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Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Silybin supplementation during HCV therapy with pegylated interferon-α plus ribavirin reduces depression and anxiety and increases work ability

Authors: Giulia Malaguarnera, Gaetano Bertino, Giuseppe Chisari, Massimo Motta, Michele Vecchio, Marco Vacante, Filippo Caraci, Carmela Greco, Filippo Drago, Giuseppe Nunnari, Michele Malaguarnera

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

Background

Hepatitis C virus infection and interferon treatment are often associated with anxiety, depressive symptoms and poor health-related quality of life.

To evaluate the Silybin-vitamin E-phospholipids complex effect on work ability and whether health related factors (anxiety and depression) were associated with work ability in subjects with chronic hepatitis C treated with Pegylated-Interferon-α2b (Peg–IFN) and Ribavirin (RBV).

Methods

Thirty-one patients (Group A) with chronic hepatitis and other 31 subjects in Group B were recruited in a randomized, prospective, placebo controlled, double blind clinical trial. Group A received 1.5 mg/kg per week of Peg–IFN plus RBV and placebo, while Group B received the same dosage of Peg–IFN plus RBV plus association of Silybin 94 mg + vitamin E 30 mg + phospholipids 194 mg in pills for 12 months. All subjects underwent to laboratory exams and questionnaires to evaluate depression (Beck Depression Inventory - BDI), anxiety (State-trait anxiety inventory - STAI) and work ability (Work ability Index - WAI).

Results

The comparison between group A and group B showed significant differences after 6 months in ALT (P < 0.001), and viremia (P < 0.05), after 12 months in ALT (P < 0.001), and AST (P < 0.001), at follow up in AST (P < 0.05), and ALT (P < 0.001). Significant difference were observed after 1 month in WAI (p < 0.001) and BDI (P < 0.05), after 6 months in WAI (P < 0.05) and STAI (P < 0.05), after 12 months and at follow up in WAI, STAI and BDI (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The supplementation with Silybin-vitamin E -phospholipids complex increased work ability and reduced depression and anxiety in patients treated with Peg–IFN and RBV.

Trial registration

NCT01957319, First received: September 25, 2013. Last updated: September 30, 2013 (retrospectively registered).

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Title: Silybin supplementation during HCV therapy with pegylated interferon-α plus ribavirin reduces depression and anxiety and increases work ability
Authors: Giulia Malaguarnera
Gaetano Bertino
Giuseppe Chisari
Massimo Motta
Michele Vecchio
Marco Vacante
Filippo Caraci
Carmela Greco
Filippo Drago
Giuseppe Nunnari
Michele Malaguarnera
Publication date: 01-12-2016
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-016-1115-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Silybin supplementation during HCV therapy with pegylated interferon-α plus ribavirin reduces depression and anxiety and increases work ability

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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