Variaciones del factor de crecimiento hepatocitario y carga viral del VHC con hemodiálisis. Comparación con terapia con el sistema de recirculación de adsorbentes moleculares (MARS)

Abstract

Background and aims There is evidence that hemodialysis can decrease HCV viral load. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is stimulated by hemodialysis, reaching a peak 15 minutes after the beginning of the hemodialysis session. This factor has been reported to have a possible protective effect against the development of chronic HCV-related liver diseases. MARS therapy has demonstrated effectiveness in patients with a chronic HCV-related liver disease and can be used as a support therapy until liver transplantation can be performed or as a treatment for intractable pruritus. The aims of this study were to evaluate the decrease in HCV viral load and stimulation of HGF during hemodialysis sessions and to compare the results with those of MARS sessions. Material and methods The study was performed in two phases: one in vitro and another in vivo to evaluate viral load decrease and HGF stimulation. Blood samples were taken to compare the results obtained with both techniques. Results Viral load decreased and HGF was stimulated during sessions with both techniques. Conclusions Since both hemodialysis and MARS decrease viral load and stimulate HGF production, we recommend passing the blood through the dialyzing membrane, which is common to both techniques, to enhance these findings.