Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
475555 tn?1469304339

Fibrosis and the immune system

Here's some food for thought for those like me with an analytic bent and who are interested in the thorny question of fibrosis progression and its causes.

My hepatic enzymes in serum (ALT & AST), which i take to be an important indication of current fibrosis creation, have been steadily increasing over the five years that I've been having blood analyses, reaching as high as 150 and 100, respectively, about a year ago. They've recently gone down again as low as the mid-30s (perhaps as a result of my alternative medicines regime: PPC, ALA, Siliphos, & Vit E).

Now, I have some other chronic infections (HSV [ouch!] and a persistent skin rash). I've noticed that as my hepatic enzymes have gone down, so has the HSV and the skin rash. This leads me to think that all three - the HCV, HSV, and the rash - are tied to the state of my immune system. Not rocket science, really, because it's just logical to me that this would be so.

A big question, then, is: How to keep the immune system functioning as well as possible? I'm no expert on this subject, but I remember that diet plays a part and so does emotional state. So I'm trying to control what I eat as far as possible (not easy here in Argentina where rib eye steak costs five dollars a pound), and trying to keep calm and not do disturbing things like reading about the world economic situation and dancing with girls in sneakers [grin].

I wonder if anyone else has had a similar experience regarding their ALT & AST and their immune system as per other infections?

Any corroboration of this theory would be appreciated.

Mike
6 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
475555 tn?1469304339
I've been taking Phoschol from Betterlife.com. It's not cheap, but it seems to be the best concentrated stuff around.

I have read some reports about phosphatidylcholine increasing fibrosis. It seems to have something to do with the relative amounts of the different polyunsaturated fatty acids in it, which is why I go the extra cost and get the concentrated polyenyl form. OTOH, all polyunsaturated fatty acids have the potential to cause oxidation (which after all is the saturation process that they undergo in the body), so it's anyone's guess whether PPC is helping or not. It's a can of worms.

Mike
Helpful - 0
979080 tn?1323433639
justcurious , which PPC are you taking ?

I heard from a few people where it actually increased their ALTs.

In terms of immune system that is one big mother****** !
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Try mushroom extracts to boost your immune system,i take all the time.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I see your point. Lol.
Helpful - 0
475555 tn?1469304339
Oh, yeah. You're right. These days they make hi-tech sneakers for dancing. I still like 'em better in a skirt and heels.

M.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It would depend on which sneakers the girls are dancing in!
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community

Top Hepatitis Answerers
317787 tn?1473358451
DC
683231 tn?1467323017
Auburn, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Answer a few simple questions about your Hep C treatment journey.

Those who qualify may receive up to $100 for their time.
Explore More In Our Hep C Learning Center
image description
Learn about this treatable virus.
image description
Getting tested for this viral infection.
image description
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
image description
4 steps to getting on therapy.
image description
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
image description
How the drugs might affect you.
image description
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
Popular Resources
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.