The effects of a Chinese medicinal suppository (Vitalliver) on insulin-like growth factor 1 and homocysteine in patients with hepatitis B infection.

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.

• Authors: S H Chui, K Chan, A K K Chui, L S L Shek, R N S Wong
• Journal: Phytotherapy research : PTR (Phytother Res) Vol. 19 Issue 8 Pg. 674-8 (Aug 2005) ISSN: 0951-418X [Print] England
• PMID: 16177969 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Chemical References

• Drugs, Chinese Herbal
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3
• Suppositories
• Vitalliver
• Homocysteine
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor I

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Drugs, Chinese Herbal (pharmacology)
• Female
• Hepatitis B (blood, drug therapy, metabolism)
• Homocysteine (blood)
• Humans
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 (metabolism)
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (metabolism)
• Male
• Medicine, Chinese Traditional
• Middle Aged
• Phytotherapy
• Suppositories