Short report: interferon-alpha decreases 14C-aminopyrine breath test values in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of interferon-alpha on cytochrome P-450 dependent microsomal function.


METHODS
The 14C-aminopyrine breath test was performed before, during and after a standard dose of interferon-alpha (3,000,000 units three times per week) was administered for at least six months (nine patients with chronic hepatitis C).


RESULTS
Mean aminopyrine breath test values obtained during therapy were significantly lower than either pre- or post-treatment, the degree of reduction varying widely between individuals. Pre- and post-treatment aminopyrine breath test values did not differ significantly.


CONCLUSIONS
Interferon therapy is associated with a significant and transient inhibition of cytochrome P-450 activity, which should be taken into account when prescribing concurrent therapy with drugs metabolized by this pathway.
Horsmans
Y
Y
Department of Gastroenterology, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.
Brenard
R
R
Geubel
A P
AP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000632:Aminopyrine; D000633:Aminopyrine N-Demethylase / Q000378:metabolism; D001944:Breath Tests; D002908:Chronic Disease; D065607:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors; D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / Q000378:metabolism*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D065607:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D000632:Aminopyrine; D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; D000633:Aminopyrine N-Demethylase