Title of article :
Effects of Pentoxifylline on Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Iran
Author/Authors :
Baniasadi، Nadieh نويسنده Internal Medicine Department, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, IR Iran , , Salajegheh، Faranak نويسنده Department of Gastroenterology, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IR Iran , , Pardakhty، Abbas نويسنده Pharmaceutics Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran , , Seyedmirzaee، Seyed Mehdi نويسنده Physiology Research center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IR Iran , , Hayatbakhsh، Mohammad Mahdi نويسنده Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Centre, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IR Iran , , Nikpoor، Amin Reza نويسنده Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS), Mashhad, Iran. , , Mohammadi، Mojgan نويسنده M.Sc. Department of Plant EcoPhysiology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran ,
Abstract :
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Several studies suggest that pentoxifylline (PTX) can improve the disease outcome. We aimed to compare the effect of pentoxifylline with placebo on liver aminotransferases and cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 8 (IL-8) in patients with NASH. Thirty patients with NASH were included in the study, based on ultrasonography and 1.5-fold mean change from baseline serum levels of liver aminotransferases. Patients with NASH were randomized to receive 1200 mg PTX (the intervention group) or placebo (the placebo group) for 6 months. The serum levels of liver aminotransferases and cytokines were compared between the intervention and placebo groups, at various time points. The serum levels of liver aminotransferases were significantly reduced at 3 months and at 6 months, compared with baseline, in both groups. The serum levels of IL-6 were significantly decreased, in both groups, only at 6 months, compared with baseline. Compared to the placebo group, the serum level of TNF-α was significantly decreased in the intervention group, at 6 months. The serum level of IL-8 was increased, in both groups, after 6 months, without reaching clinical significance. There was no significant difference in serum levels of liver aminotransferases and cytokines, between intervention and placebo groups. Decreases in the serum levels of liver aminotransferases and cytokines, in both groups, are related to low-calorie diets and exercise, rather than PTX.
