The effects and underlying mechanism of interferon therapy on body weight and body composition

Journal Title: Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences - Year 2013, Vol 26, Issue 6

Abstract

 Body weight changes in HCV patients on interferon therapy are well documented. However, the underlying mechanism involved in these changes is poorly understood and rarely reported. The main objectives of this review are to 1) discuss changes in body weight and other compartments of body composition, particularly, body fat, and 2) to discuss the underlying mechanism for these changes. The literature review suggests weight loss (12-29%) as a function of interferon therapy is common, affecting up to 90% of HCV patients. Whilst, loss in weight means proportionate loss in other body compartments (lean body mass and body fat, in particular) data on changes in segmented body composition are fragmentary. The possible mechanisms underlying weight loss or changes in other body composition have been reported and these include suppressed appetite due to induction of TNF by IFN, a decrease in serum leptin level, and importantly mitochondrial damage induced by the therapy. It is, therefore, suggested that close monitoring of chronic HCV patients receiving PEG-IFN and/or ribavirin for side effects of these drugs, particularly those related to weight loss, is vitally important from clinical point of view.

Authors and Affiliations

Ibrar Alam , Niamat Ullah , Iftikhar Alam , Ijaz Ali

Keywords

Related Articles

 Review: Probiotics and their beneficial effects against various diseases

 Abstract: Joint FAO/WHO expert’s consultation report defines probiotics as: Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. Most commonly used probiotics are Lac...

  Evaluation of furazolidone, sulfadimidine and amprolium to treat coccidiosis in beetal goats under field conditions

 Coccidiosis is a protozoal and occasionally fatal diarrheic disease of goats imposing heavy economic losses to farming community. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacies of Furazolidone, Sulfadimidine and Ampro...

 Complexation of β-sitosterol with tris (dibenzylideneacetone) dipalladium and its anti-microbial activity

 β-sitosterol is a naturally occurring plant sterol (phytosterol) present in many fruits and vegetables. Scientific research has proven that β-sitosterol is helpful in maintaining the proper functioning of our body....

 Relationship between health education plan and hospitalization frequency in the children with respiratory tract infection

 This paper was to explore the effect of health education frequency and patterns on the children. Children aged 3-12 years were randomly divided into Group A, B and C, respectively received the health education once...

 Cellular and genomic toxicity produced by UV light in Chinese hamster ovary cells

 Abstract: UVB and UVC toxicity was detected in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell lines AA8, UV5 and XEM2 (a V79-derived cell line expressing rat P 450 1A1). Unlike FICZ-HPLC assay that showed induction of CYP1A1 enz...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP87891
  • DOI -
  • Views 117
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Ibrar Alam, Niamat Ullah, Iftikhar Alam, Ijaz Ali (2013).  The effects and underlying mechanism of interferon therapy on body weight and body composition. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 26(6), 1251-1257. https://europub.co.uk./articles/-A-87891