The effect of Silybum marianum on the viral load of hispanic patients with chronic hepatitis C

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to obtain erythrocyte membrane fractions from patients with chronic active hepatitis caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Na+,K+ ATPase activities were significantly lower (P<0.005) in HBV related chronic active hepatitis (n=20, 0.134±0.073 μmol P/mg protein per h) and in HCV hepatitis (n=11, 0.144±0.049 μmol P/mg protein per h) when compared to control group (n=10, 0.219±0.055 μmol P/mg protein per h). Both types of chronic active hepatitis B and C have markedly altered erythrocyte membrane Na+,K+ ATPase activities that can be indicative of hepatic cell damage in humans. Although HBV and HCV infections are based on diverse mechanisms of action on their effect in liver injury, they cause similar effects on membrane ATPase activities.