No abstract

Interferons have been utilized widely in chronic liver diseases for their antiviral properties. In addition, there is evidence for their antifibrogenic actions. In this work we studied effects of various doses of interferon-_α2b on experimental liver fibrosis and cholestasis induced in the rat by biliary obstruction. Collagen was measured as hepatic hydroxyproline content. Cholestasis was determined by serum alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase activities and by bilirubin content. Glycogen was measured in the liver. Interestingly, the best effects (antifibrotic and anticholestatic) were observed in the group receiving the lowest dose of interferon. These results suggest that interferon- _α2b may be used at low doses, thereby decreasing side effects and costs.

Interferon‐α2b (IFN) is known to prevent and to reverse experimental liver fibrosis and damage. S‐Adenosyl‐l‐methionine (SAM) is a well‐known hepatoprotective substance. The aim of the present work was to determine the effect of the administration of both drugs simultaneously to bile duct‐ligated rats. Administration of IFN (50 000 IU s.c.) and/or SAM (10 mg kg−1 i.m.) began 15 days after biliary obstruction and continued for a further 15 days. The liver was used for glycogen and collagen quantification. Bilirubins and enzyme activities were measured in serum. Either SAM or IFN ameliorated all markers of liver damage studied. However, when administered together their beneficial effects were markedly reduced. It is not possible to explain the antagonistic effect of these compounds on liver damage with the present data. More studies are needed to determine SAM–IFN interactions. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.