S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe) to Treat Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C

This study will examine the effectiveness of S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin for treating hepatitis C virus. One out of three patients with hepatitis C develops cirrhosis of the liver, which can lead to liver failure or liver cancer. SAMe is a nutritional supplement that is made naturally in all cells of the body and acts to improve how the body handles stress. In laboratory experiments with liver cells, SAMe decreases the injury caused by liver toxins and improves the ability of interferon to block hepatitis C virus. Patients 18 years of age and older with hepatitis C infection who did not respond successfully to prior treatment with interferon and ribavirin or peginterferon and ribavirin may be eligible for this study. Participants receive the following treatment: * Peginterferon (given by injection) and ribavirin (taken by mouth) for 2 weeks * Washout period (no medications) for 4 weeks * SAMe (taken by mouth) for 2 weeks * Peginterferon, ribavirin and SAMe for 12-48 weeks, depending on patient response to treatment. Participants have a thorough physical evaluation before beginning treatment and again at the study's end. After starting treatment, patients return for clinic visits and blood tests weekly for the first several weeks, then less frequently (at 2-week, then 4-week and 8-week intervals until up to 72 weeks) to monitor symptoms, drug side effects, hepatitis C virus levels, liver enzyme levels and immune responses to hepatitis C. ...