INTERFERON DECREASES SERUM-LIPID PEROXIDATION PRODUCTS OF HEPATITIS-CPATIENTS

Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration in serum has been determined in healthy subjects and in patients suffering acu te hepatitis and chronic cases of hepatitis C. Treatment with interfer on of the chronic active hepatitis C patients, 5 x 10(6) U three times a week during 2 months. led in those patients whose SGPT activity nor malized in serum. to a concomitant decrease in serum TBARS content. Th e possible theoretical involvement of peroxidation and antioxidants in this benefficial effect of interferon in hepatitis C patients is disc ussed. The results presented confirm the value of TBARS as laboratory test in the management of liver diseases and as a useful tool for the study of pathogenic and/or therapeutic mechanisms of this viral infect ion.