Sulphasalazine Can Reverse Liver Disease Even For Heavy Drinkers
mallani said
Feb 17, 2015
Hi Jaded,
Read this one as well. This is all pretty old now (2007). It's now been shown that the stellate cells (the myofibroblasts), can revert and actually become phagocytic (resorbing collagen) in about 50% of patients post SVR. Various antifibrotics have been mentioned, but sulphasalazine is not one of them. Cheers.
Sulphasalazine Can Reverse Liver Disease Even For Heavy Drinkers
Sulphasalazine, a cheap drug currently used for arthritis and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) can reverse the scarring that comes with cirrhosis of the liver, say scientists from the University of Newcastle, UK. Doctors had always thought that fibrosis - scarring associated with cirrhosis - was irreversible. This new study on animals has shown the damage can be reversed with Sulphasalazine.
In the UK, about 10% of the adult population have liver problems, mainly due to heavy drinking and obesity/overweight.
The liver has hepatic myofibrobrlasts, these are cells that create scar tissue when the organ is injured. Hepatic myofibrobrlasts produce proteins which makes it more difficult to break down the scar tissue. In a healthy liver the scars gradually disappear and new healthy ones replace them. This does not happen when the liver tissue is diseased - and the scar tissue spreads.
The scientists found that Sulphasalazine stops the hepatic myofibrobrlasts from producing the protein that protects the scar tissue cells. In other words, it helps the scar tissue to gradually melt away.
If human trials show similar results, it could mean treating and-stage patients with Sulphasalazine rather than having them undergo a liver transplant. The scientists say they will start trials with heavy drinkers who no longer drink, but whose livers are not able to recover on their own.
This drug could be a Godsend for alcoholics who have given up drinking. Even a seemingly small recovery of 10% can make a huge difference to the patient's general health and quality of life, say the researchers.
The researchers say Sulphasalazine could halve the cirrhosis death rate in the UK. Treatment would cost £10 ($18.50) per week.
Written by: Christian Nordqvist Editor: Medical News today
Hi Jaded,
Read this one as well. This is all pretty old now (2007). It's now been shown that the stellate cells (the myofibroblasts), can revert and actually become phagocytic (resorbing collagen) in about 50% of patients post SVR. Various antifibrotics have been mentioned, but sulphasalazine is not one of them. Cheers.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/556253
Does anyone have any experience with this drug?
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/52735.php
Sulphasalazine Can Reverse Liver Disease Even For Heavy Drinkers
Sulphasalazine, a cheap drug currently used for arthritis and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) can reverse the scarring that comes with cirrhosis of the liver, say scientists from the University of Newcastle, UK. Doctors had always thought that fibrosis - scarring associated with cirrhosis - was irreversible. This new study on animals has shown the damage can be reversed with Sulphasalazine.
In the UK, about 10% of the adult population have liver problems, mainly due to heavy drinking and obesity/overweight.
The liver has hepatic myofibrobrlasts, these are cells that create scar tissue when the organ is injured. Hepatic myofibrobrlasts produce proteins which makes it more difficult to break down the scar tissue. In a healthy liver the scars gradually disappear and new healthy ones replace them. This does not happen when the liver tissue is diseased - and the scar tissue spreads.
The scientists found that Sulphasalazine stops the hepatic myofibrobrlasts from producing the protein that protects the scar tissue cells. In other words, it helps the scar tissue to gradually melt away.
If human trials show similar results, it could mean treating and-stage patients with Sulphasalazine rather than having them undergo a liver transplant. The scientists say they will start trials with heavy drinkers who no longer drink, but whose livers are not able to recover on their own.
This drug could be a Godsend for alcoholics who have given up drinking. Even a seemingly small recovery of 10% can make a huge difference to the patient's general health and quality of life, say the researchers.
The researchers say Sulphasalazine could halve the cirrhosis death rate in the UK. Treatment would cost £10 ($18.50) per week.
Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News today