Sulphasalazine Can Reverse Liver Disease Even For Heavy Drinkers

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Main Category: Liver Disease / Hepatitis
Also Included In: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs;  Clinical Trials / Drug Trials;  Transplants / Organ Donations
Article Date: 26 Sep 2006 - 9:00 PST

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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.

Some Facts About Cirrhosis

-- Responsible for 1.4 million deaths per year worldwide
-- Responsible for 5,000 - 10,000 deaths per year in the UK
-- Early stages are symptom free (so damage accumulates unnoticed)
-- There is currently no cure. The only end-stage treatment is a liver transplant
-- Most common causes are Hepatitis C (globally) and excessive alcohol consumption (developed countries)
-- Scotland has particularly high rates among developed countries

-- Useful Web Page (Wellcome Trust)
-- Hepatology and Gastroenterology (Newcastle University)

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News today
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today