Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients with end-stage liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C, alcohol, or cholestatic disease

Hepatitis C and diabetes: the inevitable coincidence?

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and HCV infection are common conditions involving, respectively, at least 170 and 130 million people worldwide. However, the distribution of such cases does not overlap in the same age groups in different geographic areas. Following pioneering reports of increased prevalence of T2D in HCV-positive cirrhosis, interest concerning the relationship between HCV and T2D has escalated. HCV is able to induce insulin resistance (IR) directly and the role of specific viral genotypes responsible for such effect is disputed. IR has consistently been found to be closely linked to fibrosis in HCV infection, although also typically associated with T2D in prefibrotic stages. HCV infection could be associated with a reduced prevalence of metabolic syndrome owing to virus-associated reduction in BMI (reported in population but not clinical studies) and hypobetaliproteinemia. A three- to ten-fold increased risk of HCV infection was reported among diabetic patients in comparison with different control groups and a meta-analysis showed a 1.8-fold excess risk of T2D among HCV-positive compared with HBV-positive patients. Moreover, HCV positivity is associated with an increased risk of T2D in patients receiving liver or kidney transplantations. T2D and IR are independent predictors of a more rapid progression of liver fibrosis and impaired response to antiviral treatment in chronic hepatitis C. Patients with cirrhosis and T2D have an increased susceptibility to hepatic encephalopathy and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the beneficial effects of antiviral treatment on IR and T2D are controversial. Theoretically, glycemic control in chronic hepatitis C, and particularly in cirrhotic patients, could improve the prognosis and the response to antivirals, although the evidence for this is limited. Future studies should elucidate the relationship between insulin signaling, HCV and interferon signaling, entity of cardiovascular risk in patients with HCV infection, the potential role of 'metabolic' strategies added to antiviral treatment schedules, the impact of IR on liver failure, portal hypertension and HCC, particularly in patients managed in a transplant setting.

Clinical expression of insulin resistance in hepatitis C and B virus-related chronic hepatitis: Differences and similarities

AIM: To investigate the prevalence of the clinical parameters of insulin resistance and diabetes in patients affected by chronic hepatitis C (CHC) or chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 852 consecutive patients (726 CHC and 126 CHB) who had undergone liver biopsy. We recorded age, sex, ALT, type 2 diabetes and/or metabolic syndrome (MS), body mass index (BMI), and apparent disease duration (ADD).

RESULTS: Age, ADD, BMI, prevalence of MS and diabetes in patients with mild/moderate liver fibrosis were significantly higher in CHC. However, the degree of steatosis and liver fibrosis evaluated in liver biopsies did not differ between CHC and CHB patients. At multivariate analysis, age, sex, BMI, ALT and diabetes were independent risk factors for liver fibrosis in CHC, whereas only age was related to liver fibrosis in CHB. We also evaluated the association between significant steatosis (> 30%) and age, sex, BMI, diabetes, MS and liver fibrosis. Diabetes, BMI and liver fibrosis were associated with steatosis > 30% in CHC, whereas only age and BMI were related to steatosis in CHB.

CONCLUSION: These data may indicate that hepatitis C virus infection is a risk factor for insulin resistance.

Liver cirrhosis and diabetes: Risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical implications and management

About 30% of patients with cirrhosis have diabetes mellitus (DM). Nowadays, it is a matter for debate whether type 2 DM in the absence of obesity and hypertriglyceridemia may be a risk factor for chronic liver disease. DM, which develops as a complication of cirrhosis, is known as “hepatogenous diabetes”. Insulin resistance in muscular and adipose tissues and hyperinsulinemia seem to be the pathophysiologic bases of diabetes in liver disease. An impaired response of the islet β-cells of the pancreas and hepatic insulin resistance are also contributory factors. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and hemochromatosis are more frequently associated with DM. Insulin resistance increases the failure of the response to treatment in patients with CHC and enhances progression of fibrosis. DM in cirrhotic patients may be subclinical. Hepatogenous diabetes is clinically different from that of type 2 DM, since it is less frequently associated with microangiopathy and patients more frequently suffer complications of cirrhosis. DM increases the mortality of cirrhotic patients. Treatment of the diabetes is complex due to liver damage and hepatotoxicity of oral hypoglycemic drugs. This manuscript will review evidence that exists in relation to: type 2 DM alone or as part of the metabolic syndrome in the development of liver disease; factors involved in the genesis of hepatogenous diabetes; the impact of DM on the clinical outcome of liver disease; the management of DM in cirrhotic patients and the role of DM as a risk factor for the occurrence and exacerbation of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Risk factors for the development of diabetes mellitus in chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 4 infection

BACKGROUND AND AIM

A high occurrence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been reported in Kuwait and other countries. However, HCV genotype 4 has been underrepresented in all previous studies. Our aim was to investigate the viral and host risk factors associated with the development of T2D in patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 infection in the absence of liver fibrosis and steatosis.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 181 HCV-positive patients and 170 control HCV-negative patients with T2D.

RESULTS

The prevalence of HCV-patients with T2D was 39.8%. There was no significant association of T2D with gender, nationality, obesity, HCV viral load, or antiviral therapy. Older age (>or= 50 years) and family history of diabetes were the only independent risk factor for T2D in HCV patients. However, the median age and the prevalence of obesity in HCV-positive patients with T2D were significantly lower than those in diabetic HCV-negative patients. By following-up HCV-patients receiving antiviral drugs, a significant decrease of fasting plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels was observed in diabetic patients who achieved a sustained viral response (SVR).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk factors associated with the development of T2D in the general population cannot alone account for the high prevalence of T2D obtained in chronic HCV genotype 4 infection. In the absence of liver fibrosis and steatosis, the improvement in glycemic control obtained in SVR patients may imply direct involvement of HCV in the development of T2D.

Type and etiology of liver cirrhosis are not related to the presence of hepatic encephalopathy or health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Hepatic encephalopathy has a negative impact on health-related quality of life (QoL) in liver cirrhosis. There are scarce and conflicting data on whether type or etiology of liver cirrhosis could be related to hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. We aimed to determine the impact of cirrhosis etiology on hepatic encephalopathy and whether hepatic encephalopathy affects health-related QoL among patients with cirrhosis of different etiologies.

METHODS

A total of 156 cirrhotic patients were prospectively evaluated for the presence of hepatic encephalopathy according to the West-Haven criteria as well as by means of two psychometric tests. Patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis or cirrhosis due to mixed hepatocellular/cholestatic etiologies were excluded. Fasting plasma glucose levels were also measured. QoL was evaluated by means of a validated questionnaire (SF-36).

RESULTS

Diabetes mellitus was more common in patients with hepatocellular cirrhosis compared to those with cholestatic cirrhosis but the two groups did not differ in cirrhosis severity or the prevalence of hepatic encephalopathy (p > 0.05). The groups of patients with cirrhosis due to alcohol, hepatitis C, or cholestatic liver disease did not differ in severity of liver cirrhosis or the prevalence of hepatic encephalopathy (p > 0.05). Patients with cirrhosis of different etiologies did not differ in any SF-36 domain (p > 0.05). In multivariate analysis, performance at neuropsychological testing was independently related only to age, diabetes mellitus, and the Child-Pugh score whereas the SF-36 physical component summary only to the Child-Pugh score and hepatic encephalopathy.

CONCLUSION

Cirrhosis etiology does not seem to be related to hepatic encephalopathy or health-related QoL. Cognitive impairment is associated mainly with age, liver disease severity and diabetes mellitus.

Prevalence of hepatitis C infection and risk factors in hospitalized diabetic patients: results of a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Although there may exist a nosocomial risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, this risk has not been fully investigated thus far and its magnitude is unknown. The aim of this multicenter cross-sectional study was to evaluate the prevalence of, and risk factors for, hepatitis C infection in consecutive hospitalized patients with diabetes and to assess the nosocomial risk and magnitude of HCV infection in these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive hospitalized patients with diabetes seen in 11 French hepatogastroenterology and diabetology departments were studied. The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was compared with that observed in healthy blood donors and individuals seen during routine medical checkup. Diabetic patients with anti-HCV antibodies were compared with patients without anti-HCV antibodies for assessment of risk factors.

RESULTS

In total 1561 patients were studied. Independent risk factors for HCV infection were assessed through multivariate analysis. Thirty-three patients (2.11%) had anti-HCV antibodies and 21 (63.70%) had HCV identified risk factors. The prevalence of HCV infection was higher in patients with diabetes than in blood donors (0.08%) or healthy controls (0.20%) (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis identified four independent risk factors for HCV infection: blood transfusion before 1991 [odds ratio (OR)=2.88, P=0.033], intravenous drug use (OR=21.37, P=0.012), treatment in a hepatogastroenterology center (OR=4.17, P=0.002) and a high number (>2) of previous admissions since the onset of diabetes (OR=2.52, P=0.039).

CONCLUSION

A nosocomial source of HCV infection in hospitalized diabetic patients is suggested by the increased risk of HCV infection associated with the number of hospitalizations. This may account for at least 36% of cases of HCV infection.

The impact of obesity and diabetes mellitus on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Obesity has been associated to increased hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk, but studies on the topic do not fully account for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Likewise, an increased risk has been reported for diabetes mellitus (DM) but whether DM is an independent risk factor has not been established yet. To evaluate the association of obesity and DM with HCC risk, we conducted a hospital-based, case-control study in two Italian areas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1999 to 2003, 185 HCC cases and 404 hospital controls were enrolled. Blood samples were obtained for HBV and HCV screening.

RESULTS

After allowance for known risk factors, body mass index >/=30 kg/m(2) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.9-3.9] and DM (OR = 3.7, 95% CI 1.7-8.4) were associated to HCC risk. These associations persisted (OR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.6-7.7 for obesity; OR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.3-9.2 for DM) among subjects without HBV and/or HCV infection. Overall, 23% of HCC cases seemed attributable to these conditions, and this figure rose to 37% among subjects without HBV and/or HCV infections.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides further evidence that obesity and DM increase HCC risk and that these factors may explain a relevant proportion of cases among subjects without markers of HBV/HCV infection.

An updated systematic review with meta-analysis for the clinical evidence of silymarin

BACKGROUND

The potential benefit of silymarin (special extract from the fruits of Silybum marianum) in the treatment of liver diseases remains a controversial issue.

METHODS

For this systematic review electronic databases identified 65 papers for the search terms silymarin, silibinin, silicristin or milk thistle and clinical trial. Only 19 complied with the criteria'double-' or 'single-blind'. These publications were analysed from a clinical point of view and meta-analytic calculations were performed.

RESULTS

The clinical evidence ofa therapeutic effect of silymarin in toxic liver diseases is scarce. There is no evidence of a favourable influence on the evolution of viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis C. In alcoholic liver disease, comparing with placebo, aspartate aminotransferase was reduced in the silymarin-treated groups (p = 0.01) while alkaline phosphatase was not. In liver cirrhosis, mostly alcoholic, total mortality was 16.1% with silymarin vs. 20.5% with placebo (n.s.); liver-related mortality was 10.0% with silymarin vs. 17.3% with placebo(p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the available clinical evidence it can be concluded - concerning possible risks /probable benefits - that it is reasonable to employ silymarin as a supportive element in the therapy of Amanita phalloides poisoning but also (alcoholic and grade Child 'A') liver cirrhosis. A consistent research programme, consolidating existing evidence and exploring new potential uses,would be very welcome.

Hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis: Is there a role of malnutrition?

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication in patients with liver cirrhosis but its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Malnutrition is commonly encountered in patients with liver cirrhosis and it has been reported to affect the quality of life of this group of patients. Experimental studies suggest that low energy intake and poor nutritional status may facilitate the development of HE but there are scarce data on the potential role of malnutrition in HE in patients with liver cirrhosis. Two recently published studies have evaluated the potential role of malnutrition in the development of HE in cirrhotic patients with conflicting results. In this letter to the editor we briefly present the results of the two studies as well as potential reasons for the conflicting results reported.

Dysmetabolic changes associated with HCV: a distinct syndrome?

Although not associated with the metabolic syndrome, HCV is linked with impaired insulin signalling, insulin resistance, hypocholesterolemia and steatosis which represent a distinct HCV-associated dysmetabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance affects the development of diabetes, fibrosis, impaired response to antivirals and perhaps hepatocellular carcinoma risk. HCV infection is associated with hypocholesterolemia and steatosis reversible after sustained virologic response. A "viral", and a "metabolic" steatosis exist as function of viral genotypes. Little is known about the possible role of HCV in further components of the metabolic syndrome such as atherosclerosis, obesity, arterial hypertension, hyperuricemia and thrombotic risk factors.

Clinical significance of metabolic syndrome in the setting of chronic hepatitis C virus infection

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a unique condition in which the underlying mechanism is related to insulin resistance. In hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients, insulin resistance has been linked to treatment failure. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of MS in HCV patients undergoing antiviral therapy and to assess its predictive value in treatment outcome.

METHODS

All HCV treatment-naive patients who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were studied (n = 228). MS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. A logistic regression analysis was performed to study multivariable associations. The final model contained sex, ethnicity, body mass index, viral load, genotype, steatosis, fibrosis stage, and MS.

RESULTS

MS was present in 59 of 228 (26%) patients. Genotype 1 (P = .002) and presence of steatosis (P < .001) were found to be associated significantly with MS. Overall, sustained virologic response (SVR) was achieved in 108 of 228 (47%) patients. Male sex, non-Caucasian ethnicity, higher body mass index, high viral load, genotype 1, higher fibrosis stage, and MS were associated significantly with a lack of SVR. After adjusting for confounding variables, MS remained independently associated with a lack of SVR (P < .01). Specifically, subjects with MS were 3.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.4-10.5) times more likely to fail treatment than those without MS.

CONCLUSIONS

MS is seen frequently in patients with chronic HCV and is associated independently to lack of SVR. These findings support the concept that an aggressive intervention approach comprising lifestyle modification alone or in combination with drug treatment of the MS components may play an important role in improving antiviral responses in these patients.

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance in patients with chronic hepatitis C: comparison with hepatitis B virus-infected and hepatitis C virus-cleared patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and development of diabetes mellitus (DM) or insulin resistance (IR) in comparison with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and eradication of HCV infection by interferon treatment.

METHODS

This study consisted of 952 outpatients, including 544 HCV-infected (HCV+chronic), 286 HBV-infected (HBV+chronic) and 122 patients whose HCV was cleared by interferon treatment (HCV+cleared) (diabetes study). Among 849 without overt DM, IR was assessed in 423 patients, including 232 HCV-infected (HCV+chronic), 135 HBV-infected (HBV+chronic) and 56 HCV-eradicated patients (HCV+cleared) (IR substudy).

RESULTS

The prevalence of DM in the HBV+chronic, HCV+chronic and HCV+cleared groups was 6.3, 13.6 and 9.0%, respectively (HBV+chronic vs HCV+chronic, P<0.005), in the diabetes study, and the prevalence of IR in the HCV+chronic group (54.3%) was also higher than that in the HBV+chronic (36.3%) (P<0.005) and HCV+cleared groups (35.7%) (P<0.05) in the IR substudy. However, HCV infection was not shown to be independently associated with DM development [odds ratio (OR) 1.669; P=0.0936] and with IR (OR 1.531; P=0.2154) by multivariate analysis in comparison with HBV infection as control.

CONCLUSIONS

HCV-infected patients showed a higher prevalence of DM and IR than those with HBV infection. However, in Japan, other confounding factors appeared to be more important risk factors for the development of disturbance in glucose metabolism.

Insulin resistance in chronic hepatitis C: association with genotypes 1 and 4, serum HCV RNA level, and liver fibrosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Our study was designed to test the association between insulin resistance (IR) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes, serum HCV RNA level and liver fibrosis stage in a large prospective cohort of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients.

METHODS

Six hundred consecutive patients (CHC, n = 500; chronic hepatitis B (CHB), n = 100) were evaluated on the day of liver biopsy. IR (Homeostasis Model for Assessment of Insulin Resistance) and all components of the metabolic syndrome were assessed. By logistic regression, independent factors associated with IR and those associated with significant fibrosis were assessed in nondiabetic and noncirrhotic CHC, respectively. Parameters of IR were compared between hepatitis B and 240 CHC matched by epidemiologic, metabolic, and histologic features.

RESULTS

IR was present in 32.4% of the 462 nondiabetic CHC and associated with the metabolic syndrome, genotypes 1 and 4, significant fibrosis, and severe steatosis. IR was diagnosed in 15% of 145 CHC without metabolic syndrome or significant fibrosis, and associated with genotypes 1 and 4, high serum HCV RNA level, and moderate-severe necroinflammation. Significant fibrosis was present in 51.1% of the 454 noncirrhotic CHC patients and associated with male sex, age >40 years, IR, moderate-severe necroinflammation, and severe steatosis. IR was less frequent in CHB than in matched CHC (5% vs 35%, respectively, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

IR is a specific feature of CHC, associated with genotypes 1 and 4 and high serum HCV RNA level. Significant fibrosis is associated with IR independent from steatosis.

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection: Prevalence of extrahepatic manifestations and association with cryoglobulinemia in Bulgarian patients

AIM: To assess the prevalence of extrahepatic manifestations in Bulgarian patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and identify the clinical and biological manifestations associated with cryoglobulinemia.

METHODS: The medical records of 136 chronically infected HCV patients were reviewed to assess the prevalence of extrahepatic manifestations. Association between cryoglobulin-positivity and other manifestations were identified using χ² and Fisher’s exact test. Risk factors for the presence of extrahepatic manifestations were assessed by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: Seventy six percent (104/136) of the patients had at least one extrahepatic manifestation. Clinical manifestations included fatigue (59.6%), kidney impairment (25.0%), type 2 diabetes (22.8%), paresthesia (19.9%), arthralgia (18.4%), palpable purpura (17.6%), lymphadenopathy (16.2%), pulmonary fibrosis (15.4%), thyroid dysfunction (14.7%), Raynaud’s phenomenon (11.8%), B-cell lymphoma (8.8%), sicca syndrome (6.6%), and lichen planus (5.9%). The biological manifestations included cryoglobulin production (37.5%), thrombocytopenia (31.6%), and autoantibodies: anti-nuclear (18.4%), anti-smooth muscle (16.9%), anti-neutrophil cytoplasm (13.2%) and anti-cardiolipin (8.8%). All extrahepatic manifestations showed an association with cryoglobulin-positivity, with the exception of thyroid dysfunction, sicca syndrome, and lichen planus. Risks factors for the presence of extrahepatic manifestations (univariate analysis) were: age ≥ 60 years, female gender, virus transmission by blood transfusions, longstanding infection (≥ 20 years), and extensive liver fibrosis. The most significant risks factors (multivariate analysis) were longstanding infection and extensive liver fibrosis.

CONCLUSION: We observed a high prevalence of extrahepatic manifestations in patients with chronic HCV infection. Most of these manifestations were associated with impaired lymphoproliferation and cryoglobulin production. Longstanding infection and extensive liver fibrosis were significant risk factors for the presence of extrahepatic manifestations in HCV patients.

Impact of diabetes on the severity of liver disease

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is higher in patients who have liver diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic viral hepatitis, hemochromatosis, alcoholic liver disease, and cirrhosis. The development of diabetes in patients with cirrhosis is well recognized, but evidence is emerging that the development of chronic liver disease and progression to cirrhosis may occur after the diagnosis of diabetes and that diabetes plays a role in the initiation and progression of liver injury. This article provides an overview of the evidence for an increased prevalence of diabetes in a range of liver diseases; the effect of diabetes on the severity of disease; the potential mechanisms whereby coexistent diabetes exacerbates progression of hepatic fibrosis; and the impact of obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes on clinical outcomes.

Long-term care of the liver transplant recipient

As survival increases after liver transplantation, common issues that arise involve immunosuppression-related complications and primary health care. Proper emphasis on the prevention and treatment of post-liver transplant complications, such as diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, renal dysfunction, osteoporosis, and obesity, requires careful screening and long-term surveillance to minimize the progression of these complications. Active involvement by internists and subspecialists is necessary and a multidisciplinary approach should be undertaken. Liver transplantation should be viewed as a lifelong commitment by both patient and physician.

Hepatitis C virus infection is associated with insulin resistance among older adults with or at risk of HIV infection

OBJECTIVES

To determine the associations of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with insulin resistance and abnormal glucose tolerance in a cohort of older adults with or at risk of HIV infection.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study of 267 HIV-infected and 179 at-risk-uninfected adults without a history of diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

HCV antibody assays and RNA levels were performed to assess HCV status. Antiretroviral use, family history of diabetes, sedentary behavior, and sociodemographic data were obtained using standardized interviews. Fasting insulin levels and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed to assess two outcomes, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and abnormal glucose tolerance [impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or diabetes].

RESULTS

Of 446 participants, 265 (59%) were HCV seropositive; of these, 199 (75%) had detectable HCV-RNA levels. Insulin resistance was greater among HCV-seropositive compared with seronegative participants, adjusting for body mass index, Hispanic ethnicity, age greater than 55 years, sedentary behavior (watching television > 4 h/day), HIV status, HAART, and protease inhibitor (PI) use. Ninety-eight participants (22%) had abnormal glucose tolerance (69 with IGT and 29 with diabetes). Among HIV-infected participants, 25% were on non-PI HAART and 52% were on PI HAART, but HAART and PI use were not associated with insulin resistance or abnormal glucose tolerance. Among obese participants, abnormal glucose tolerance was more common in HCV-seropositive than seronegative individuals, whereas among non-obese participants there was no association.

CONCLUSION

The potential impact of HCV co-infection and obesity on glucose metabolism should be recognized in clinical care, and addressed in future research studies of HIV-infected individuals.

Nutrition in alcoholic liver disease

Liver disease secondary to alcohol ranges from alcoholic fatty liver disease to acute hepatitis to cirrhotic liver disease. It is imperative that alcohol be discontinued to allow for any potential improvement in liver function, with most benefit being seen in the early stages of the disease. Alcoholic liver disease has a profound effect on nutrient intake, nutrition status, and metabolism, contributing to a high prevalence of malnutrition in this population. Early intervention with nutrition therapy may improve response to treatment, alleviate symptoms, and improve quality and quantity of life. In this review, nutrition assessment parameters and medical nutrition therapy goals for alcoholic liver disease are discussed.

[Hepatitis C and diabetes mellitus: effect of diabetes on the course of the liver disease]

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is higher in chronic hepatitis C than in hepatitis B, even without cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVE

To study the host, specific viral factors associated with diabetes mellitus and the influence of diabetes mellitus on the intensity of steatosis and the severity of fibrosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The following data were collected in a cohort of 1249 patients with chronic hepatitis C established between December 1991 and June 2004: age, gender, body mass index (BMI). None of the patients were under treatment for their liver disease. Serum transaminase level and hepatitis C serology with search for viral RNA, viral load and genotype were obtained. The Metavir score, iron overload using the Perls score (0-4) and steatosis class (0-3) were determined on liver biopsies.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 52.5+/-10 years (56% male). Mean BMI was 24.6+/-24 kg/m2. Forty-three patients (17.2%) presented diabetes mellitus. The mean duration of their diabetes was 8.9 years. Genotype 1 predominated (60.4%) and mean viral load was 7.7x10(6) eq.v/ml. Steatosis was present in 69.7% of the diabetic patients versus 17% of the non-diabetic patients. Grade 2 fibrosis (F2) was observed in 32.5% of diabetic patients versus 29% in non-diabetic patients and F3, F4 in 73% of the diabetic patients versus 57% of the non-diabetic patients. Comparison between diabetic and non-diabetic patients demonstrated an absence of statistically significant difference (at 5%) between the groups for gender, viral load and genotype. Diabetic persons were older (58.7 years against 51 years) and liver biopsy revealed steatosis and fibrosis (F3, F4) more often in diabetic patients (69.7% versus 49.5%).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that steatosis could favor progression of fibrosis in diabetics with chronic hepatitis C.

Prevalence and risk factors for diabetes mellitus in moderate term survivors of liver transplantation

The prevalence and risk factors for diabetes mellitus after liver transplantation are not well understood. Thus, we sought to identify independent risk factors for the development of diabetes after liver transplantation using currently accepted medical criteria. We studied the prevalence and risk factors in 253 adult recipients transplanted at UCLA between January 1998 and December 2002. Analysis of the retrospective data was performed using demographic, immunosuppression and liver disease variables. Factors found to be significant on a univariate analysis were further studied in a multivariate analysis. There were 158 men and 95 women in our study. The mean age was 51.4 +/- 11.0 years. The mean [+/- standard deviation (SD) pretransplant body mass index was 26.7 (+/-5.1). Most patients were transplanted for hepatitis C (HCV). The prevalence of diabetes after transplantation was 17.8%. In a multivariate analysis only gender [odds ratio (OR) = 0.37; p = 0.02] was independently predictive of the development of diabetes. This study in a large liver transplant recipient population identifies male gender as an independent risk factor for the development of diabetes. Follow-up studies are needed to assess the impact of diabetes, and its intervention on post-transplant morbidity and mortality.

Diabetes mellitus in chronic hepatitis B and C: prevalence and potential association with the extent of liver fibrosis

Diabetes mellitus has been reported to have an increased prevalence and to be associated with more severe fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C. We evaluated the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients with chronic hepatitis B or C as well as the possible association between presence of diabetes and extent of liver fibrosis. In total, 434 consecutive patients with histologically documented hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (n = 174) or chronic hepatitis C (n = 260) were studied. The relationships of diabetes and epidemiological, somatomorphic, laboratory and histological patient characteristics were evaluated. Liver histological lesions were blindly evaluated according to the Ishak's classification. Diabetes was present in 58 (13%) patients, without any difference between those with chronic hepatitis B (14%) or C (13%). Diabetes was observed significantly less frequently in patients with fibrosis score 0-2 (7.7%) than 3-4 (10.4%) than 5-6 (29.2%) (P < 0.001). The presence of diabetes was independently associated with higher gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGT) levels and more severe fibrosis or presence of cirrhosis (P < 0.001) as well as with presence of hepatic steatosis and increased serum triglycerides levels (P < 0.02). In the noncirrhotic patients, diabetes was significantly associated with older age and higher GGT levels, but not with the extent of fibrosis. In conclusion, diabetes mellitus is observed in more than 10% of patients with either HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis C. The presence of diabetes is strongly associated with more severe liver fibrosis, but such an association may be related to the high prevalence of diabetes in patients with cirrhosis.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C in type 2 diabetic patients

BACKGROUND

Many reports in the literature suggest that chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with diabetes, but the results are conflicting. The aim of our study was to investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV infections in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients.

METHODS

We collected 820 consecutive type 2 diabetic patients attending 2 of 5 outpatient endocrinology clinics in Far Eastern Memorial Hospital from March to July 2003. The control group consisted of 905 subjects who came for medical check-ups at the Family Medicine Department. We determined hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV in both groups, using third-generation microparticle enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found between type 2 DM patients and the control group for seropositivity of HBsAg (13.5% versus 12.4%; odds ratio [OR] = 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77-1.55; p = 0.441), but anti-HCV seropositivity was detected in 6.8% of patients and 2.6% of the control subjects (OR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.51-5.46; p < 0.001). In anti-HCV-positive DM patients, abnormal alanine aminotransferase was observed in 61.8%, compared with only 34.2% of anti-HCV-negative DM patients (p < 0.001). We did not observe any difference in risk factors for HCV infection between anti-HCV-positive and -negative DM patients.

CONCLUSION

The rate of seropositive anti-HCV is 2.8 times higher in type 2 DM patients than non-diabetic control subjects.

Liver disease in patients with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a growing health concern in our society. In addition to the well-known cardiovascular, renal, and ophthalmologic complications of diabetes, liver-related complications occur commonly and are often underrecognized. The ensuing article will review the relationship between diabetes mellitus and two common liver diseases: chronic hepatitis C and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The association with diabetes and cirrhosis, acute liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma, and outcomes following orthotopic liver transplantation will also be discussed.

When is diabetes mellitus a relative or absolute contraindication to liver transplantation?

1. Diabetes mellitus is common in patients with cirrhosis; patients with DM undergoing liver transplantation often have many other co-morbid illnesses including obesity, coronary artery disease (CAD), autonomic neuropathy, gastroparesis, and nephropathy. 2. Long-term survival of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is significantly lower and morbidity higher when compared to non-diabetics mainly because of cardiovascular complications, infections, and renal failure. 3. Obesity, CAD, and renal failure are confounding factors that result in poor patient survival. 4. Patients with DM should undergo careful cardiovascular diagnostic work up, including routine coronary arteriogram, and necessary interventions before liver transplantation. This is especially important in those over 50 years old, and in those with retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. 5. Patients with coronary artery disease that is not amenable to surgery or stents, and those with impaired left ventricular function, should not be considered for liver transplantation. Other relative or absolute contraindications are those with proteinura and renal failure who are not candidates for combined liver/kidney transplantation, those with severe gastroparesis, especially when it is associated with diabetic autonomic neuropathy, and those with two or more risk factors such as CAD, morbid obesity, and renal failure. 6. Future studies should focus on risk stratification of patients with DM undergoing liver transplantation and better interventions to reduce the risk of diabetic complications before and after liver transplantation.

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection and post-liver transplantation diabetes mellitus

Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have a significantly increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus compared to controls or HBV-infected patients. Moreover, the incidence rate of post-liver transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) also appears to be higher among patients with HCV infection. PTDM is often associated with direct viral infection, autoimmune disorders, and immunosuppressive regimen. Activation of tumor necrosis factor-α may be the link between HCV infection and diabetes. In this article, we reviewed the epidemiologic association between HCV infection and PTDM, highlighting the most recent pathophysiologic insights into the mechanisms underlying this association.

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus and HCV seropositive status after renal transplantation: meta-analysis of clinical studies

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has a detrimental role on patient and graft survival after renal transplantation (RT). Some studies have also implicated HCV in the development of post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM). We conducted a systematic review of the published medical literature of the relationship between anti-HCV seropositive status and DM after RT. The risk of DM occurrence in anti-HCV-positive and -negative patients after RT was regarded as the most reliable outcome end-point. We used the random effects model of DerSimonian and Laird to generate a summary estimate of the Odds Ratio (OD) of new onset DM in HCV-positive and -negative patients after kidney transplantation. Ten studies involving 2502 unique RT recipients were identified. The incidence of PTDM after RT ranged between 7.9% and 50%. The summary estimate for adjusted OR was 3.97 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.83-8.61 (p-value for homogeneity <0.0473). Thus, pooling of study results demonstrated the presence of a significant link between anti-HCV seropositive status and DM after RT. This relationship provides one potential explanation for the adverse effects of HCV on patient and graft survival after RT.

Long-term management of alcoholic liver disease

Despite the epidemics of viral hepatitis C and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol remains one of the major causes of liver disease. Commonly, hepatitis C and other liver diseases are found in association with alcohol consumption. This association in many instances is noted to accelerate the progression of liver disease. In many respects, the long-term management of alcoholic liver disease is not dissimilar from the long-term management of patients with cirrhosis from other etiologies. One major element is the abstinence of alcohol use. The ability to maintain sobriety has a major impact on the outcome of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis because maintaining abstinence can lead to significant regression of fibrosis and possibly early cirrhosis. Similarities in managing patients with cirrhosis due to alcohol or cirrhosis from other causes include vaccination to prevent superimposed viral hepatitis and screening for esophageal varices and hepatocellular carcinoma with subsequent appropriate therapy.

Chronic hepatitis C and type II diabetes mellitus: a prospective cross-sectional study

An epidemiologic link between chronic hepatitis C (HCV) and type II diabetes mellitus (DM) has been established. Our aims were to prospectively determine the prevalence of DM in interferon-naive patients with HCV in comparison with the general population, and to determine the association between DM and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) with histological stage in patients with HCV. A consecutive sample of 179 patients was included in this prospective cross-sectional study. The crude percentage of DM for the cohort was 14.5%, different from the crude rate of 7.8% for the general population (p= 0.0008) and from the rate of 7.3% observed in a matched control group with non-HCV liver disease. The prevalence of DM and IFG (DM/IFG) was higher among HCV-infected patients with advanced versus those with early histological disease (p= 0.0004). Advanced histological disease predicted DM/IFG after controlling for other identified risk factors for DM. Family history was the only other independent predictor of DM/IFG in HCV-infected patients. In conclusion, patients with HCV had a higher prevalence of DM compared to the general population. The presence of advanced histological disease in genetically predisposed HCV-patients is associated with a higher prevalence of DM/IFG. DM and IFG were not associated with anthropomorphic markers of obesity in HCV patients, suggesting a unique multifactorial pathogenesis of DM in HCV.

Hepatitis C virus down-regulates insulin receptor substrates 1 and 2 through up-regulation of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3

The pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated insulin resistance remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated mechanisms for HCV-associated insulin resistance. Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance was increased in patients with HCV infection. An increase in fasting insulin levels was associated with the presence of serum HCV core, the severity of hepatic fibrosis and a decrease in expression of insulin receptor substrate (IRS) 1 and IRS2, central molecules of the insulin-signaling cascade, in patients with HCV infection. Down-regulation of IRS1 and IRS2 was also seen in HCV core-transgenic mice livers and HCV core-transfected human hepatoma cells. Carbobenzoxy-l-leucyl-l-leucyl-l-leucinal, a potent proteosomal proteolysis inhibitor, blocked down-regulation of IRS1 and IRS2 in HCV core-transfected hepatoma cells. In human hepatoma cells, HCV core up-regulated suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 3 and caused ubiquitination of IRS1 and IRS2. HCV core-induced down-regulation of IRS1 and IRS2 was not seen in SOCS3(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. Furthermore, HCV core suppressed insulin-induced phosphorylation of p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and Akt, activation of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase, and glucose uptake. In conclusion, HCV infection changes a subset of hepatic molecules regulating glucose metabolism. A possible mechanism is that HCV core-induced SOCS3 promotes proteosomal degradation of IRS1 and IRS2 through ubiquitination.

Prevalence and determinants of diabetes mellitus among Iranian patients with chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND: Alterations in carbohydrate metabolism are frequently observed in cirrhosis. We conducted this study to define the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in Iranian patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), and explore the factors associated with DM in these patients. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-five patients with CLD were enrolled into the study. Fasting plasma glucose and two-hour plasma glucose were measured in patients' sera. DM and IGT were diagnosed according to the latest American Diabetes Association criteria. RESULTS: The subjects included 42 inactive HBV carriers with a mean age of 42.2 +/- 12.0 years, 102 patients with HBV or HCV chronic hepatitis with a mean age of 41.2 +/- 10.9 years, and 41 cirrhotic patients with a mean age of 52.1 +/- 11.4 years. DM and IGT were diagnosed in 40 (21.6%) and 21 (11.4%) patients, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that age (P = 0.000), CLD status (P = 0.000), history of hypertension (P = 0.007), family history of DM (P = 0.000), and body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.009) were associated with DM. Using Multivariate analysis, age (OR = 4.7, 95%CI: 1.8-12.2), family history of DM (OR = 6.6, 95%CI: 2.6-17.6), chronic hepatitis (OR = 11.6, 95%CI: 2.9-45.4), and cirrhosis (OR = 6.5, 95%CI: 2.4-17.4) remained as the factors independently associated with DM. When patients with cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis were analyzed separately, higher Child-Pugh's score in cirrhotic patients (OR = 9.6, 95%CI: 1.0-88.4) and older age (OR = 7.2, 95%CI: 1.0-49.1), higher fibrosis score (OR = 59.5, 95%CI: 2.9-1211.3/ OR = 11.9, 95%CI: 1.0-132.2), and higher BMI (OR = 30.3, 95%CI: 3.0-306.7) in patients with chronic hepatitis were found to be associated with higher prevalence of DM. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that patients with cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis are at the increased risk of DM occurrence. Older age, severe liver disease, and obesity were associated with DM in these patients.

Association of diabetes and hepatitis C infection: epidemiologic evidence and pathophysiologic insights

Up to one third of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) develop type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). This prevalence is much higher than that observed in the general population, and in patients with other chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis B virus, alcoholic liver disease, and primary biliary cirrhosis. Further, HCV seropositivity in patients with DM appears to be higher than in the general population. Post- liver transplantation DM also appears to be higher among patients with HCV. In this article, we review the epidemiologic association between HCV and DM, highlighting the most recent pathophysiologic insights into the mechanisms underlying this association.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Improvement in liver histological analysis with weight loss

The effect of significant weight loss on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease remains unclear. In this case series of 36 selected obese patients, we examined the effect of weight loss on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatic fibrosis. These 36 patients (11 males, 25 females) had paired liver biopsies, the first at the time of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band placement and the second after weight loss. Second biopsies were obtained from two groups: those requiring a subsequent laparoscopic procedure (n = 19) and those with index biopsy score of 2 or greater for zone 3-centric hepatic fibrosis (n = 17). All biopsies were scored, blinded to the patient's identity and clinical condition, for individual histological features and for NASH stage and grade. Initial biopsies demonstrated NASH in 23 patients and steatosis in 12 patients. Repeat biopsies were taken at 25.6 +/- 10 months (range, 9-51 months) after band placement. Mean weight loss was 34.0 +/- 17 kg, and percentage of excess weight loss was 52 +/- 17%. There were major improvements in lobular steatosis, necroinflammatory changes, and fibrosis at the second biopsy (P <.001 for all). Portal abnormalities remained unchanged. Only four of the repeat biopsies fulfilled the criteria for NASH. There were 18 patients with an initial fibrosis score of 2 or more compared with 3 patients at follow-up (P <.001). Those with the metabolic syndrome (n = 23) had more extensive changes before surgery and greater improvement with weight loss. In conclusion, weight loss after surgery provides major improvement or resolution of obesity and metabolic syndrome-associated abnormal liver histological features in severely obese subjects.

High prevalence of glucose abnormalities in patients with hepatitis C virus infection: a multivariate analysis considering the liver injury

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of both impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and diabetes between hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients and patients with other liver diseases but anti-HCV-, taking into account the degree of liver damage.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 642 consecutive patients attending the outpatient liver unit of a university hospital (498 anti-HCV+ and 144 anti-HCV-) were prospectively recruited. Patients were classified as having chronic hepatitis (n = 472) or cirrhosis (n = 170) by means of the result of either a liver biopsy or by typical clinical features. A logistic regression model was used to determine independent associations of covariates (age, sex, BMI, HCV antibody status, and triglycerides) with the presence of glucose abnormalities.

RESULTS

A threefold increase in the prevalence of glucose abnormalities was observed in HCV+ patients with chronic hepatitis in comparison with HCV- subjects (32 vs. 12%; P = 0.0003). In contrast, among patients with cirrhosis, although both diabetes and IFG were more prevalent in anti-HCV+ patients (40%) than in anti-HCV- patients (36%), the differences were not statistically significant. Finally, the logistic regression analysis showed that HCV infection was independently related to glucose abnormalities in those patients with chronic hepatitis (odds ratio 4.26 [95% CI 2.03-8.93]). In contrast, HCV was not an independent predictor of glucose abnormalities in cirrhotic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The high prevalence of IFG and diabetes found in HCV-infected patients observed in our study suggests that screening for glucose abnormalities should be indicated in these patients. In addition, we provide evidence that the genuine connection between HCV infection and diabetes is initiated at early stages of hepatic disease.

Posttransplant diabetes mellitus in renal transplant patients with hepatitis C virus

The aim of this study was to assess the possible association between posttransplant diabetes mellitus (DM) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in renal transplant recipients. This study included 124 patients who underwent renal transplantation between 1997 and 2002. Inclusion criteria were patients who were not diabetic prior to transplantation and posttransplant follow-up longer than 6 months. DM was defined as fasting blood glucose levels higher than 126 mg/dL on at least two occasions. HCV infection was detected using second- or third-generation ELISA methods and/or polymerase chain reactions for HCV-RNA. Twenty-five HCV positive (HCV+) patients were compared with 25 consecutive HCV negative (HCV-) transplant patients. Demographic and clinical data of the groups were compared. Posttransplantation DM was observed in 24% of the HCV+ patients. There were no statistical differences in age, gender, race, family history of DM, follow-up, or body mass index between the two groups. There was a higher prevalence of posttransplantation DM in HCV+ patients, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (24% vs 12%, P = NS). Alternatively, comparing patients of the two groups (n = 50) who did versus not develop DM, the incidence of posttransplantation DM was higher among HCV+ patients, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (66.6% vs 46.3%, P = NS). In conclusion, there was no association between HCV infection and the development of posttransplantation DM in this cohort of renal transplant recipients. However, there was a trend that suggested an association.

Hepatitis C virus is independently associated with increased insulin resistance after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There is a strong epidemiologic association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, the pathogenetic basis for this association has not been established. We sought to evaluate the association between insulin resistance (IR), beta-cell dysfunction, and HCV among orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients.

METHODS

We performed a cross sectional analysis comparing 39 HCV(+) with 60 HCV(-) OLT recipients. IR and beta-cell function were calculated using validated measures and were correlated with clinical variables.

RESULTS

By multivariate analysis of the entire cohort, HCV infection and body mass index (BMI) were independent predictors of IR (P =0.04 and 0.0006, respectively). HCV infection was associated with 35% increase in IR. Because the model used to calculate IR was derived from nondiabetic subjects, we performed additional analysis of patients who did not meet criteria for diabetes at the time of their study evaluation. In this analysis, HCV(+) subjects had greater fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) IR (15.3 mu U/mL and 3.8) compared with HCV(-) patients (10.7 mu U/mL and 2.5) (P =0.03, 0.03). There was no difference in beta-cell function or hepatic insulin extraction between the HCV (+) and (-) groups. HCV (P =0.0005), BMI (P <0.0001), and high high-density lipoprotein (P =0.039) were the only independent predictors of IR. The presence of HCV infection and a 10-fold increase in HCV RNA were associated with a 62% and 8% increase in IR, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

HCV is independently associated with increased IR after OLT. These findings provide a possible pathogenetic basis for the association of DM with HCV.

Fat, diabetes, and liver injury in chronic hepatitis C

It is increasingly recognized that host factors can modulate the fibrogenic response in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Obesity, because of its prevalence, and diabetes, which seems to occur more frequently in patients infected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), are often present in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Both conditions result in fatty liver, which in turn is associated with more severe liver damage, especially fibrosis or inflammation. Steatosis can either originate from associated metabolic alterations (insulin resistance resulting in metabolic steatosis) or from a direct cytopathic effect of the virus (genotype 3, resulting in viral steatosis). Metabolic steatosis seems to be a factor in resistance to antiviral therapy, whereas viral steatosis is reduced in sustained responders. Whether metabolic steatosis has a direct role in liver fibrosis progression or is only a surrogate marker of an underlying defect triggering fibrogenesis, such as insulin resistance, is a subject of debate. High serum glucose levels and diabetes have a strong and independent profibrogenic impact. Exciting new data are expanding our understanding of the mechanisms of steatogenesis in HCV infection and providing potential links between insulin resistance or hyperglycemic states and liver fibrogenesis.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced insulin resistance may mediate the hepatitis C virus-diabetes association

OBJECTIVES

Among patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), 13-33% develop type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The mechanism for this remains unclear. Because tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) has been identified as a mediator of insulin resistance and is induced by HCV, we examined TNF-alpha and proinflammatory cytokines in noncirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis C, both with and without diabetes.

METHODS

HCV-infected patients with type 2 DM (n = 23) were compared with age- and sex-matched patients with chronic hepatitis C and without DM (n = 28), patients with DM and without HCV (n = 31), and healthy controls (n = 21). Serum levels of TNF-alpha, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR) 1 (p55) and 2 (p75) were determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

Detectable serum TNF was found in 74% of the HCV/DM patients, versus 64% of the nondiabetic HCV group and < or =10% in the other groups. Mean sTNFR1 in the HCV/DM group was 1931 pg/ml (95% CI = 1449-2413), compared with 1289 pg/ml (95% CI = 1101-1476) in nondiabetic HCV patients, with similar values in the other two groups (p = 0.001). The mean sTNFR2 level in the HCV/DM patients was 3326 pg/ml (95% CI = 2924-3727) compared with 2367 pg/ml (95% CI = 1951-2784) in the nondiabetic HCV patients, and similar results in the other groups (p < 0.0001). Serum IL-1beta, IL-6, and C-reactive protein were not significantly different between HCV patients with or without DM.

CONCLUSIONS

Excessive TNF-alpha response characterizes HCV-infected patients who develop DM. STNFR may be a marker for the development of DM in chronic hepatitis C.

Conversion from calcineurin inhibitors to mycophenolate mofetil in liver transplant recipients with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus, a frequent metabolic complication in liver transplant recipients, may be produced by the diabetogenic effect of calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporine and tacrolimus. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and metabolic effects of a gradual switch from cyclosporine or tacrolimus to mycophenolate mofetil among 12 diabetic liver transplant recipients. One patient was withdrawn from the study due to gastrointestinal side effects. Of the 11 remaining patients, cyclosporine or tacrolimus was completely withdrawn in five patients. Two patients developed suspected acute rejection episodes that were controlled by increasing the tacrolimus dosage. Glycosylated hemoglobin A1C and C-peptide levels were significantly lower at 3 and 6 months after the initiation of mycophenolate mofetil (P<.03 in all cases). Furthermore, urea and uric acid levels were significantly reduced after the change of treatment. In conclusion, a switch from cyclosporine/tacrolimus to mycophenolate mofetil may produce beneficial metabolic effects in diabetic liver transplant recipients, but poses a risk of graft rejection.

Hepatitis C virus infection and incident type 2 diabetes

Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is more common among adults with type 2 diabetes, it is uncertain whether HCV precedes the development of diabetes. Thus, we performed a prospective (case-cohort) analysis to examine if persons who acquired type 2 diabetes were more likely to have had antecedent HCV infection when enrolled in a community-based cohort of men and women between the ages of 44 and 65 in the United States (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study [ARIC]). Among 1,084 adults free of diabetes at baseline, 548 developed diabetes over 9 years of follow-up evaluation. Incident cases of diabetes were identified by using fasting glucose and medical history and HCV antibodies were assessed at baseline. A priori, persons were categorized as low-risk or high-risk for diabetes based on their age and body mass index, factors that appeared to modify the type 2 diabetes-HCV infection incidence estimates. The overall prevalence of HCV in this population was 0.8%. Among those at high risk for diabetes, persons with HCV infection were more than 11 times as likely as those without HCV infection to develop diabetes (relative hazard, 11.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-96.6). Among those at low risk, no increased incidence of diabetes was detected among HCV-infected persons (relative hazard, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-4.40). In conclusion, pre-existing HCV infection may increase the risk for type 2 diabetes in persons with recognized diabetes risk factors. Additional larger prospective evaluations are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Diabetes mellitus after liver transplant new etiologic clues and cornerstones for understanding

A retrospective study was performed on all orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients (n = 167) from a major French transplant center from January 1998 to December 2000. The investigation sought to determine the prevalence, predictive factors, and outcome of post-liver transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM). PTDM was defined at 6 months post-OLT as hyperglycemia requiring treatment with insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents. The incidence was assessed for patient features, cause of liver disease, and immunosuppressive regimen. PTDM occurred in 45 of 143 OLT (31%), including 27 patients with pre-OLT persistent DM, whereas 26 developed de novo PTDM. Eight patients were cured of their post-OLT DM. PTDM treatment consisted of mainly insulin (n = 43). Patients given tacrolimus (n = 40) had a greater incidence of PTDM. Pre-OLT DM (n = 27), alcoholic cirrhosis (n = 30), and male gender (n = 38) were independent predictors of PTDM. Recipient HLA, steroid dosage, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and cholestatic liver disease were not predictive of PTDM. The incidences of graft loss as well as other morbidities and death rates were similar between the two groups. In conclusion, PTDM, common occurrence associated with male gender, alcoholic cirrhosis, and pre-OLT DM, seems at midterm follow-up to have no pejorative evolution when compared to patients without this complication.

Association of hepatitis C infection and antiretroviral use with diabetes mellitus in drug users

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of factors associated with diabetes mellitus among 557 drug users who were recruited from a methadone treatment program and were participating in a longitudinal study of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We found that HCV infection was strongly associated with diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-6.4) after controlling for age, race, unemployment, and body mass index. Among HIV-infected drug users, receipt of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for >1 year was also associated with diabetes (adjusted OR for receipt of ART without a protease inhibitor, 4.1 [95% CI, 1.1-15.5]; adjusted OR for receipt of ART including a protease inhibitor, 5.5 [95% CI, 1.5-20.4]).