Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran. Post Code: 651783-8736.
Abstracts of the papers presented at the International Conference of Indian Virological Society on “Emerging and Re-emerging viral Diseases of the Tropics and Subtropics” at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India, December 11–14, 2007.
Viral hepatitis and the consumption of alcohol are recognised as important reasons for liver disease in the world. Chronic alcoholism in patients with chronic hepatitis C appears to cause more severe and rapidly progressive liver disease leading more frequently to cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this survey is to assess the relationship between alcohol consumption and HCV related diseases. Data for this article were obtained by an initial Medline search and from the references of relevant articles. Excess alcohol consumption among patients with chronic hepatitis C is likely to result in more severe hepatic injury, promoting pathologic progression to cirrhosis and increasing the risk for development of HCC. Although the exact mechanisms involved in progression of chronic hepatitis C in alcoholic patients have not been definitely established, possible alcohol-induced enhancement of viral replication, iron overload, immunologic suppression, the role of NF-kappa B and the signalling pathways involving in its activation have been suggested. Significant correlation between HCV RNA levels and amount of alcohol consumed has been reported. Interferon therapy is less effective among alcoholic than non-alcoholic patients, even after a period of abstinence. The obtained data suggest that HCV infection is an important cofactor in the pathogenesis of liver disease among alcoholic patients. In light of a possible synergistic effect between alcohol and HCV replication, total abstention ought to be recommended. Because alcohol inhibits the effect of interferon therapy, alcoholics should not be treated until they stop drinking.
