| Title: | INSULIN RESISTANCE AND HYPERLEPTINEMIA
IN NON-DIABETIC PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC
HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTION AND THEIR
RELATIONS TO STEATOSIS AND FIBROSIS
PROGRESSION |
| Full paper | Not Available |
| Abstract: |
Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is associated with an increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The present work aimed to investigate the virus-induced insulin resistance in non diabetic patients as well as serum leptin and their relations to steatosis and fibrogenesis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection. Twenty-Five patients, 15 males and 10 females with CHC were compared with 25 subjects, matched for age, sex and body mass index (BMI). The results of the work showed that the mean values of serum insulin, Cpeptide, HOMA-IR (Homeostasis Model Assesment-Insulin Resistance) and leptin were significantly elevated compared with the control group (p<0.05). Also, HOMA-IR was significantly correlated with age, BMI, serum albumin, C-peptide, leptin and histopathological findings (p<0.05). From the results of the present study, it could be concluded that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection might be suggested as an additional risk factor for the development of hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and hyperleptinemia that may be a mechanism for steatosis and fibrogenesis in patients with CHC. Continuous screening of these patients might be recommended for early detection and better management of impending diabetes mellitus. |