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March 19 2005
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Green Tea Protects Fatty Livers After Transplants

 

Transplant SurgeryThe major antioxidant found in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), may significantly protect fatty livers after a liver transplant. Fatty livers are more susceptible than lean livers to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, which is caused by decreased blood flow, and are therefore more susceptible to complications after transplantation.

About one-fifth of the U.S. population suffers from fatty liver, which is associated with obesity. Since fatty livers pose an increased risk of disease and death, the end result is fewer available donors for liver transplants. Close to one-third of donated livers have some sort of fatty changes, but due to longer transplant waiting lists, these compromised organs are sometimes being used.

A past study found that rinsing livers with a green tea-extract solution protected against failures in transplants involving fatty livers. The current study found that EGCG might protect fatty livers from ischemia-related damage during transplantation.

Green Tea Study Details

In the study, mice were given EGCG either orally or by injection. Researchers then performed surgeries to induce ischemia that could damage the rodents' livers. Results showed:

  • Mice that received EGCG showed a 100 percent post-surgery survival rate, experienced less liver cell death and retained more viable tissue.

  • Mice not given the compound had a 65 percent survival rate.

  • EGCG reduced liver fat content by about 55 percent.

Researchers called for further research to explore how ECGC acts to protect fatty livers, but suggested the green tea compound may work by acting as an antioxidant, stimulating the production of additional antioxidants, reducing liver fat content and increasing energy stores.

Liver Transplantation February 17, 2005, Volume 11, Issue 3, pgs. 298-308

Science Blog February 18, 2005



Dr. Mercola Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Over the past two months, I've posted a number of stories detailing the cancer-fighting properties of green tea and green tea extract.

Apparently, the same chemical -- the flavonoid EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) that was found to be a useful tool in fighting prostate cancer -- may also protect transplanted livers, especially fatty ones, from damage due to restrictions in blood flow, commonly called ischemia.

The ongoing obesity epidemic is a primary reason why 20 percent of the US population has fatty livers (a condition called hepatic steatosis) -- organs that are far more sensitive to ischemia. Not only does this increase the risk of disease and death, but it also means that the number of suitable organ donors for liver transplants has fallen.

The use of the major antioxidant in green tea, in extract form, does appear promising. It is important to recognize, however, that while tea is an acceptable fluid to drink, it must be done in moderation, as previous research has found high levels of fluoride present in some teas. At this time it is unclear to me, or any expert I have contacted, if the form of fluoride found in green tea is a health issue.

So, if you are drinking cup after cup of green tea for the health benefits, it may be wise to limit your consumption until it becomes clear whether the fluoride in tea cancels out its beneficial antioxidant effects. Those of you interested in learning more about the dangers of fluoride, and how it is used so pervasively in our society (above and beyond the fluoride in tea), I would suggest reviewing the fluoride links page and checking out The Fluoride Deception by Christopher Bryson. This important book will make you question the effects of not only fluoride but also of other "safe" chemicals used openly in our environment today.

Related Articles:

Green Tea Extract May Promote Weight Loss

Green Tea May Not Prevent Stomach Cancer

Does Green Tea Really Boost Your Endurance and Help You Burn Fat?

Green Tea Helps You Fight Cancer

Green Tea May Fight Skin Cancer

Get That Fluoride Out of Your Tea!

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