A prospective study of 20 patients of NASH with Betaine. | [Pakistan Journal of Gastroenterology • 2005]

Author(s):

1. Zafar Iqbal Ch: Departments of Medicine, Allama lgbal Medical College and Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan

2. Najam-Un-Nasir: Departments of Medicine, Allama lgbal Medical College and Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract:

No effective therapy currently exists for patients with NASH. Betaine a naturally occurring metabolite of choline has been shown to raise Sadenosylmethionine (SAM) levels that may in turn play a role in decreasing hepatic steatosis. Our aim was to determine the safety and effects of Betaine on liver biochemistries and histological markers of disease activity in patients with NASH. Twenty adult patients with NASH were enrolled. Patient received oral Betaine glucuronate syrup in three divided doses daily for 12 months. 18 out of 20 patients completed one year of treatment with Betaine. A significant improvement in serum levels of AST (P = 0.02) and ALT (P 0.007) occured during treatment. Aminotransferases normalized in nine of Eighteen patients and remained unchanged in two patients when compared to baseline values. A marked improvement in serum levels of aminotransferases (ALT - 39%) AST (38%) also occurred during treatment in those patients who did not complete one year of treatment. Similarly a marked improvement in the degree of steatosis necroinflammatory grade and stage of fibrosis was noted at one year of treatment with Betaine. It was concluded Betaine is a safe and well tolerated drug that leads to a significant biochemical an histological improvement in patients with NASH.

Page(s): 22-29

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: Pakistan Journal of Gastroenterology, Volume: 19, Issue: 1, Year: 2005

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