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, C-peptide, 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.