Effects of coffee consumption in chronic hepatitis C: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Coffee is associated with a reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic C hepatitis. This prospective trial was aimed at assessing the mechanisms underlying coffee-related protective effects. Methods Forty patients with chronic hepatitis C were randomized into two groups: the first consumed 4 cups of coffee/day for 30 days, while the second remained coffee “abstinent”. At day 30, the groups were switched over for a second month. Results At baseline, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were lower in patients drinking 3–5 (Group B) than 0–2 cups/day (Group A) (56 ± 6 vs 74 ± 11/60 ± 3 vs 73 ± 7 U/L p  = 0.05/ p  = 0.04, respectively). HCV-RNA levels were significantly higher in Group B [(6.2 ± 1.5) × 10 5 vs (3.9 ± 1.0) × 10 5  UI/mL, p  = 0.05]. During coffee intake, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and collagen levels were significantly lower than during abstinence (15 ± 3 vs 44 ± 16 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine/10 5  deoxyguanosine, p  = 0.05 and 56 ± 9 vs 86 ± 21 ng/mL, p  = 0.04). Telomere length was significantly higher in patients during coffee intake (0.68 ± 0.06 vs 0.48 ± 0.04 Arbitrary Units, p  = 0.006). Telomere length and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine were inversely correlated. Conclusion In chronic hepatitis C coffee consumption induces a reduction in oxidative damage, correlated with increased telomere length and apoptosis, with lower collagen synthesis, factors that probably mediate the protection exerted by coffee with respect to disease progression.