LIVER DISEASE

ALL ABOUT PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE

WHAT IS IT?

Phosphatidylcholine, or “PC”, is a natural substance, a highly purified phospholipid derived mainly from soybeans. Composed of 2 essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, glycerol and choline, it is found in many of the foods we eat every day.

Most commercial forms of lecithin (an approved emulsifier) contain approximately 10% to 20% phosphatidylcholine. It is approved by the FDA as a food additive, and is internationally accepted as a safe substance in all countries around the world.

WHAT DOES PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE (“PC”) DO?

The cell membranes of the liver carry out most of the liver’s critical functions. The liver’s wide range of functions, including its capacity for ongoing renewal, hinge upon its ability to make new cell membranes. Since these cell membranes are composed of over 65% phosphatidylcholine, “PC” is critical for optimal liver function to continue.

As a protective shield for the cell membrane, supplies of “PC” are needed for:

• Cell membrane growth
• Renewal and regeneration after damage
• Regulation of the membrane’s ability to control enzyme reactions

Just think of it this way. The cell membrane comprises the outer lining that protects the liver cell from harm. It's like the front door that protects your home from people you don't want to let in. By strengthening the cell membrane, or the liver cell door, 'PC' makes it harder for the hepatitis virus to get into the liver cell to begin with. And if the virus can't get into the liver cell, then it can't do its damage.

HOW IS THE LIVER DAMAGED?

In modern times, the liver has been assaulted by thousands of toxins, many coming from viruses, pharmaceuticals, pollutants and self-abusive lifestyle. Virtually all of the agents that damage the liver do so by attacking the cell membrane systems. As the liver becomes overburdened with these toxins, liver cells eventually die. Left unchecked, cell death and inflammatory damage both threaten entire regions of the liver.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TAKING ”PC” ?

“PC” plays a crucial role in supporting the liver’s cell membrane structure. When orally administered to experimental animals,” PC” had the following liver-protective effects:

• Membrane damage was slowed
• Cell death, fibrosis and fatty infiltration of the liver tissue were diminished
• Membrane integrity was conserved
• Liver metabolism improved

SCIENTIFIC STUDIES AND CONTROLLED TRIALS OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE (“PC”) IN REPAIRING LIVER DAMAGE

1. Animal studies have helped reveal the means by which “PC” exerts its impressive clinical benefits against liver damage. Clinical studies, modeled after the “baboon model” developed by Leiber and his colleagues at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City for more than 2 decades, reveal compelling evidence that dietary supplementation with “PC” is effective against liver damage. [1]
2. In a landmark study published in 1973, Wallnoefer and Hanusch in Germany followed 650 subjects with various degrees of liver damage for at least 5 years. This trial relied on biopsy, conducted in conjunction with blood analyses and clinical tests, to assess the scope and character of liver damage. Regardless of the cause, all the groups of subjects in this study benefited from receiving “PC.” Notably, some of the subjects with persistent inflammatory damage included in this trial had failed to benefit from milk thistle extract, but benefited from “PC.” The investigators commented that for the best chance of success, ‘the management of advanced liver damage should be continued for years rather than weeks or months, and that in their clinical experience, “PC” ‘proved to be the best single means for managing liver damage.’ [2]
3. The findings of Sorrentino and collaborators (1982) were consistent with those of Wallnoefer and Hanusch in their study using 42 subjects with liver damage stemming from varied causes. Their findings suggested that “PC” can benefit the various stages of liver damage. [3]
4. Kosina and collaborators, in a study in 1981, and Jenkins et al in a double-blind trial in 1982, used “PC” in hepatitis B virus individuals vs. placebo. In both trials, biopsies and blood tests revealed significant improvements of the liver structure in the “PC” group, versus no improvement for the controls. These trials were corroborated by other investigators including: Visco et al (1985), and Hantak and collaborators (1990) [4-7].
5. In a clinical trial by Fassati and collaborators in 1981, participants with severe liver damage and extensive fibrosis benefited from “PC” supplementation. Except for bilirubin values, all other biochemical indicators (ALT, AST) were significantly improved. [8]
6. In 1991, Ilic and Begic-Janev conducted a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial with 50 subjects, all positive for hepatitis B antigen, and all with extremely severe liver damage as verified by biopsy. Randomized into “PC” and control groups, they were followed for 1 year, after which they were biopsied again. As a rule, the “PC” group had experienced considerably greater benefit as assessed both from biopsy and from laboratory findings. Among the “PC” group, 20 of 25 individuals were judged good to moderately good, versus only 6 of 25 being moderately improved in the placebo group. [9]
7. Kalab and Cervinka worked with 30 subjects who had advanced liver damage for which pharmaceutical treatments had failed. Orally administered “PC” produced clinical improvement after 6 months, with favorable effects on the usual enzyme indicators of liver damage. [10]

The experiences from all these clinical trials concur with findings from others that paint a clear picture of “PC” as an effective and safe nutrient for liver damage of all degrees of severity. [11-21]

HOW DOES “PC” ACTUALLY WORK TO PROTECT THE LIVER?

(A scientific explanation for those who just have to know)

Toxins have an affinity for fatty acids; they literally take up residence in the lipid environment and weaken and disrupt. When the liver is damaged due to an internal or external toxin, liver cells die resulting in a degree of liver inflammation. If this liver inflammation is not controlled, fat cells in the liver, called lipocytes, are transformed and begin to produce collagen. Collagen is the primary molecular basis for connective tissue deposition and fibrosis.

At first the liver may adapt, accelerating its removal of collagen to keep pace with the rate of new deposition. But if the liver’s functional state cannot be improved, the balance shifts, and the rate of collagen removal by the liver falls behind the rate at which collagen is produced. Progressive collagen accumulation, also known as “fibrosis” or scarring, eventually deprives the liver of most of its function (cirrhosis).

It is believed that ongoing dietary supplementation with “PC” partially blocks excessive production of collagen by restoring the normal collagen balance. Continued use of “PC” appears to block further fibrosis and protects the liver for much longer periods of time. These findings in primates strongly suggest that advanced liver damage in humans, clinically expressed as cirrhosis, may prove amenable to dietary “PC.”

A further way “PC” protects the liver is in its ability to support the liver cell membrane against attack from viruses. Viral invasion causes liver cells to release pro-inflammatory oxidizing substances. These immune cells arrive in the area and begin releasing more oxidants, thereby damaging the liver cell membranes further. When “PC” was orally administered, liver cell membrane damage was slowed, and cell death, fibrosis, and fatty infiltration of the liver tissue were all diminished. This resulted in improved liver metabolism.

These accumulated findings from decades of research indicate that “PC” is critical in supporting the cell membrane and, in large part, essentially determines the individual’s level of health and freedom from disease.

SUMMARY:    >> KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER <<

Phosphatidylcholine is the most abundant phospholipid of the liver cell membrane and it protects the liver against toxicity and infection. The liver plays a vital role in detoxification, but once the liver has been damaged, it can no longer metabolize fats normally. Pools of lipids are then deposited within the liver cells (hepatocytes), suppressing and blocking detoxification.

Extensive research with “PC” has revealed that it protects the liver against damage from infection due to viral, bacterial and fungal causes, as well as from alcohol, pharmaceuticals and environmental pollutants. Subjects who are started on “PC” after their liver is already severely damaged, are even more likely to benefit from higher oral intakes of “PC.”

From the many controlled clinical studies conducted on thousands of human subjects, we now know that

Phosphatidylcholine:

• Maintains liver function
• Improves liver metabolism
• Reduces cell death, fibrosis and fatty infiltration of the liver tissue
• Slows down membrane damage
• Improves liver function tests including ALT and AST
• Accelerates restoration of overall well being

SAFETY AND ABSORPTION OF “PC”

Phosphatidylcholine is internationally accepted as a safe substance in all countries around the world. Taken orally, “PC” is very well absorbed; up to 90 percent of the administered amount is absorbed in 24 hours when taken with meals. It combines well with many substances, and nutrients are more likely to be better absorbed when taken in combination with “PC.”

At very high doses, less purified forms of “PC” ( as found in products like lecithin ) can produce GI upset, abdominal bloating and diarrhea in some people. Purer forms of phosphatidylcholine are now becoming available, and these more potent forms are preferred.

***** PLEASE NOTE *****

Do not confuse Phosphatidylcholine (“PC”) with lecithin or choline. “PC” is a specific phospholipid nutrient. Lecithin is a compound mixture of PC, other phospholipids, and other substances. It is true that taking a lecithin supplement will provide some PC, but research has shown that the benefits of “PC” result from much higher levels than are available in most commercial lecithin.

WHY SHOULD I TAKE NU-LIVER PC AS A SOURCE OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE?

Most commercial forms of lecithin contain only 10-20% of phosphatidylcholine and most supplements labeled as “phosphatidylcholine” contain only 35 percent of PC.

HOWEVER……….

NU-LIVER PC contains 70% pure crystallized phosphatidylcholine, by weight, in a formulation with glycyrrhizin and glycine. This new powdered formulation makes the phosphatidylcholine in Nu-Liver PC:

• Higher in concentration than most commercial PC
• More readily bio-available
• More absorbable than other conventional forms of PC

ALSO......

Phosphatidylcholine used in Nu-Liver PC is the ONLY water-soluble form of “PC” currently available on the market. Because it is water soluble, this advantage also allows you the freedom to open the capsule and mix the contents with your favorite liquid.

See how Nu-Liver PC can make a difference in your overall health.

GO TO BUY NU-LIVER PC --- click here****

REFERENCES

(Click on author(s) for more information)

1. Lieber CS, Robins SJ, Li J, DeCarli LM, Mak KM, Fasulo JM, Leo MA. Phosphatidylcholine protects against fibrosis and cirrhosis in the baboon. Gastroenterology. 1994 Jan;106(1):152-9.
2. Wallnofer H, Hanusch M. Essential phospholipids for therapy in liver diseases. Med Monatsschr. 1973 Mar;27(3):131-6.
3. Sorrentino F, Diene G, Corvaja E, Magnano V. Use of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine (EPL) in combination with vitamin B complex in therapy of liver diseases. Clin Ter. 1982 Jul 31;102(2):163-83.
4. Kosina F, Budka K, Kolouch Z, Lazarova D, Truksova D. Essential cholinephospholipids in the treatment of virus hepatitis. Cas Lek Cesk. 1981 Aug 13;120(31-32):957-60.
5. Jenkins PJ, Portmann BP, Eddleston AL, Williams R. Use of polyunsaturated phosphatidyl choline in HBsAg negative chronic active hepatitis: results of prospective double-blind controlled trial. Liver. 1982 Jun;2(2):77-81.
6. Visco G. Polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine in association with vitamin B complex in the treatment of acute viral hepatitis B. Results of a randomized double-blind clinical study. Clin Ter. 1985 Aug 15;114(3):183-8. .
7. Hantak I, Boca M, Mikulecky M, Stancek D. Essential phospholipids in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection]. Vnitr Lek. 1990 Dec;36(12):1164-71.
8. Fassati P, Horejsi J, Fassati M, Spizek J, Jezkova Z. Essential choline phospholipids and their effect on HBsAg and selected biochemical tests in cirrhosis of the liver. Cas Lek Cesk. 1981 Jan 22;120(2):56-60.
9. Ilic V,Begic-Janev A. Therapy for HBsAg-positive chronically active hepatitis. Effect of "essential phospholipids. Med Welt 1991;85: 523-525. [NO ABSTRACT]
10. Kalab M, Cervinka J. Essential phospholipids in the treatment of liver cirrhosis. Cas Lek Cesk. 1983 Mar 4;122(9):266-9.
11. Ipatova OM, Torkhovskaia TI, Kniazhev VA, Karuzina II, Bachmanova GI, Guseva MK, Archakov AI. Comparative study of the effects of essentiale and the novel Russian hepatoprotective agent "phospholiv" in a model of acute hepatitis in rats. Vopr Med Khim. 1998 Nov-Dec;44(6):544-50.
12. Ipatova OM, Torkhovskaia TI, Kniazhev VA, Karuzina II, Bachmanova GI, Guseva MK, Archakov AI. Use of a novel hepato-protective preparation "phospholiv" for inhibition of development of chronic hepatitis in rats. Vopr Med Khim. 1998 Nov-Dec;44(6):537-43.
13. Podobed OV, Fedorova LM, Abakumova OIu, Iakusheva IV, Tsvetkova TA, Gavril'chak AV, Shekhter AB, Kariakin AV. A study of hepatoprotective effect of the preparation phospholiv containing phosphatidylcholine from sunflower seeds and glycyrrhizic acid in the model of liver cirrhosis in rats. Biull Eksp Biol Med. 1997 Sep;124(9):311-4.
14. Podobed OV, Fedorova LM, Iakusheva IV, Abakumova OIu, Tsvetkova TA, Kovaleva GG, Gavril'chak AV, Shekhter AB. The effect of phosphatidylcholine on repair processes in liver cells in acute CCl4 damage. Vopr Med Khim. 1995 Jan-Feb;41(1):13-6
15. Uchaikin VF, Luchshev VI, Zharov SN, Kovalev OB, Ipatova OM, Tikhonova EG, Torkhovskaia TI, Kniazhev VA, Dunaevskii OA, Archakov AI. New domestic phospholipid preparation "Fosfogliv" as an effective treatment for patients with acute viral hepatitis. Klin Med (Mosk). 2000;78(5):39-42.
16. Atoba MA, Ayoola EA, Ogunseyinde O. Effect of essential phospholipid choline on the course of acute hepatitis-B infection. Trop Gastroenterol. 1985 Apr-Jun;6(2):96-9.
17. Schenker S, Hoyumpa AM. Polyunsaturated lecithin and alcoholic liver disease: a magic bullet? Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 1994 Oct;18(5):1286-8.
18. Singh NK, Prasad RC. A pilot study of polyunsaturated phosphatidyl choline in fulminant and subacute hepatic failure. J Assoc Physicians India. 1998 Jun;46(6):530-2.
19. Niederau C, Strohmeyer G, Heintges T, Peter K, Gopfert E. Polyunsaturated phosphatidyl-choline and interferon alpha for treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C: a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Leich Study Group. Hepatogastroenterology. 1998 May-Jun;45(21):797-804.
20. Atoba MA, Olubuyide IO. The effects of essential phospholipid choline in HBs-Ag negative acute hepatitis. West Afr J Med. 1989 Oct-Dec;8(4):284-7.
21. Archakov AI, Sel'tsovskii AP, Lisov VI, Tsyganov DI, Kniazhev VA, Ipatova OM, Torkhovskaia TI. Phosphogliv: mechanism of therapeutic action and clinical efficacy. Vopr Med Khim. 2002 Mar-Apr;48(2):139-53.

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