--- In lonestarheppers@yahoogroups.com, jimmmr1 <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Hey Black Diamond! Long time.
>
> Jimmmr here in Lubbock. Alot has gone on since we last chatted. I
have
> been on Peg w/o Riba for the last 37 months on a maintainence basis.
> Non-detect and labs all normal for quite a while now. I'm blessed.
> Transplant I got in 2000 is doing great. I think I am their poster
boy
> over at Methodist Liver Center in Houston. Lost my wife in the
process.
> Divorce final over a year ago. Her and my two kids 28 & 21 are still
> there in Bastrop in the house I built them. Kids are doing well. We
get
> to see each other occasionally when I head down to Houston for labs
and
> MRI's and such. Guess they are right when they say something like
this
> will either break a relationship or make it stronger. you can guess
> which way it worked for me.
>
> Was tough, was married to my high school sweetheart for 30 years.
Guess
> she decided she wanted something or someone different. Well her
loss.
> Things are great now. Stayed with my brother in The woodlands after
we
> separated and went through a long 2 yrs of failed reconciliation
efforts
> and divorce crap. Since then have found a wonderful woman named
Mary who
> treats me like solid gold and that is why I am in Lubbock. She is a
> manager at JC Pennys. We met a year and a half ago, on a SW Airline
> flight between Dallas and Las Cruces NM and we have been a pair
every
> since. What a woman, never even flinched about the HCV and insomnia
> thang. Wow what do you think the chances of that is? We can't
really get
> married since I don't have insurance and with a combined income
would
> not qualify for the assistance I get from Methodist in Houston and
the
> Peg and Prograf manufacturers. If you recall my insurance company
> dropped me right after the txp. You can keep up with me at my blog:
> www.jimmmmr.blogspot.com <http://www.jimmmmr.blogspot.com> .
>
> My biz has been good doing graphics and web work for oil companies.
Work
> at home which I have done since my txp. www.focusarts.com
> <http://www.focusarts.com> .
>
> Ride a Yamaha VStar 1100 Classic cruiser with a Christian Motorcycle
> Ministry that is nationwide. Having a blast doing that. I do the
website
> for them also. www.fellowshipriderslubbock.org
> <http://www.fellowshipriderslubbock.org> . Also did a website for a
> chapter in Florida www.fellowshipridersfloridaeverglades.com
> <http://www.fellowshipridersfloridaeverglades.com>  . Compete in an
APA
> nine ball billiard league and just having a great time thanking God
for
> an awesome "do-over".  There can be life after HCV and even a txp.
I am
> blessed.
>
> Hang in there BD, never give up. Life goes on even on treatment.
God has
> always showed me a "workaround" when faced with all the challenges
that
> the dragon presents.
>
> When it's you and God even the facts don't count and all things are
> posible.
> You take care and God Bless,
> Jimmmr in Lubbock
>
>
>
>
> --- In lonestarheppers@yahoogroups.com, blackdiamond_36 <no_reply@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hello all
> >
> > I just wanted to let you know that the Peg and riba is working
again
> > for me today. I just got back my viral load which went from
250,000
> > to 19,000 as of the report I saw today.  The tx seems to hit me
hard
> > in the 1st 24 hours after taking it and just drains my body. I
have
> > also had some depression and had to change back to Celexa to deal
> > with it. My energy level also gets drained by the end of the day.
> > One good thing is that since I started tx I have added to my
morning
> > routine walking about 2 miles per day which I feel is doing good
for
> > me and helping with some of the sides. Tonight will be shot #7 out
> > of too many to count. But if it works it will be worth it in the
> > long run. I will also be working on a local support group for hear
> > in Austin for Hcv patients which will be linking this site with
> > these patients so we can all give support to each other. In the
next
> > few weeks I will also be updating links and adding some new sites
to
> > Lone Star Heppers. I encourage you all to post only information
and
> > links for HCV patients in the next month.
> >
> > Thanks
> > BD
> >
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Patients with lung cancer that has spread to mediastinal lymph nodes -- located
between the chest, breastbone and spine -- who receive radiation after surgery
and chemotherapy live twice as long as patients who do not receive radiation
after surgery, according to a study presented at the plenary session November 6,
2006, at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 48th
Annual Meeting in Philadelphia.

   http://www.studyandjobs.com/radiation_lung_cancer.html

   or
   http://www.studyandjobs.com/Cancer.html

   Regards


---------------------------------
Sponsored Link

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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi I dont post much Not much at all Im angel in Texas So heres a email to say Hi
and hope to get to know you and everybody here



Beauty is in the scent of a flower,the wisp in the wind,the song of the
birds,the smile of a friend.So always take time to see ,that the most beautiful
things are free.

---------------------------------
Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

THURSDAY, Sept. 28 (HealthDay News) -- Women may have an edge on men
when it comes to surviving liver transplant, a new British study
finds.


The study of over 2,700 patients who received a liver transplant
between 1985 and 2003 found that female patients live an average of
4.5 years longer than their male counterparts.


According to researchers at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham,
average survival time for the patients in the study was 22 years,
compared with 29 years for a comparison group of healthy people of
similar age.


Average life expectancy for female liver transplant patients was 26
years, compared with 18 for males. The average life expectancy for
the general population was 31 years for women and 27 years for men.


Liver transplant patients ages 17 to 34 had an average life
expectancy of 28 years. While this was the highest among the
transplant patients, it fell far short of the average life
expectancy of 51 years for people ages 17 to 34 in the general
population.


Overall, patients who required a liver transplant due to primary
liver disease had significantly longer survival times than those who
had transplants due to hepatitis C, cirrhosis, or cancer.

mary miller <mary1187@...> wrote:  Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2006 08:56:02
-0700 (PDT)
From: mary miller <mary1187@...>
Subject: ScienceDaily: Statins Stop Hepatitis C Virus From Replicating
To: mary1187@...

Please see the following page ... Title: ScienceDaily: Statins Stop Hepatitis C
Virus From Replicating Link:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/07/060709125024.htm


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In lonestarheppers@yahoogroups.com, "mary" <mary1187@...> wrote:
>
> --- In lonestarheppers@yahoogroups.com, blackdiamond_36
> <no_reply@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Well this is to let all of my Hepper friends know that doc and I
> had
> a
> > visit. I am showing signs of stage 2 which is not good. Because
of
> > this I will be going back on Peg with Riba for 4 years to see if
I
> can
> > slay the dragon. Because of this I will be doing more post of
> > information for Hcv patients her on Lone Star Heppers. Would
like
> to
> > know if any of you would like to get back to having chats again
in
> > hear 1 night out of the week. Looks forward to hearing from you
> all
> as
> > I draw my sword.
> >
> > Thanks
> > Blackdiamond
> >
> Blackdiamond good blessings to you. I hope you make it, keep the
> faith.
> Why four years,I thought 48 weeks was max.I am new to this site
and
>  just looking for friends to chat with. Mary

Mary

This is what I was able to find out about why so long for tx. I did
ask questions and he had just got back from a Hcv conference dealing
with TX. What they are finding is that if a patient goes on tx for
for 6 months and is able to clear the virus. Then they move start
second round for 48 months which keep the virus from comming back.
Then after the 48 months it increases the the chance for genotypes
1a and 1b of them staying in remission to 46 %. Also they have found
that it starts to heal the damaged liver. Hopes that this is not to
technical.

Thanks
BD

mary miller <mary1187@...> wrote:   Date: Fri, 25 Aug 2006 17:47:43
-0700 (PDT)
From: mary miller <mary1187@...>
Subject: Fwd: A Medscape article that might interest you.
To: lonestarheppers@yahoogroups.com



Note: forwarded message attached.From: mary1187@...
To: mary1187@...
Subject: A Medscape article that might interest you.
Date: Fri, 25 Aug 2006 20:41:42 -0400 (EDT)

I thought you might be interested in this.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/532936
To access the article, click on this Web address, or cut and paste it into a
browser window.

This article notification service provided by http://www.medscape.com

* Physician optimized MEDLINE
* Free Online CME
* 25+ medical specialty sites
* 100+ online medical journals
* Conference Coverage
* Daily Medical News

Free email is available to Medscape members -- the perfect solution for the
mobile professional.





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In lonestarheppers@yahoogroups.com, "Richard" <rpmdata2001@...>
wrote:
>
> I have had HepC since 1994 and have gone through two treatments.
> still carrying a load and will try new regimen this fall.  This is
> new because I have never really talked or shared with others.  Hi.
> There, that's a beginning.
>
> Richard
>
hey ,how did your new tx. go i hope things are going well mary

--- In lonestarheppers@yahoogroups.com, blackdiamond_36
<no_reply@...>
wrote:
>
> Well this is to let all of my Hepper friends know that doc and I
had
a
> visit. I am showing signs of stage 2 which is not good. Because of
> this I will be going back on Peg with Riba for 4 years to see if I
can
> slay the dragon. Because of this I will be doing more post of
> information for Hcv patients her on Lone Star Heppers. Would like
to
> know if any of you would like to get back to having chats again in
> hear 1 night out of the week. Looks forward to hearing from you
all
as
> I draw my sword.
>
> Thanks
> Blackdiamond
>
Blackdiamond good blessings to you. I hope you make it, keep the
faith.
Why four years,I thought 48 weeks was max.I am new to this site and
  just looking for friends to chat with. Mary

I just went to my Dr. for a second round of tx. She said it was to
soon. my first round was terrible I had to go on half a dose ,my white
blood cells went hay wire I had to get bossters to help my white blood
cells get back up to par. I had trouble getting blood drawn ,. I  had
a ton of problems. I went for a clinical trial and could not begin
because my veins were depleted. Any sggestions on how to get blood
when the veins are no longer there. thats my story. would love to
talk. By the way there is a medicin coming out hopefully soon by the
name of vx950 have any body heard of it,

Hey Black Diamond! Long time.

Jimmmr here in Lubbock. Alot has gone on since we last chatted. I have
been on Peg w/o Riba for the last 37 months on a maintainence basis.
Non-detect and labs all normal for quite a while now. I'm blessed.
Transplant I got in 2000 is doing great. I think I am their poster boy
over at Methodist Liver Center in Houston. Lost my wife in the process.
Divorce final over a year ago. Her and my two kids 28 & 21 are still
there in Bastrop in the house I built them. Kids are doing well. We get
to see each other occasionally when I head down to Houston for labs and
MRI's and such. Guess they are right when they say something like this
will either break a relationship or make it stronger. you can guess
which way it worked for me.

Was tough, was married to my high school sweetheart for 30 years. Guess
she decided she wanted something or someone different. Well her loss.
Things are great now. Stayed with my brother in The woodlands after we
separated and went through a long 2 yrs of failed reconciliation efforts
and divorce crap. Since then have found a wonderful woman named Mary who
treats me like solid gold and that is why I am in Lubbock. She is a
manager at JC Pennys. We met a year and a half ago, on a SW Airline
flight between Dallas and Las Cruces NM and we have been a pair every
since. What a woman, never even flinched about the HCV and insomnia
thang. Wow what do you think the chances of that is? We can't really get
married since I don't have insurance and with a combined income would
not qualify for the assistance I get from Methodist in Houston and the
Peg and Prograf manufacturers. If you recall my insurance company
dropped me right after the txp. You can keep up with me at my blog:
www.jimmmmr.blogspot.com <http://www.jimmmmr.blogspot.com> .

My biz has been good doing graphics and web work for oil companies. Work
at home which I have done since my txp. www.focusarts.com
<http://www.focusarts.com> .

Ride a Yamaha VStar 1100 Classic cruiser with a Christian Motorcycle
Ministry that is nationwide. Having a blast doing that. I do the website
for them also. www.fellowshipriderslubbock.org
<http://www.fellowshipriderslubbock.org> . Also did a website for a
chapter in Florida www.fellowshipridersfloridaeverglades.com
<http://www.fellowshipridersfloridaeverglades.com>  . Compete in an APA
nine ball billiard league and just having a great time thanking God for
an awesome "do-over".  There can be life after HCV and even a txp. I am
blessed.

Hang in there BD, never give up. Life goes on even on treatment. God has
always showed me a "workaround" when faced with all the challenges that
the dragon presents.

When it's you and God even the facts don't count and all things are
posible.
You take care and God Bless,
Jimmmr in Lubbock




--- In lonestarheppers@yahoogroups.com, blackdiamond_36 <no_reply@...>
wrote:
>
> Hello all
>
> I just wanted to let you know that the Peg and riba is working again
> for me today. I just got back my viral load which went from 250,000
> to 19,000 as of the report I saw today.  The tx seems to hit me hard
> in the 1st 24 hours after taking it and just drains my body. I have
> also had some depression and had to change back to Celexa to deal
> with it. My energy level also gets drained by the end of the day.
> One good thing is that since I started tx I have added to my morning
> routine walking about 2 miles per day which I feel is doing good for
> me and helping with some of the sides. Tonight will be shot #7 out
> of too many to count. But if it works it will be worth it in the
> long run. I will also be working on a local support group for hear
> in Austin for Hcv patients which will be linking this site with
> these patients so we can all give support to each other. In the next
> few weeks I will also be updating links and adding some new sites to
> Lone Star Heppers. I encourage you all to post only information and
> links for HCV patients in the next month.
>
> Thanks
> BD
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello all

I just wanted to let you know that the Peg and riba is working again
for me today. I just got back my viral load which went from 250,000
to 19,000 as of the report I saw today.  The tx seems to hit me hard
in the 1st 24 hours after taking it and just drains my body. I have
also had some depression and had to change back to Celexa to deal
with it. My energy level also gets drained by the end of the day.
One good thing is that since I started tx I have added to my morning
routine walking about 2 miles per day which I feel is doing good for
me and helping with some of the sides. Tonight will be shot #7 out
of too many to count. But if it works it will be worth it in the
long run. I will also be working on a local support group for hear
in Austin for Hcv patients which will be linking this site with
these patients so we can all give support to each other. In the next
few weeks I will also be updating links and adding some new sites to
Lone Star Heppers. I encourage you all to post only information and
links for HCV patients in the next month.

Thanks
BD

I would. But what do you mean 'Peg with Riba for 4 years' 4 years? I am at
stage 3 now, all the treatment failed.

Arnold M. Coley
Round Rock, Texas


-----Original Message-----
From: lonestarheppers@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:lonestarheppers@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of blackdiamond_36
Sent: Saturday, June 17, 2006 10:45 AM
To: lonestarheppers@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Lone Star Heppers] Going back on treatment

Well this is to let all of my Hepper friends know that doc and I had a
visit. I am showing signs of stage 2 which is not good. Because of
this I will be going back on Peg with Riba for 4 years to see if I can
slay the dragon. Because of this I will be doing more post of
information for Hcv patients her on Lone Star Heppers. Would like to
know if any of you would like to get back to having chats again in
hear 1 night out of the week. Looks forward to hearing from you all as
I draw my sword.

Thanks
Blackdiamond








Yahoo! Groups Links

Four years!!!!!!!!!!! Wow, my thoughts are with you on this one.
              Sharon

blackdiamond_36 <no_reply@yahoogroups.com> wrote:                              
Well this is to let all of my Hepper friends know that doc and I had a
  visit. I am showing signs of stage 2 which is not good. Because of
  this I will be going back on Peg with Riba for 4 years to see if I can
  slay the dragon. Because of this I will be doing more post of
  information for Hcv patients her on Lone Star Heppers. Would like to
  know if any of you would like to get back to having chats again in
  hear 1 night out of the week. Looks forward to hearing from you all as
  I draw my sword.

  Thanks
  Blackdiamond






---------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups gets better. Check out the new email design. Plus there’s much
more to come.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Well this is to let all of my Hepper friends know that doc and I had a
visit. I am showing signs of stage 2 which is not good. Because of
this I will be going back on Peg with Riba for 4 years to see if I can
slay the dragon. Because of this I will be doing more post of
information for Hcv patients her on Lone Star Heppers. Would like to
know if any of you would like to get back to having chats again in
hear 1 night out of the week. Looks forward to hearing from you all as
I draw my sword.

Thanks
Blackdiamond

FLORIDA ANNUAL HEP FEST

Sept 1-4, 2006

Hollywood/Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Main event (picnic) is September 3, 2006
at
Topeekeegee Yugnee Park
3300 North Park Road
Hollywood, FL 33021

We have a group rate at La Quinta of $105 per night plus tax from Friday
(9/1) thru Monday (9/4), which is a great rate for this caliber of hotel
during Labor Day Weekend.

When making reservations (800-531-5900), you must mention "Florida Fest"
and/or Group Number "98545659". The last date for reservations and to
get this price is 8/18/2006.  DON'T MISS OUT!
La Quinta Inn & Suites
Ft. Lauderdale Airport
2620 North 26th Ave.
Hollywood, FL 33020
Phone: (954)922-2295
Fax: (954)922-2995
AAA 3 Diamond Rating


   [http://www.lq.com/images/common/clear.gif]
         [http://www.lq.com/data/lanyon/images/LQ985_985_EXT.jpg]
   [Photo Gallery]
   [http://www.lq.com/images/about-this-hotel/arrow-orange-left.gif]
Hotel Exterior
[http://www.lq.com/images/about-this-hotel/arrow-orange-right.gif]
   [http://www.lq.com/images/common/clear.gif]  Courtyard
<http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ985&propId=9\
85&savedSearchQuery=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lq.com%2Flq%2FproxySearchRes.do%3Fs\
earchCity%3DHollywood%26searchState%3DFL%26availability.palsra_IND_M%3D%\
26availability.palsra_IND_D%3D%26availability.palsra_IND_Y%3D%26availabi\
lity.palsra_OTD_M%3D%26availability.palsra_OTD_D%3D%26availability.palsr\
a_OTD_Y%3D%26availability.palsra_NRM%3D1%26mapProvider%3DMapQuest%26sear\
chType%3DGEO%26promocorp%3D%26x%3D18%26y%3D8#showImage(1)>
   [http://www.lq.com/images/common/clear.gif]  Swimming Pool
<http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ985&propId=9\
85&savedSearchQuery=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lq.com%2Flq%2FproxySearchRes.do%3Fs\
earchCity%3DHollywood%26searchState%3DFL%26availability.palsra_IND_M%3D%\
26availability.palsra_IND_D%3D%26availability.palsra_IND_Y%3D%26availabi\
lity.palsra_OTD_M%3D%26availability.palsra_OTD_D%3D%26availability.palsr\
a_OTD_Y%3D%26availability.palsra_NRM%3D1%26mapProvider%3DMapQuest%26sear\
chType%3DGEO%26promocorp%3D%26x%3D18%26y%3D8#showImage(2)>
   [http://www.lq.com/images/common/clear.gif]  Meeting Facilities
<http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ985&propId=9\
85&savedSearchQuery=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lq.com%2Flq%2FproxySearchRes.do%3Fs\
earchCity%3DHollywood%26searchState%3DFL%26availability.palsra_IND_M%3D%\
26availability.palsra_IND_D%3D%26availability.palsra_IND_Y%3D%26availabi\
lity.palsra_OTD_M%3D%26availability.palsra_OTD_D%3D%26availability.palsr\
a_OTD_Y%3D%26availability.palsra_NRM%3D1%26mapProvider%3DMapQuest%26sear\
chType%3DGEO%26promocorp%3D%26x%3D18%26y%3D8#showImage(3)>

View Hotel Amenities Click Here
<http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ985&propId=9\
85&savedSearchQuery=http://www.lq.com/lq/proxySearchRes.do?searchCity=Ho\
llywood&searchState=FL&availability.palsra_IND_M=&availability.palsra_IN\
D_D=#hotel-amenities>   Directions to Hotel from Local Airports Fort
Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport
I-595 west to I-95. Exit Sheridan St(exit 21) head east one light (26
ave). Make left at 26th street to hotel.
Miami International Airport
836 East to I-95 North to exit 21 Sheridan St. Make right to first
light, make left onto North 26th Ave.

   [Map]



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hepatitis C and its preventions

For details
http://www.studyandjobs.com/Hepatitis.html

or visit
http://www.studyandjobs.com

Regards
StudyAndJobs

L.O.L.A. Presents the
2nd New York City
Hepatitis C March

Together we will continue to raise awareness on the
seriousness of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). With more
education, prevention and testing methods we can help stop the
spread of HCV within our communities.

Come Join Us and Bring Your Family and Friends Too!

R  E  M  E  M  B  E  R

C-ING IS BELIEVING!

Date: Thursday, May 18, 2006
Place: From Battery Park to City Hall Park
Registration: 9:30 am to 10:30 am
March: 12:00 Noon

Free Admission — Free T-Shirts for the first 1,000 people.

To Register or Volunteer, Please Call 718 892 8697.
To Register for HCV March click link and print the form
http://www.lola-national.org/


http://www.StatusCUnknown.com is a proud member of LOLA's
2nd Hepatitis C March Planning Committee

I met my future wife      here! hehe. And thought I should share it with any
other men who are worried about ending up alone like I was. Check it out if you
like http://www.alwaysopenforyou.info/bbcb

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
HMA MOVEMENT TO SPONSOR "MARCH ACROSS AMERICA"
      Monday, March 6, 2006
Contact:        HMA Press Office, 540-248-7324

From DC's Capital Hill to NY's City Hall Park, Liver Organizations,
Activist, Families & Support Groups Are Making Plans for May 2006,
National Hepatitis C Awareness Month.
      WASHINGTON, DC– Hepatitis C Movement for Awareness (HMA) is once
again hosting the Fifth Annual, "Weekend for Awareness," with a new
twist this year. Joining HMA, the Latino Organization for Liver
<http://www.lola-national.org/>  Awareness, LOLA, and other
organizations will "March Across America," promoting the need for a
General Awareness Campaign.
In recognition of "Hepatitis C Awareness Month," individuals and groups
that can't make the DC event, are scheduling a march in their own
hometown.  Most will rally on local government to inform about the risk
to communities. Groups interested in participating can visit this link
to sign up. The Movement provides pamphlets that volunteers can print
out, which include a voucher for a free in home test kit.
http://www.march-on-dc.com/National/News/2006/LocalMarch.asp
<http://www.march-on-dc.com/National/News/2006/LocalMarch.asp>

Dubbed "The National Event," held in DC, begins Wednesday, May 24. The
first two days, local State teams will unite on Capital Hill, with
scheduled appointments. This is followed by a "Kick Off" Rally and
Silent Auction, Thursday evening. The March begins Friday, 10 AM, with
plans to step off at 11:30. Participants will gather at Lafayette Park,
across from the White House. There will be guest speakers from the
Hepatitis C community. More information will follow.    Saturday is
"National Testing Day"; a free day for enjoying the National Memorial
activities. Services including parades and entertainment, Many
volunteers will converge on t <http://www.march-on-dc.com/> he National
Mall, distributing HMA's pamphlets and vouchers. Events will end with a
candlelight vigil that evening in memory of the 10,000 former Military
Veterans that died last year because of Hepatitis C.   HEPATITIS C is
viral infection of the blood, with almost 6 million Americans infected.
It can lead to permanent problems, cirrhosis and organ failure. Only 20%
know they have the infection. The only means to prevent it is through
awareness, testing, and a "General Education Campaign."  There is no
vaccine.    As the leading epidemic in the world and the number one
cause of liver transplants in the United States, organizers want the
message clear; "Our primary mission is to alert the public to the many
ways the virus is spread while encouraging people to get tested."
Especially minorities and those with military backgrounds, most
affected. Please come out and support a true effort for federal and
state responses to this epidemic.
Register online at
http://www.march-on-dc.com/National/Events/2006/WelPKG.asp
<http://www.march-on-dc.com/National/Events/2006/registration/WelPkg/sig\
nup.asp>
Special room rates expire on April 21.
For more information and get a copy of the "Are You At Risk" pamphlet
with a test kit voucher visit: www.March-on-DC.com
<http://www.march-on-dc.com/>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Most people haven't heard of it it has only been known here for the
past 3 years. I started drinking it in December 2005 after reading
about a man that lowered his viral load counts using this juice. Not
trying to sell it, just trying to see if anybody else is using it if
has worked for them or not

--- In lonestarheppers@yahoogroups.com, "Arnold Coley" <arnman@...>
wrote:
>
> Actually, I never heard of it. Tell me this is not someone trying
to sell
> the group something!
>
> Arnie
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: lonestarheppers@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:lonestarheppers@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of lhanas
> Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2006 7:57 PM
> To: lonestarheppers@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Lone Star Heppers] Mangosteen Juice
>
> Hi, I am new to the group. Was wondering if anybody is drinking
> mangosteen juice to help with Hepatitis C?
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>

I have had HepC since 1994 and have gone through two treatments.
still carrying a load and will try new regimen this fall.  This is
new because I have never really talked or shared with others.  Hi.
There, that's a beginning.

Richard

Actually, I never heard of it. Tell me this is not someone trying to sell
the group something!

Arnie

-----Original Message-----
From: lonestarheppers@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:lonestarheppers@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of lhanas
Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2006 7:57 PM
To: lonestarheppers@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Lone Star Heppers] Mangosteen Juice

Hi, I am new to the group. Was wondering if anybody is drinking
mangosteen juice to help with Hepatitis C?






Yahoo! Groups Links

Hi, I am new to the group. Was wondering if anybody is drinking
mangosteen juice to help with Hepatitis C?

The following is an excerpt from www.healthyhepper.com ebook
  IMMUNE SYSTEM POWER:  Fight and Win Against the Dragon


THYMIC PROTEIN A - THYMUS EXTRACTS
What is Thymic Protein A?

It is a nutritional supplement designed to effect the same biological activity
as the protein
from the human thymus. It is made from cultured cells, not from actual thymus
glands.
The isolated and purified protein is derived from bovine thymus cells.
Bio Pro Thymic Protein A is packaged in single dose packets, each containing 12
trillion
biologically active molecules of protein in a base of maltodextrin powder.
Dr. Tery Beardsley, an immunologist, discovered and patented the way to preserve
an
intact activated protein in the same complete form as would be produced by the
human
thymus.

How does it work?

The human thymus is part of the body's endocrine and lymphatic systems. It
reaches its
maximum size at puberty and then begins to gradually shrink as we age.

It is Dr. Beardsley's belief that age related decreased immunity is due to a
lack of properly
programmed T-cells and the shrinking of the thymus gland. It is said that by age
40, the
thymus gland is drastically smaller and has very reduced function.

The thymus gland plays a very important role in cell-mediated immunity. The
thymus
gland produces proteins which "program" T-cells. T-cells (T-lymphocytes) are
made by
the bone marrow and they are white blood cells. T-cells find and kill foreign
invaders.
Without the thymic proteins produced by the thymus, the T-cells are "naive",
immature,
and they will not function.

Insufficient production of thymic proteins to program the T-cells could allow
chronic
infections and degenerative diseases to develop. If a T-4 (helper) cell is
programmed by
the proper thymic protein it can identify any invader in the bloodstream, and
secrete
proteins called interleukins and interferons which tell the T-8 (killer) cells
where to find
the invader and how to destroy it.

As explained by Dr. Beardsley, of all the cells in the immune system the t-4
helper cell is
the most important, it regulates the delicate balance of the immune system by
secreting
certain lympokines and cytokines, among them interleukin-2 and interferon, which
act as
"messengers" to tell specific cells to attack and destroy invading pathogens.

Essentially, the T-4 cells guide the "killer" cells (T-8, cytotoxic) to attack
and destroy
certain invadig cells such as viruses and cancer cells. Thymic Protein A is
designed to be
the precise thymus protein which is the key to the cell-mediated immune system
which
programs the T-4 lymphocyte (T-4 helper cell).

A relatively new product (about 5 years old), clinical research does not appear
to be
published yet. Dr. Beardsley is quoted as saying that clinical research is
"already
underway". And that a study is underway on hepatitis C.

Who else takes Thymic Protein A?

Naomi Judd! The world-famous celebrity and country singer has recovered from her
own
battle with hepatitis C. AlternativeMedicine.com, in one of their website<
articles,
describes Naomi's health regimen/protocol, "Perhaps one of the most significant
therapies
(for its effect on Naomi's liver) was thymus glandular extract from calves...
Naomi's liver
enzyme levels, which had gone up again after the interferon cycle ended, dropped
to
within the normal range after she added the thymus glandulars to her program."

The following doctors use it regularly in their practices (or for themselves):

Drs. Robert Atkins, Abram Ber, Jonathan Wright, Lee Cowden and Serafina
Corsello.

Lloyd Wright, the author of Triumph Over Hepatitis C, who has been "cured" and
now tests
negative for HCV, has tried it. However, he stresses that the "frozen thymus" is
far superior
in many ways and attributes most of his success getting rid of the virus to
"live cell frozen
thymus extract," which is available on his website, hepatitiscfree.com.


Frozen Thymus Extract


Lloyd Wright has provided a a statement from the manufacturer of the frozen
thymus
extract, which explains how it is different from Thymic Protein A : "The thymus
provided
by Author and researcher Lloyd Wright is manufactured using our state-of-the-art
extraction and ultra-filtration process to preserve the integrity of the active
thymic
molecules and peptides. The thymus extract sold by Lloyd Wright provides broad-
spectrum thymic peptides of 50,000 Daltons or less. Some thymus products have
only one
known peptide (thymic protein A). Moreover, our propritary ultra-filtration
technology is a
chemical solvent free process that eliminates unwanted compounds such as fat and
fibrous tissues typically found in powders. The live cell thymus provides the
molecules in
the most natural state possible and it is the highest quality peptide complex
available.
Kept frozen to preserve integrity of all peptides.You can read more about this
and find out
how to get it at hepatitiscfree.com.



When asked to compare Thymic Protein A with thymus extracts, Dr. Beardsley,
comments,
" Extracts of the thymus generally consist of whole thymus gland which is ground
and
dried or strained into liquid and administered in capsules or in sublingual
drops. By the
very nature of how these extracts are processed the resultant product is a
conglomeration
of thymus tissue, cell debris, fragments of thymus proteins and thymus
by-products.
These extracts are only slightly effective because they are mere fragments. To
attain full
effectiveness a protein must have a specific shape with extract transmitter and
receptor
sites."


Bovine Thymus Extracts

The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, lists thymus extracts as a treatment for
hepatitis C.
It states that there is good clinical data to support the effectiveness of
orally administered
bovine thymus extracts in treating acute and chronic viral hepatitis. It
reports, " The
effectiveness of the thymus extract in treating viral hepatitis is reflective of
broad-
spectrum immune-system enhancement, presumably mediated by improved thymus gland
activity."

Summary

Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing Newsletter summarizes,
"What the single thymic protein that has been isolated by Dr. Beardsley does is
take over
the work that your thymus used to perform - it stimulates the immune system by
programming T-4 lymphocytes, increasing both their numbers and activity. Since
the
primary function of Thymic Protein A is to program T-4 cells, it is interesting
to consider
the importance of T-4 cells as described by hepatitis C expert Matthew Dolan in
The
Hepatitis C Handbook, "It is the behavior of these cells (T helper cells/CD4)
that are
thought to be the primary indicator of who is likely to clear the virus upon
infection and
who is not.

Researchers have shown that a strong and multispecific CD4+lymphocyte response
to HCV
proteins is only present in HCV infected patients who successfully clear the
virus..."

The question is does Bio Pro activate a T-cell response to HCV proteins?

If cell-mediated immunity and the T-cell initiated immune response is important
to the
management or even elimination of HCV (as the most current research reported in
Matthew Dolan's book seems to suggest) and if Thymic Protein A truly stimulates
these
aspects of the immune system, it would appear to be an attractive product to
use.

Matthew Dolan classifies thymic extracts as an alternative therapy, " It is a
branch of cell
therapy, a treatment approach that is popular for cancer in Germany and involves
the
injection of live cells from (calf) thymus. The general idea is to reinvigorate
the immune
system. There is no accurate reports on its efficacy for hepatitis C yet."

Method of Use

The extract should be slowly dissolved under the tongue (where is is absorbed
directly
into the bloodstream), as stomach acids will destroy fragile structure of the
protein,
according to John Anderson, author of the article Resetting The Immune System's
Thermostat With Thymus Protein on AlternativeMedicine.com.


MAD COW DISEASE & THYMUS SUPPLEMENTS


Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a fatal brain disease of cattle. The
disease is
believed to be caused by a "self-replicating" protein (a prion) rather than a
bacterium or
virus. Meat and milk have not been shown to carry the infective agent and
measures have
been taken to exclude those parts shown to carry the infective agent (primarily
brain and
nervous tissue) from the food supply.


According to an article by Amy Norton entitled "Herbal supplements Can Contain
Animal
Parts" (Source: Reuters Health, July 26, 2000), thymus products may contain "raw
animal
parts". Some people are of the persuasion that there is a theoretic possibility
of a risk of
transmitting "mad cow" disease by consuming thymus products.


Dr. Scott A. Norton, in an interview with Reuters Health, stated, "I would
advise all of my
patients not to take supplements that contain central nervous system tissue from
animals." The reference to this article comes from HEPCBC.org and it states that
the article
warned readers that not all supplements list their full ingredients, or some
people may not
realize that the word "hypothalamus" means brain tissue, and "orchis" means bull
testicles.
It says that regulatory institutions have little or no power over dietary and
herbal
supplements.


My opinion is that we should investigate our thymus products mindfully, but that
we
shouldn't jump to irrational and paranoid conclusions. I asked Lloyd Wright
about this
issue and here's what he had to say:


"There is no evidence of mad cow disease on the north American continent. I hope
they
keep it this way. 1. The thymus is thymus, live cell, no central nervous system
in it. 2.
Again, Natcell thymus is Thymus, nothing else."


"There are approximately 2000 boxes of natcell thymus sold a week in the US and
a whole
lot more world wide. It is safe. The Natcell thymus is taken from live calves.
Most thymus
products are made from dead cows. There is a huge difference."

The following is an excerpt from the e-book:
SAVE YOUR LIVER:
Vital Nutrients Your Liver MUST Have
www.healthyhepper.ccom

ANTIOXIDANTS, FREE RADICALS
& YOUR LIVER



WHAT ARE FREE RADICALS?


Free radicals are explained in the book "Prescription for Natural Healing", by
James Balch
as follows: "A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that contains at least
one unpaired
electron. Electrons are negatively charged particles that usually occur in
pairs, forming a
chemically stable arrangement. If an electron is unpaired, another atom or
molecule can
easily bond with it, causing a chemical reaction. Because they join so readily
with other
compounds, free radicals can effect dramatic changes within the body, and they
can cause
a lot of damage...
The presence of a dangerous number of free radicals can alter the way in which
the cells
code genetic material. Changes in protein structure can occur as a result of
errors in
protein synthesis. The body's immune system may then see this altered protein as
a
foreign substance and then destroy it. The formation of mutated proteins can
eventually
damage the immune system and then lead to cancer and other diseases.
In addition to damaging genetic material, free radicals can destroy the
protective cell
membranes.


WHAT ARE ANTIOXIDANTS?
By destroying free radicals, antioxidants help to detoxify and protect the body.
We can
minimize free radical damage by taking supplements of key nutrients. There is a
group of
vitamins, minerals and enzymes that are classified as antioxidants.
Antioxidants can be obtained from food sources such as fresh fruits and
vegetables, it is
difficult to get enough of them to be effective in protecting against the
cellular damage
caused by a virus such as hepatitis.

Since antioxidants protect against cellular damage it is no wonder they are used
in health
regimens prescribed for hepatitis, since hepatitis can do massive free radical
damage to
the liver!



WHAT ROLE DO ANTIOXIDANTS PLAY IN THE TREATMENT OF HCV?

A US study confirmed that oxidative stress (from free radical damage) occurs in
patients
with chronic hepatitis and that the levels of the free radicals correlated with
the activity of
the hepatitis.

There are clinical studies from Italy that suggest that glutathione, a very
important liver
antioxidant, influences hepatitis C in the following ways:
* impairs the replication of HCV
* improvement in liver enzyme levels
* improve liver cell damage
* make interferon anti-viral therapy more
effective
(To see a more detailed description of these clinical studies please see
www.thione.com)
The information provided by some clinical studies done in Spain and Italy
suggest that
there is an important relationship between antioxidants and chronic liver
disease,
specifically hepatitis C.

Many sources believe that antioxidants are important in the management of
patients with
viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis C.

Taking a look at the treatment programs used by "survivors" of HCV (Naomi Judd,
among
many others) one will see that antioxidants were invariably used in their health
regimens.
Antioxidant supplements are believed by many to protect against the free
radicals
generated by the hepatitis C virus.

OUR REPORTS

The reports we offer list all the important antioxidants used in treating
hepatitis C, along
with detailed descriptions, suggested dosages, possible interactions with other
supplements, any clinical studies or research about them, food sources of
certain
antioxidants, and testimonials from hepatitis C survivors.

THE FIRST E-BOOKS ON THE WEB TO BE EXCLUSIVELY DEVOTED TO NATURAL SOLUTIONS
FOR HEP C. Ideal for interferon NON-RESPONDERS, those on interferon seeking
ADJUNCT
THERAPY, those who seek ALL NATURAL TREATMENT and those who had to stop
interferon.   www.healthyhepper.com

To: All

I would like to find out what you all think about stem cell reseach in
the creating of new organs. Do you feel this is something good for the
transplant patients waiting on livers? Let me know what you all feel
about this so we can discuss it as a group. I will post a few web
pages which I think you all should see regarding this issue.

Merry Christmas
BD

Title: Combination of Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin as Therapy
for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C with and without Renal Disease
Number: 02-DK-0065
Summary: This study will examine the effectiveness of pegylated
interferon, or peginterferon (a long-acting form of alpha
interferon) plus ribavirin in treating hepatitis C (genotype 1)
infection with and without kidney disease. (Genotype 1 is a strain
of hepatitis C virus that has a lower success rate of therapy.)
Combination therapy with alpha interferon and ribavirin is the
recommended treatment for hepatitis C infection in patients without
kidney disease. However, it is not successful in all patients. An
early predictor of who is or is not likely to respond to therapy
would allow treatment to be stopped in non-responders within 2 to 4
weeks rather than 6 or 12 months. This study will determine whether
early changes in viral levels with treatment predict the ultimate
outcome. It will also compare responses in patients without and with
kidney disease to better evaluate problems of therapy in the latter
group. Ribavirin is not given to people with kidney disease because
of possible severe drug side effects. However, because patients with
kidney disease are poor treatment responders and because ribavirin
increases the success of therapy in patients without kidney disease
2- to 3-fold, however, this study will look for a dose of the drug
that can safely be given to patients with kidney disease.

Patients 18 years of age and older with hepatitis C, genotype 1,
with or without kidney disease may be eligible for this study.
Candidates will be screened with a medical history and physical
evaluation, blood tests, symptom questionnaires, 24-hour urine
collection, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, and liver ultrasound. A
liver biopsy (removal of a small piece of liver tissue) will be done
in patients who have not had one within the last year. Additional
procedures, such as eye examination, treadmill stress test, hearing
test, or others may be required depending on the individual's
medical condition.

Patients without kidney disease will be randomly assigned to one of
two treatment groups: Group A will take both peginterferon (by
injection under the skin once a week) and ribavirin (capsules by
mouth) from the start of therapy; Group B will start treatment with
peginterferon alone and add ribavirin after 4 weeks. Patients with
kidney disease (Group C) will start with peginterferon alone and add
ribavirin 4 weeks later. All patients will be admitted to the NIH
Clinical Center for a few days when treatment starts in order to
draw blood at precise intervals (6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after
the first peginterferon injection) for measurements of viral levels.

Blood will then be drawn once a week for 4 weeks (just before each
injection) to determine how rapidly viral levels decrease with
treatment and to measure blood levels of interferon and ribavirin.
After 4 weeks of therapy, patients will have a blood test and check
of symptoms and side effects every 4 weeks for 24 weeks (every 2
weeks for Group C patients until the optimum ribavirin dose is
found) and then every 8 weeks for the remainder of the study. They
will have a physical examination and urine test every 12 weeks.

Patients will be tested for hepatitis virus RNA after 24 weeks of
therapy to determine if they are a responder or non-responder.
Responders will be advised to continue therapy for a full 48 weeks
to ensure a continued response when treatment stops. Non-responders-
whose chances for a lasting response are estimated at only 2%-will
be offered the option to continue treatment, to stop treatment and
continue being followed without treatment, or to enroll in other
studies of non-responders.

At the end of the 72-week treatment and follow-up, patients will
have the same blood and urine tests as were done at the beginning of
the study and a repeat liver ultrasound.


Sponsoring Institute:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK)
Recruitment Detail
Type: Active Accrual Of New Subjects
Gender: Male & Female
Referral Letter Required: No
Population Exclusion(s): None

Eligibility Criteria:
INCLUSION CRITERIA:

All Patients:


-Age 18 years or above, male or female.


-Presence of HCV RNA (with or without anti-HCV) in serum.


-Genotype 1 HCV as determined by probe specific hybridization (Inno-
Lipa assay).


-Evidence of chronic hepatitis on liver biopsy done within the
previous 48 months with a necroinflammatory histology activity index
of at least 3 (out of a maximum of 18).


-Written informed consent.


Additional inclusion criteria for Groups A, B and D:


-Serum alanine (ALT) or asparatate aminotransferase (AST) above the
upper limit of the normal range (ALT 41 greater than IU/L: AST
greater than 31 IU/L) on any serum testing during the previous six
months.


Additional inclusion criteria for Group C:


-Chronic renal disease with creatinine clearance less than 50 cc/min
or serum creatinine greater than 2.0 mg%.


-If on chronic hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, stable clinical
condition including stable hematocrit.


-If on chronic dialysis, potential candidacy for renal
transplantation.


EXCLUSION CRITERIA:


Previous treatment with alpha interferon.


If cirrhosis is present, decompensated liver disease, as marked by
bilirubin greater than 4 mg%, albumin less than 3.0 gm%, prothrombin
time greater than 2 sec prolonged, or history of bleeding esophageal
varices, ascites or hepatic encephalopathy.


Serum ALT or AST levels greater than 1000 U/L (greater than 25 times
ULN). Such patients will not be enrolled but may be followed until
three determinations are below this level.


Pregnancy or, in women of child-bearing potential or in spouses of
such women, inability to practice adequate contraception, defined as
vasectomy in men, tubal ligation in women, or use of condoms and
spermacide, or birth control pills, or an intrauterine device.


Significant systemic or major illnesses other than renal failure (in
Group C), including congestive heart failure, organ transplantation,
serious psychiatric disease or depression, human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) infection, and angina pectoris.


Pre-existing anemia (hematocrit less than 33%) or known history of
hemolytic anemia. In patients in patients in Group C, erythropoetin
therapy will be modified to achieve an adequate hemocrit if
clinically indicated.


Other antiviral therapy within the last 6 months.


Immunosuppressive therapy with either corticosteroids (more than 5
mg of prednisone daily) or major immunosuppressive agents (such as
azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine).


Evidence of another form of liver disease in addition to viral
hepatitis (for example autoimmune liver disease, Wilson's disease,
alcoholic liver disease, hemochromatosis, alpha-1-antitrypsin
deficiency).


Evidence of coronary artery disease or cerebral vascular disease,
including abnormalities on exercise stress testing in patients with
defined risk factors who will be screened for evidence of underlying
coronary artery disease.


Active substance abuse, such as alcohol, inhaled or injection drugs
within the previous year.


Evidence of hepatocellular carcinoma; either alphafetoprotein (AFP)
levels greater than 50 ng/ml (normal less than 9 ng/ml) and/or
ultrasound (or other imaging study) demonstrating a mass suggestive
of liver cancer.


Clinical gout.


Active, serious autoimmune disease such as lupus erythematosis,
ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or rheumatoid arthritis that in
the opinion of the investigators might be exacerbated by therapy
with alpha interferon.

Special Instructions: Currently Not Provided
Keywords:
Chronic Hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Hepatitis C Virus
Combination Therapy
Hemolysis
Ribavirin
Alpha Interferon
Peginterferon
Antiviral Agents
Viral Hepatitis
Hemosis
Hemolytic Anemia
Renal Failure
Renal Dialysis
Recruitment Keyword(s):
Hepatitis
Hepatitis C
Condition(s):
Hepatitis C
Investigational Drug(s):
Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a and Ribavirin
Investigational Device(s):
None
Intervention(s):
None
Supporting Site:
N/A

Contact(s):
Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793

Title: Epidemiology, Infectivity and Natural History of Hepatitis C
Virus Infection in a Blood Donor Population
Number: 91-CC-0117
Summary: This study will evaluate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection
in blood donors who test positive for antibodies to this virus. Most
HCV-infected people do not become ill and are not aware that they
have hepatitis or have had it in the past. Some infected people
recover completely, whereas others remain chronically infected. The
study will try to define infectivity of anti-HCV positive
individuals, routes of transmission of the virus, and the number of
HCV-infected persons who have evidence of liver disease.

Blood donors at the NIH Clinical Center or the Central Maryland
Chapter of the American Red Cross who test positive for HCV may be
eligible for this study. Participants will have a physical
examination and history, including questions about socioeconomic
status and current sexual practices. They will have 100 milliliters
(ml) (6 tablespoons) of blood drawn at the first visit and 50 ml (3
tablespoons) drawn 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the initial visit.
Some participants may undergo plasmapheresis, a procedure for
collecting additional plasma (the liquid portion of the blood). For
this procedure, whole blood is collected through a needle placed in
an arm vein. The blood circulates through a machine that separates
it into its components. The plasma is then removed, and the red and
white cells and platelets are returned to the body, either through
the same needle used to draw the blood or through a second needle
placed in the other arm. In some individuals, other body fluids
(saliva, urine or semen) may also be collected.

Participants may be asked to bring their household contacts and
sexual partners to NIH for interview and blood testing for evidence
of HCV infection and liver disease. Although this is not required
for participation in the study, it would provide additional valuable
information.

Participants found to have chronic viral infection will be seen more
often and will provide additional blood samples for routine medical
care. Further medical evaluation may include X-rays or liver scans
and referral to a specialist for additional tests or therapy.

Ten people in this study will be recruited to participate in a
secondary investigation to analyze changes in the level of HCV and
the immune response to it, and to relate these changes to the degree
of liver damage. In addition to blood collected for the primary
study, participants in this investigation will have an additional 50
ml (3 tablespoons) of blood drawn from an arm vein every week for 10
weeks to measure levels of virus, ALT (a liver enzyme), and immune
response.


Sponsoring Institute:
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)
Recruitment Detail
Type: Active Accrual Of New Subjects
Gender: Male & Female
Referral Letter Required: No
Population Exclusion(s): None

Eligibility Criteria:
INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Blood donors will be enrolled from among participants in the blood
programs of the National Institutes of Health/Clinical
Center/Department of Transfusion Medicine (NIH/CC/DTM) and the
American Red Cross/Central Maryland Chapter/The Greater Chesapeake
and Potomac Regional Blood Services (ARC).


Enrollment will be restricted to those who test positive in the anti-
HCV screening assay.


To fulfill criteria for study entry, the donor must:


a) be anti-HCV+ at the time of donation.

b) be 18 years of age or older.

c) be able/willing to travel to NIH for blood sampling 4 times in
the first year of study and semi-annually thereafter and willing to
have an annual history and physical examination.

d) provide informed consent.


EXCLUSION CRITERIA:


Donors who do not consent or who do not meet eligibility criteria
will be excluded from the study with appropriate explanation.


Special Instructions: Currently Not Provided
Keywords:
Hepatitis C Virus
Blood Donors
Liver Biopsy
ALT
Natural History
Recruitment Keyword(s):
None
Condition(s):
Hepatitis C
Investigational Drug(s):
None
Investigational Device(s):
None
Intervention(s):
None
Supporting Site:
N/A

Contact(s):
Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793

Electronic Mail:prpl@...

Citation(s):
An assay for circulating antibodies to a major etiologic virus of
human non-A, non-B viral hepatitis genome

Routes of infection, viremia and liver disease in blood donors found
to have hepatitis C virus infection

The incidence of transfusion-associated hepatitis G virus infection
and its relation to liver disease




If you have:

Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient
Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
Technical questions regarding the Clinical Center web site, please
contact the Department of Networks and Applications, CC.

Title: Immunogenetics of Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Number: 00-DK-0125
Summary: The course of hepatitis C varies among people infected with
the virus. Some people respond to treatment while many do not; some
recover completely while others remain chronically infected; and
among those who remain infected, some have mild symptoms while
others' symptoms are severe. This study will look for genetic
factors that may contribute to these differences.

Children over 2 years of age and adults with hepatitis C virus
infection or with other kinds of liver disease (such as hepatitis B
virus infection, primary biliary cirrhosis, Wilson's disease and
others), and normal volunteers may be eligible for this study.

Participants will provide 40 to 60 centiliters (1 to 2 ounces) of
blood. DNA will be isolated from the white blood cells for analysis
of genes involved in certain immune functions. The genetic findings
from patients with hepatitis C, patients with other forms of liver
disease, and normal volunteers will be compared to try to learn how
the differences may influence the symptoms and course of hepatitis C
and to understand how the virus causes disease.

The results of this study may provide information useful for
developing a vaccine and better treatments for hepatitis C.

Sponsoring Institute:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK)
Recruitment Detail
Type: Active Accrual Of New Subjects
Gender: Male & Female
Referral Letter Required: Yes
Population Exclusion(s): None

Eligibility Criteria:
INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Patients who have recovered from past HCV exposure (positive anti-
HCV but negative HCV viremia and absent liver disease).


Patients with asymptomatic HCV infection (positive anti-HCV and HCV
viremia, but persistently normal or minimally elevated ALT and
normal or mild disease on liver biopsy).


Patients with active liver disease (positive anti-HCV and HCV
viremia, persistently elevated ALT and/or moderate disease on liver
biopsy).


Patients with active extrahepatic manifestations of HCV infection
(cryoglobulinemia, glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, etc.).


Patients with rapidly progressive, severe liver disease and/or
hepatocellular carcinoma.


Patients who have undergone or are undergoing treatment.


Patients from a single-source outbreak of HCV infections (in which
the viral factors should be identical and the patients are often
from a homogeneous population with less genetic variability).


HCV infected family members and twins.


Patients with other forms of liver disease including HBV infection,
primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis, nonalcoholic
steatohepatitis, hemochromatosis, and Wilson's Disease, as well as
normal volunteers.


EXCLUSION CRITERIA:


Adult subjects with a Hct of less than 30 or pediatric subjects less
than 25 will be excluded.


Children with HCV infection younger than 2 years of age will be
excluded.


Unaffected healthy volunteers who are minors are not eligible for
this study.

Special Instructions: Currently Not Provided
Keywords:
Cytokines
Treatment
Genetic Polymorphism
Chronic Hepatitis C
Mononuclear Cells
Recruitment Keyword(s):
None
Condition(s):
Hepatitis C
Liver Disease
Investigational Drug(s):
None
Investigational Device(s):
None
Intervention(s):
None
Supporting Site:
N/A

Contact(s):
Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793

Electronic Mail:prpl@...

Citation(s):
Human leukocyte antigen and leprosy: study in northern Louisiana and
review

Common west African HLA antigens are associated with protection from
severe malaria

The immunogenetics of human infectious diseases




If you have:

Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient
Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
Technical questions regarding the Clinical Center web site, please
contact the Department of Networks and Applications, CC.