Hepatitis C Treatment Cost and Nutrition Part 7
Anabolic steroids are also helpful in the treatment of cancer.61 For patients receiving chemotherapy for their cancer, nandrolone decanoate significantly helped reduce the number of blood transfusions, and there was no toxicity at 200 mg per week.62
Immune Function Immune Function and Anabolic Steroids and hepc drugs
A number of studies show that specific anabolic steroids can act as immune stimulants63, influence immune function6465 or enhance the sofosbuvir price immune response.66 One study showed that oxandrolone significantly improved lymphocyte numbers in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis.67 Another study showed that the number of lymphocytes were increased after prescribing nandrolone decanoate.68 An early study in particular demonstrated that nandrolone decanoate enhanced macrophage activity and cell-mediated immunity in patients with uterine cervical cancer.
A 1993 study published in Clinical Immunology and Immuno-pathology suggested that sex hormones, specifically anabolic steroids, enhanced immune function and the CD8 cells significantly.70 Many experts now feel that the CD8 T-cells have been undervalued in terms of the survival of patients with HCV.
A study published in the American Journal of Pathology concluded that sex hormones influence the onset and severity of immune-mediated pathological conditions by modulating lymphocytes at all stages of life. The study’s investigators added that the use of sex hormone modulation of immune responses for the treatment of autoimmune disorders is a promising area for future investigation.71 A study titled “Regulation of the Immune Response by Sex Hormones,” concluded that sex steroids may have a role in the pathogenesis and treatment of some autoimmune disorders.
A few isolated studies have begun to examine the effect of sex hormones on the immune system and autoimmunity.73 In the meantime, it appears that the status of the immune system will depend to some extent upon the net effect of the changes in the equilibrium of various hormones.74 The manipulation of sex hormones may be used to modify the expression of autoimmunity.75 This is a potentially promising area in the treatment of Hepatitis C treatment cost.
Immune Function and Glucocorticoid Therapies
Interaction between the immune and endocrine systems is highly complex.76 Studies have established that glucocorticoid steroids, such as cortisone, which are not anabolic steroids, are known to suppress the immune system.7778 Also, glucocorticoid steroids—not anabolic steroids—may actually enhance Hepatitis C treatment cost replication.79 Unfortunately, many physicians confuse glucocorticoid steroids with anabolic steroids.
Cytokines, Lymphokines and Anabolic Steroids
Cytokines help regulate immune response and function.81 Studies show that sex hormones have the potential to regulate cytokine gene expression in cells possessing the appropriate steroid receptors82, and may facilitate immunity by regulating lymphokines produced by helper T-cells.
Quality of Life
Literature on long-term survivors living with HCV is replete with anecdotal evidence linking survival to such things as: (a) holding a positive attitude and perception of physical health; (b) participating in health-promoting behaviors; (c) engaging in spiritual activities and (d) participating in exercise.
Many patients believe that their diminishing quality of life may be a direct result of the numerous medications they are prescribed. The intrusive nature of multiple antiretrovirals and prophylactic medications is obvious.