Effects of S-adenosyl-L-methionine and interferon-alpha2b on liver damage induced by bile duct ligation in rats.

Interferon-alpha2b (IFN) is known to prevent and to reverse experimental liver fibrosis and damage. S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) is a well-known hepatoprotective substance. The aim of the present work was to determine the effect of the administration of both drugs simultaneously to bile duct-ligated rats. Administration of IFN (50000 IU s.c.) and/or SAM (10 mg kg[-1] i.m.) began 15 days after biliary obstruction and continued for a further 15 days. The liver was used for glycogen and collagen quantification. Bilirubins and enzyme activities were measured in serum. Either SAM or IFN ameliorated all markers of liver damage studied. However, when administered together their beneficial effects were markedly reduced. It is not possible to explain the antagonistic effect of these compounds on liver damage with the present data. More studies are needed to determine SAM-IFN interactions.