Effect of Hepatitis C Clearance on Insulin Resistance

Insulin Resistance and Resistin In Non-Diabetic Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Before and After Direct-Acting Antiviral Drugs.

Chronic hepatitis C infection has been linked to insulin resistance, which is the essential component of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Resistin; an adipokine, has been demonstrated to stimulate the secretion of several inflammatory factors known to play a role in the induction of insulin resistance. we investigated the changes in insulin resistance after hepatitis C clearance in the era of direct antivirals.

the link between hepatitis C infection and insulin resistance has been established. Insuli resistance has been linked to poor response to interferon based therapy. recently, direct acting antiviral drugs are approved for hepatitis C elimination with high potency and safety. The aim of the study is to: 1. Determine the prevalence of insulin resistance among non-diabetic patients with chronic HCV infection. 2. Explore the impact of treatment with DAAs on insulin resistance among chronic HCV infected patients. 3. Investigate the role of insulin resistance as a potential prognostic factor for the response to DAAs. 4. Explore the utility of resistin as a potential biomarker IR among HCV infected patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Hepatitis C treatment-naïve;
• Non-diabetic patients.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Seropositivity for hepatitis B virus infection;
• Diabetes mellitus;
• Bbody mass index ≥ 30 Kg/M*2;
• History of alcohol consumption;
• Endocrinopathies that may affect the glycemic homeostasis;
• Other known causes of chronic liver disease; Hepatic decompensation [defined as history of gastrointestinal bleeding (melena and /or hematemesis), jaundice, coagulopathy, hepatic encephalopathy, and/or ascites]; bleeding diathesis;
• Connective tissue diseases;
• Autoimmune diseases;
• Cardiac, respiratory or renal disease.
• Patient receiving immuno-modulatory therapy or drugs that affect the blood glucose levels such as steroids or beta-blockers.