24 S and 25 P). The 2 groups were well-matched for demographic as well as baseline clinical and laboratory parameters. Silymarin increased total GSH at 6 months (4.5 +/- 3.4 to 5.8 +/- 4.0 micromol/g Hb) whereas, in the placebo group, GSH remained unchanged (4.1 +/- 3.9 to 4.4 +/- 4.1 micromol/gHb) (p < 0.001), and platelet-derived non-induced MDA decreased by 33% (p < 0.015). A parallel decrease in PIIINP values was seen with silymarin (1.82 1.03 to 1.36 +/- 0.5 U/ml, p < 0.033) but not with placebo (1.31 +/- 0.4 to 1.27 +/- 0.6 U/ml). There were no concurrent changes on laboratory indices of the pathology.

CONCLUSIONS:

Silymarin is well-tolerated and produces a small increase in glutathione and a decrease in lipid peroxidation in peripheral blood cells in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Despite these effects no changes in routine liver tests were observed during the course of therapy.

• Authors: M I Lucena, R J Andrade, J P de la Cruz, M Rodriguez-Mendizabal, E Blanco, F Sánchez de la Cuesta
• Journal: International journal of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics (Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther) Vol. 40 Issue 1 Pg. 2-8 (Jan 2002) ISSN: 0946-1965 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 11841050 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Silymarin

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Alcoholism (complications, drug therapy, metabolism)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic (complications, drug therapy, metabolism)
• Liver Function Tests
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Oxidative Stress (drug effects)
• Silymarin (pharmacology, therapeutic use)