Background/aims: Vitamin E is one of the most promising treatments for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the long-term efficacy of this treatment remains unknown.
Methodology: We retrospectively examined 17 patients with biopsy-proven NASH who received vitamin E at a dose of 300 mg/day for >=2 yr, and underwent second liver biopsies after treatment. Variables were compared between patients with (group R) and without (group NR) fibrosis regression.
Results: The median interval between basal and second liver biopsies was 2.4 yr (range, 2.0-5.8 yr). Overall, transaminase activities, insulin resistance index, and hepatic fibrosis markers were significantly improved. Although histological steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis did not change after treatment, liver fibrosis improved in seven patients (41.2%), progressed in five (29.4%), and remained unchanged in five (29.4%). At baseline, subjects in group R (n = 7) were more likely to have diabetes, insulin resistance, and severe fibrosis compared to those in group NR (n = 10). Lower NAFLD activity score and larger decrease of ALT and insulin resistance after treatment were observed in group R compared with group NR.
Conclusions: Two years or longer treatment can be expected to ameliorate NASH fibrosis, especially in those whose serum transaminase activities and insulin resistance can be improved.