Effects of coffee consumption in chronic hepatitis C: a randomized controlled trial

Dig Liver Dis. 2013 Jun;45(6):499-504. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2012.10.021. Epub 2012 Dec 11.

Abstract

Background: Coffee is associated with a reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic C hepatitis. This prospective trial was aimed at assessing the mechanisms underlying coffee-related protective effects.

Methods: Forty patients with chronic hepatitis C were randomized into two groups: the first consumed 4 cups of coffee/day for 30 days, while the second remained coffee "abstinent". At day 30, the groups were switched over for a second month.

Results: At baseline, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were lower in patients drinking 3-5 (Group B) than 0-2 cups/day (Group A) (56 ± 6 vs 74 ± 11/60 ± 3 vs 73 ± 7 U/L p=0.05/p=0.04, respectively). HCV-RNA levels were significantly higher in Group B [(6.2 ± 1.5) × 10(5)vs (3.9 ± 1.0) × 10(5)UI/mL, p=0.05]. During coffee intake, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and collagen levels were significantly lower than during abstinence (15 ± 3 vs 44 ± 16 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine/10(5)deoxyguanosine, p=0.05 and 56 ± 9 vs 86 ± 21 ng/mL, p=0.04). Telomere length was significantly higher in patients during coffee intake (0.68 ± 0.06 vs 0.48 ± 0.04 Arbitrary Units, p=0.006). Telomere length and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine were inversely correlated.

Conclusion: In chronic hepatitis C coffee consumption induces a reduction in oxidative damage, correlated with increased telomere length and apoptosis, with lower collagen synthesis, factors that probably mediate the protection exerted by coffee with respect to disease progression.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine
  • Aged
  • Alanine Transaminase / blood
  • Alanine Transaminase / drug effects
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / blood
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / drug effects
  • Caffeine / administration & dosage
  • Coffee*
  • Collagen / blood
  • Collagen / drug effects
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Deoxyguanosine / analogs & derivatives
  • Deoxyguanosine / blood
  • Female
  • Hepacivirus
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / enzymology
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / prevention & control*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / virology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • RNA, Viral / blood
  • RNA, Viral / drug effects
  • Telomere / drug effects
  • Telomere / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Coffee
  • RNA, Viral
  • Caffeine
  • 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine
  • Collagen
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Alanine Transaminase
  • Deoxyguanosine