Vitamins B status and antioxidative defense in patients with chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus infection

European Journal of Nutrition
DOI: 10.1007/s00394-010-0156-1
Published Online 24 December 2010

Original Contribution

Chun-che Lin, Wen-hu Liu, Zhi-hong Wang and Mei-chin Yin

Abstract

Background & Aims
The impact of hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection upon B vitamins status and antioxidative defense in infected patients was examined.

Methods
Dietary record and blood levels of B vitamins and oxidative stress–associated biomarkers were determined for 195 healthy controls, 132 HBV, and 114 HCV patients.

Results
HBV-infected patients had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, free fatty acids (FFA), and lower ghrelin level (p < 0.05); and HCV-infected patients had significantly higher Ishak inflammation score and lactate dehydrogenase activity (p < 0.05). HBV patients had significantly lower red blood cell (RBC) vitamins B2 and B6 levels, and HCV infection significantly decreased vitamins B2, B6 and folate levels in RBC and/or plasma (p < 0.05). Correlation coefficients of RBC vitamin B2 versus serum FFA in HBV patients, RBC vitamins B2 and B6 versus HCV RNA and Ishak inflammation score, and plasma vitamin B6 vs Ishak inflammation score in HCV patients were <−0.5. HBV-infected patients had significantly higher oxidized glutathione level and lower glutathione peroxidase activity (p < 0.05), but HCV patients had significantly lower superoxide dismutase and catalase activities (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
HBV or HCV infection enhanced oxidative stress and lowered B vitamins in circulation. In order to avoid other healthy risk, nutrition status should be monitored and limitation or supplementation of certain nutrients might be helpful for HBV- or HCV-infected patients.

Keywords Hepatitis B virus – Hepatitis C virus – B vitamins – Oxidative stress – Lipid metabolism

Source