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Ballestri S, Nascimbeni F, Romagnoli D, Baldelli E, Targher G, Lonardo A. Type 2 Diabetes in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Hepatitis C Virus Infection--Liver: The "Musketeer" in the Spotlight. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:355. [PMID: 27005620 PMCID: PMC4813216 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17030355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) involves chronic hyperinsulinemia due to systemic and hepatic insulin resistance (IR), which if uncorrected, will lead to progressive pancreatic beta cell failure in predisposed individuals. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of fatty (simple steatosis and steatohepatitis) and non-fatty liver changes (NASH-cirrhosis with or without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)) that are commonly observed among individuals with multiple metabolic derangements, notably including visceral obesity, IR and T2D. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is also often associated with both hepatic steatosis and features of a specific HCV-associated dysmetabolic syndrome. In recent years, the key role of the steatotic liver in the development of IR and T2D has been increasingly recognized. Thus, in this comprehensive review we summarize the rapidly expanding body of evidence that links T2D with NAFLD and HCV infection. For each of these two liver diseases with systemic manifestations, we discuss the epidemiological burden, the pathophysiologic mechanisms and the clinical implications. To date, substantial evidence suggests that NAFLD and HCV play a key role in T2D development and that the interaction of T2D with liver disease may result in a "vicious circle", eventually leading to an increased risk of all-cause mortality and liver-related and cardiovascular complications. Preliminary evidence also suggests that improvement of NAFLD is associated with a decreased incidence of T2D. Similarly, the prevention of T2D following HCV eradication in the era of direct-acting antiviral agents is a biologically plausible result. However, additional studies are required for further clarification of mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ballestri
- Operating Unit Internal Medicine, Pavullo General Hospital, Azienda USL Modena, ViaSuore di San Giuseppe Benedetto Cottolengo, 5, Pavullo, 41026 Modena, Italy.
| | - Fabio Nascimbeni
- Outpatient Liver Clinic and Operating Unit Internal Medicine, NOCSAE, Azienda USL Modena, Via P. Giardini, 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via P. Giardini, 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy.
| | - Dante Romagnoli
- Outpatient Liver Clinic and Operating Unit Internal Medicine, NOCSAE, Azienda USL Modena, Via P. Giardini, 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy.
| | - Enrica Baldelli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via P. Giardini, 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Targher
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Piazzale Stefani, 1, 37126 Verona, Italy.
| | - Amedeo Lonardo
- Outpatient Liver Clinic and Operating Unit Internal Medicine, NOCSAE, Azienda USL Modena, Via P. Giardini, 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy.
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The effect of standard therapy on mean platelet volume in patients with chronic hepatitis C. GASTROENTEROLOGY REVIEW 2016; 11:200-205. [PMID: 27713783 PMCID: PMC5047969 DOI: 10.5114/pg.2016.57942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection is a systemic disorder that can lead to liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular cancer. The mean platelet volume (MPV) is widely used as an inflammatory marker to evaluate the platelet function and the status of systemic inflammation. Aim To determine the pre- and post-treatment MPV values in CHC patients who were administered a 48-week antiviral therapy based on systemic inflammation. Material and methods We enrolled 28 patients, diagnosed with CHC genotype 1b, who received a 48-week antiviral therapy and attended regular follow-up, and 28 healthy individuals. In diagnosing CHC, a positive anti-HCV for a minimum duration of 6 months and a positive serum HCV RNA were accepted as the criteria. The patients were assigned to one of two groups based on their group 1 (pre-treatment values) and group 2 (post-treatment values) after 3 months therapy. We analysed and compared the blood samples of all of the groups. Results The MPV value was 8.89 ±1.20 in group 1 and 8.00 ±1.07 in group 2, and 8.21 ±1.18 in the control group. The value in group 1 was detected to be statistically significantly different from that in group 2 and the control group (p < 0.0001, p = 0.045, respectively). No statistically significant difference was observed between group 2 and the control group (p = 0.455). Conclusions The results of this study suggest that MPV could represent an inexpensive marker for use in assessing low-grade inflammation in patients with CHC.
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103
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Cacoub P, Comarmond C, Domont F, Savey L, Desbois AC, Saadoun D. Extrahepatic manifestations of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2016; 3:3-14. [PMID: 26862398 DOI: 10.1177/2049936115585942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection, extrahepatic manifestations are frequent and polymorphous. This article reports on a large cohort of patients with HCV-related autoimmune or lymphoproliferative disorders, from mixed cryoglobulinemia vasculitis to frank lymphomas. The relationship between HCV infection and such immune-related diseases has been formally demonstrated by epidemiological, clinical, immunological and pathological data, and results of therapeutic trials. More recently, other nonliver-related HCV disorders have been reported, including cardiovascular (i.e. stroke, ischemic heart disease), renal, metabolic and central nervous system diseases. For these manifestations, most evidence comes from large epidemiological studies; there is a need for mechanistic studies and therapeutic trials for confirmation. Beyond the risk of developing liver complications, that is, cirrhosis and liver cancer, patients with HCV infection have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality related to nonliver diseases. HCV chronic infection should be analyzed as a systemic disease in which extrahepatic consequences increase the weight of its pathological burden. The need for effective viral eradication measures is underlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrice Cacoub
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, and Inflammation Immunopathology Biotherapy Department (DHU i2B), Paris, France
| | | | | | - Léa Savey
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, and Inflammation Immunopathology Biotherapy Department (DHU i2B), Paris, France
| | | | - David Saadoun
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, and Inflammation Immunopathology Biotherapy Department (DHU i2B), Paris, France
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104
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Atherosclerosis as Extrahepatic Manifestation of Chronic Infection with Hepatitis C Virus. HEPATITIS RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2016; 2016:7629318. [PMID: 26885388 PMCID: PMC4738722 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7629318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, as a result of progression towards advanced natural course stages including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. On the other hand, the SVR following successful therapy is generally associated with resolution of liver disease in patients without cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis remain at risk of life-threatening complications despite the fact that hepatic fibrosis may regress and the risk of complications such as hepatic failure and portal hypertension is reduced. Furthermore, recent data suggest that the risk of HCC and all-cause mortality is significantly reduced, but not eliminated, in cirrhotic patients who clear HCV compared to untreated patients and nonsustained virological responders. Data derived from studies have demonstrated a strong link between HCV infection and the atherogenic process. Subsequently HCV seems to represent a strong, independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, carotid atherosclerosis, stroke, and, ultimately, CVD related mortality. The advent of new direct acting antiviral therapy has dramatically increased the sustained virological response rates of hepatitis C infection. In this scenario, the cardiovascular risk has emerged and represents a major concern after the eradication of the virus which may influence the life expectancy and the quality of patients' life.
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105
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Abstract
Chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver disease worldwide and is also responsible for extrahepatic manifestations (EHMs) involving the skin, kidneys, salivary glands, eyes, thyroid, and immune system. Mixed cryoglobulinemia is the prototype EHM related to HCV infection. Although these HCV-related EHMs may contribute to significant rates of morbidity affecting patient's quality of life and survival, most of these complications can reverse after HCV eradication by interferon therapy. This notwithstanding, individual patients may have an irreversible injury in various organs that is not reversed by a cure of the HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Viganò
- Hepatology Division, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via San Vittore 12, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Massimo Colombo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via F. Sforza 35, Milan 20122, Italy.
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106
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Ampuero J, Romero-Gómez M. Assessing cardiovascular risk in hepatitis C: An unmet need. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:2214-2219. [PMID: 26380047 PMCID: PMC4561776 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i19.2214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, as a result of the progression towards cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Additionally, HCV seems to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) due to its association with insulin resistance, diabetes and steatosis. HCV infection represents an initial step in the chronic inflammatory cascade, showing a direct role in altering glucose metabolism. After achieving sustained virological response, the incidence of insulin resistance and diabetes dramatically decrease. HCV core protein plays an essential role in promoting insulin resistance and oxidative stress. On the other hand, atherosclerosis is a common disease in which the artery wall thickens due to accumulation of fatty deposits. The main step in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques is the oxidation of low density lipoprotein particles, together with the increased production of proinflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18 or C-reactive protein]. The advent of new direct acting antiviral therapy has dramatically increased the sustained virological response rates of hepatitis C infection. In this scenario, the cardiovascular risk has emerged and represents a major concern after the eradication of the virus. Consequently, the number of studies evaluating this association is growing. Data derived from these studies have demonstrated the strong link between HCV infection and the atherogenic process, showing a higher risk of coronary heart disease, carotid atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease and, ultimately, CVD-related mortality.
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107
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Extrahepatic comorbidities associated with hepatitis C virus in HIV-infected patients. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2015; 10:309-15. [DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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108
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Nagano T, Seki N, Tomita Y, Sugita T, Aida Y, Itagaki M, Sutoh S, Abe H, Tsubota A, Aizawa Y. Impact of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1b Infection on Triglyceride Concentration in Serum Lipoprotein Fractions. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:20576-94. [PMID: 26334270 PMCID: PMC4613219 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160920576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level is a characteristic feature of dyslipidemia in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, abnormality in serum triglyceride (TG) has not been fully investigated. To clarify the impact of HCV genotype 1b (G1b) infection and advanced fibrosis on serum TG profiles, TG concentrations in lipoprotein fractions were examined in fasting sera from 185 subjects with active or cleared HCV infection by high-performance liquid chromatography. Serum lipoproteins were fractionated into four classes: chylomicron, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), LDL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Then, the significance of HCV G1b infection on TG levels in each lipoprotein fraction was determined using multiple regression models. We found that active HCV G1b infection was positively associated with high HDL-TG levels and low VLDL-TG levels, independent of other factors included in the regression model. In VLDL sub-fractions, active HCV infection was only found to be associated with low levels of large VLDL-TG. Similarly, advanced liver fibrosis in chronic HCV G1b infection was associated with high levels of LDL-TG, HDL-TG, and small VLDL-TG, independent of other clinical factors. These findings indicate that active HCV G1b infection and advanced fibrosis are closely associated with abnormal serum TG profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohisa Nagano
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Internal Medicine, Jikei University Katsushika Medical Center, 6-41-2 Aoto, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8506, Japan.
| | - Nobuyoshi Seki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Internal Medicine, Jikei University Katsushika Medical Center, 6-41-2 Aoto, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8506, Japan.
| | - Yoichi Tomita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Internal Medicine, Jikei University Katsushika Medical Center, 6-41-2 Aoto, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8506, Japan.
| | - Tomonori Sugita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Internal Medicine, Jikei University Katsushika Medical Center, 6-41-2 Aoto, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8506, Japan.
| | - Yuta Aida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Internal Medicine, Jikei University Katsushika Medical Center, 6-41-2 Aoto, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8506, Japan.
| | - Munenori Itagaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Internal Medicine, Jikei University Katsushika Medical Center, 6-41-2 Aoto, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8506, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Sutoh
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Internal Medicine, Jikei University Katsushika Medical Center, 6-41-2 Aoto, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8506, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Internal Medicine, Jikei University Katsushika Medical Center, 6-41-2 Aoto, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8506, Japan.
| | - Akihito Tsubota
- Core Research Facilities for Basic Science, Research Center for Medical Science, Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.
| | - Yoshio Aizawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Internal Medicine, Jikei University Katsushika Medical Center, 6-41-2 Aoto, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8506, Japan.
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Simon TG, Butt AA. Lipid dysregulation in hepatitis C virus, and impact of statin therapy upon clinical outcomes. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:8293-8303. [PMID: 26217081 PMCID: PMC4507099 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i27.8293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease and the leading indication for liver transplantation worldwide. Every aspect of the HCV life cycle is closely tied to human lipid metabolism. The virus circulates as a lipid-rich particle, utilizing lipoprotein cell receptors to gain entry into the hepatocyte. It has also been shown to upregulate lipid biosynthesis and impair lipid degradation, resulting in significant intracellular lipid accumulation and circulating hypocholesterolemia. Patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are at increased risk of hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and cardiovascular disease including accelerated atherosclerosis. HMG CoA Reductase inhibitors, or statins, have been shown to play an important role in the modulation of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, and recent attention has focused upon their potential therapeutic role in CHC. This article reviews the hepatitis C viral life cycle as it impacts host lipoproteins and lipid metabolism. It then describes the pathogenesis of HCV-related hepatic steatosis, hypocholesterolemia and atherosclerosis, and finally describes the promising anti-viral and anti-fibrotic effects of statins, for the treatment of CHC.
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110
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Gentile I, Zappulo E, Buonomo AR, Maraolo AE, Borgia G. Beclabuvir for the treatment of hepatitis C. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2015; 24:1111-21. [PMID: 26156630 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2015.1059820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION About 185,000,000 people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Currently, the most successful HCV infection antiviral therapies reduce the chance of progression towards the advanced phases of the hepatopathy (liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and death). Recently, however, several new direct-acting antivirals against HCV are available or are in an advanced phase of clinical development. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on beclabuvir , an allosteric non-nucleotide inhibitor of HCV polymerase. The article covers its pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, in addition to its tolerability and safety profile as well as its resistance pattern. EXPERT OPINION The pharmacokinetic, efficacy and tolerability profile of beclabuvir, as well as its barrier to resistance, are very favorable. In particular, the combination of beclabuvir with asunaprevir and daclatasvir achieves very high rates of viral eradication (about 90%) in patients infected with HCV genotype 1, which is the most common genotype worldwide. Therefore, beclabuvir represents a powerful weapon against HCV infection and has to be considered an optimal option in tailored IFN-free combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Gentile
- University of Naples 'Federico II,' Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , via S. Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples , Italy +39 0 81 7463178 ; +39 0 81 7463190 ;
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111
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Osawa K, Miyoshi T, Yamauchi K, Koyama Y, Nakamura K, Sato S, Kanazawa S, Ito H. Nonalcoholic Hepatic Steatosis Is a Strong Predictor of High-Risk Coronary-Artery Plaques as Determined by Multidetector CT. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131138. [PMID: 26125952 PMCID: PMC4488355 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with a risk of coronary artery disease (e.g., diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome). We evaluated whether nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis is associated with high-risk plaques as assessed by multidetector computed tomography (CT). Methods This retrospective study involved 414 participants suspected of having coronary artery disease. Nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis was defined as a liver-to-spleen fat ratio of <1.0 and the presence and appropriate characteristics of coronary-artery plaques as assessed by coronary CT angiography. High-risk plaques were identified, as were low-density plaques, positive remodeling, and spotty calcification. Results Compared with patients who did not have nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis, patients with nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis had more low-density plaques (21% vs. 44%, p<0.01), positive remodeling (41% vs. 58%, p = 0.01), and spotty calcification (12% vs. 36%, p<0.01). The number of high-risk plaques in patients with nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis was greater than in those without nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis (p<0.01). Patients with nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis were more likely to have high-risk plaques than were those with only an elevated level of visceral adipose tissue (≥86 cm2; 35% vs. 16%, p<0.01). Multivariate analyses that included nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis, amount of visceral adipose tissue, and the presence/absence of traditional risk factors demonstrated that nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis was an independent predictor of high-risk plaques (odds ratio: 4.60; 95% confidence interval: 1.94–9.07, p<0.01). Conclusions Diagnosis of nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis may be of value when assessing the risk of coronary artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Osawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Toru Miyoshi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Kentarou Yamauchi
- Department of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yasushi Koyama
- Cardiovascular Center, Sakurabashi Watanabe Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Nakamura
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shuhei Sato
- Department of Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Susumu Kanazawa
- Department of Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ito
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
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Younossi ZM, Stepanova M, Marcellin P, Afdhal N, Kowdley KV, Zeuzem S, Hunt SL. Treatment with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir improves patient-reported outcomes: Results from the ION-1, -2, and -3 clinical trials. Hepatology 2015; 61:1798-808. [PMID: 25627448 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Treatment with interferon (IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) significantly impairs quality of life and other patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Patient experience with IFN- and RBV-free anti-HCV (hepatitis C virus) regimens has not been reported. We assessed PROs in patients treated with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) with and without RBV. Four different PRO questionnaires were administered at baseline, during, and post-treatment in HCV genotype 1 patients treated with LDV/SOF±RBV (ION-1, -2, and -3). A total of 1,952 patients were enrolled to be treated for 8 (N = 431), 12 (N = 867), or 24 weeks (N = 654) with LDV/SOF (N = 1,080) or LDV/SOF+RBV (N = 872). Baseline demographics and psychiatric disorders were similar between treatment groups (all P > 0.05). Patients receiving LDV/SOF regimens showed significant improvement of PRO scores during treatment (up to +7.4%, +7.0%, and +6.7% on a normalized 0%-100% scale in the 8-, 12-, and 24-week-long treatment groups, respectively (all P < 0.0001). These PRO improvements coincided with early viral suppression after 2 weeks of treatment and maximized by the end of treatment. On the other hand, during treatment with LDV/SOF+RBV, PRO scores declined (up to -5.5% regardless of treatment duration; P < 0.0001). Receiving RBV was an independent predictor of PRO impairment in multivariate analysis (beta up to -5.9%; P < 0.0001). Patients who achieved sustained virological response at 12 weeks showed significant improvement of their PROs post-treatment (up to +8.3%; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION IFN- and RBV-free regimens with LDV/SOF result in early HCV suppression with simultaneous improvement in PROs that continued throughout the duration of treatment and post-treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zobair M Younossi
- Center for Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA
- Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA
| | - Maria Stepanova
- CLDQ LLC, Washington, DC
- Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA
| | | | - Nezam Afdhal
- Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Kris V Kowdley
- Liver Care Network and Organ Care Research, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Stefan Zeuzem
- Department of Medicine, J.W. Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sharon L Hunt
- Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA
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Romagnoli D, Marrazzo A, Ballestri S, Lonardo A, Bertolotti M. Sofosbuvir-based therapy cures hepatitis C virus infection after prior treatment failures in a patient with concurrent lymphoma. J Clin Virol 2015. [PMID: 26209383 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2015.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We report on the first well-tolerated and successful use of sofosbuvir-based therapy in a patient in whom chronic infection with hepatitis C had preceded the development of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The patient had previously failed numerous attempts to clear the hepatitis C virus with traditional antiviral schedules. We demonstrate that sofosbuvir-based therapy resulted in cure of hepatitis C in a patient who had relapsed during combination therapy with an NS5A inhibitor, an NS3 protease inhibitor and ribavirin, as well as treatment failures to multiple courses of interferon-based therapy. This report also suggests that eradication of hepatitis C virus may result in the short-term prevention of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma relapse. The findings from our case require further validation in future cohorts of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dante Romagnoli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, NOCSAE Baggiovara, Via Giardini 1355, Modena, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Marrazzo
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, NOCSAE Baggiovara, Via Giardini 1355, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefano Ballestri
- Division of Internal Medicine, Pavullo Hospital, Pavullo 41026, Modena, Italy
| | - Amedeo Lonardo
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, NOCSAE Baggiovara, Via Giardini 1355, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Bertolotti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, NOCSAE Baggiovara, Via Giardini 1355, Modena, Italy
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Abstract
Hepatic and gastrointestinal disorders can produce a wide spectrum of neurologic complications both affecting the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system. These manifestations range in severity from coma in acute liver failure and acute pancreatitis, to minor cognitive changes in chronic portosystemic encephalopathy and hepatitis C. Cerebrovascular diseases can complicate hepatitis C infection and inflammatory bowel disease. Demyelinating disorders may co-exist with inflammatory bowel disease. Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha drugs may induce demyelination. Ataxia may occur in malabsorption syndromes and in gluten related disorders. Characteristic movement disorders are key features of acquired hepatocerebral degeneration and of Whipple disease. Multiple types of neuropathy can be found in association with hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease and gluten related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Ferro
- Department of Neurosciences, Service of Neurology, Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-035, Lisboa, Portugal,
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Paik J, Kwok F, Seamons A, Brabb T, Kim J, Sullivan B, Hsu C, O'Brien KD, Maggio-Price L. Effects of murine norovirus on atherosclerosis in ldlr(-/-) mice depends on the timing of infection. Comp Med 2015; 65:114-122. [PMID: 25926396 PMCID: PMC4408896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that murine norovirus (MNV), a virus prevalent in United States research institutions, increased atherosclerotic lesion size in Ldlr(-/-) mice when the mice were infected 8 wk after feeding an atherogenic diet. To determine whether the timing of MNV infection relative to atherosclerosis development altered the disease phenotype and to examine potential mechanisms by which MNV influences the disease process, we fed Ldlr(-/-) mice an atherogenic diet for 16 wk. Three days after initiating the atherogenic diet, half of the mice received MNV4 and the other half vehicle only (clarified cell-culture lysate; controls). Both groups of mice developed large aortic sinus lesions (control compared with MNV4: 133 ± 8 × 10³ μm² compared with 140 ± 7 × 10³ μm²) that were not significantly different in size. Because the timing of MNV infection relative to atherosclerosis development and hypercholesterolemia differed between our previous and the current studies, we examined whether hypercholesterolemia altered MNV4-induced changes in bone-marrow-derived macrophages. MNV4 infection increased the potential of macrophages to take up and store cholesterol by increasing CD36 expression while suppressing the ABCA1 transporter. Thus, the effects of MNV4 infection on atherosclerotic lesion size appear to be dependent on the timing of the infection: MNV4 infection promotes only established lesions. This effect may be due to MNV4's ability to increase cholesterol uptake and decrease efflux by regulating CD36 and ABCA1 protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisun Paik
- The Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
| | - Fiona Kwok
- The Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Audrey Seamons
- The Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Thea Brabb
- The Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jinkyu Kim
- The Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Brittany Sullivan
- The Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Charlie Hsu
- The Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kevin D O'Brien
- The Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lillian Maggio-Price
- The Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Adinolfi LE, Nevola R, Lus G, Restivo L, Guerrera B, Romano C, Zampino R, Rinaldi L, Sellitto A, Giordano M, Marrone A. Chronic hepatitis C virus infection and neurological and psychiatric disorders: An overview. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:2269-2280. [PMID: 25741133 PMCID: PMC4342902 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i8.2269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is considered a systemic disease because of involvement of other organs and tissues concomitantly with liver disease. Among the extrahepatic manifestations, neuropsychiatric disorders have been reported in up to 50% of chronic HCV infected patients. Both the central and peripheral nervous system may be involved with a wide variety of clinical manifestations. Main HCV-associated neurological conditions include cerebrovascular events, encephalopathy, myelitis, encephalomyelitis, and cognitive impairment, whereas “brain fog”, depression, anxiety, and fatigue are at the top of the list of psychiatric disorders. Moreover, HCV infection is known to cause both motor and sensory peripheral neuropathy in the context of mixed cryoglobulinemia, and has also been recently recognized as an independent risk factor for stroke. These extrahepatic manifestations are independent of severity of the underlying chronic liver disease and hepatic encephalopathy. The brain is a suitable site for HCV replication, where the virus may directly exert neurotoxicity; other mechanisms proposed to explain the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders in chronic HCV infection include derangement of metabolic pathways of infected cells, alterations in neurotransmitter circuits, autoimmune disorders, and cerebral or systemic inflammation. A pathogenic role for HCV is also suggested by improvement of neurological and psychiatric symptoms in patients achieving a sustained virologic response following interferon treatment; however, further ad hoc trials are needed to fully assess the impact of HCV infection and specific antiviral treatments on associated neuropsychiatric disorders.
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117
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Fu HJ, Zhao LB, Xue JJ, Wu ZX, Huang YP, Liu W, Gao Z. Elevated Serum Homocysteine (Hcy) Levels May Contribute to the Pathogenesis of Cerebral Infarction. J Mol Neurosci 2015; 56:553-61. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-015-0497-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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118
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119
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Olubamwo OO, Onyeka IN, Miettola J, Kauhanen J, Tuomainen TP. Hepatitis C as a risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis - a systematic review. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2015; 36:249-60. [PMID: 25620553 DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational studies on the association of chronic hepatitis C with carotid atherosclerosis have yielded varying results. In addition, previous related systematic reviews were limited in synthesis. By more careful selection and further synthesis, we summarize current body of evidence on the relationship between chronic hepatitis C and carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS All published observational studies related to the topic identified by systematic searches of PubMed and Scopus were screened based on diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C and diagnosis and estimation of the risk of a carotid atherosclerosis-related outcome. Selected studies were subjected to quality assessment, and eligible studies were used in subsequent narrative and quantitative syntheses. RESULTS The initial search identified 190 unique publications, which were narrowed by preliminary review to 16 potentially relevant original articles. After quality assessment, seven studies were eligible and were used in narrative synthesis. Five studies assessed the risk of increased carotid intimal media thickening using B mode ultrasonography; five studies assessed the risk of carotid plaque formation using B mode ultrasonography. Five of these studies were used in subsequent meta-analysis. The risk of a person with chronic hepatitis C developing carotid intimal media thickening is about 4·03 times the risk of an uninfected person. The risk of a person with chronic hepatitis C developing carotid plaque is about 3·94 times the risk of an uninfected person. CONCLUSION Current evidence shows that hepatitis C virus (HCV) or factors associated with HCV infection can promote the occurrence and progression of carotid atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olubunmi O Olubamwo
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ifeoma N Onyeka
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juhani Miettola
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jussi Kauhanen
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tomi-Pekka Tuomainen
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Soriano V, Labarga P, Fernandez-Montero JV, de Mendoza C, Esposito I, Benítez-Gutiérrez L, Barreiro P. Hepatitis C cure with antiviral therapy – benefits beyond the liver. Antivir Ther 2015; 21:1-8. [DOI: 10.3851/imp2975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Cacoub P, Gragnani L, Comarmond C, Zignego AL. Extrahepatic manifestations of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Dig Liver Dis 2014; 46 Suppl 5:S165-73. [PMID: 25458776 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients are known to be at risk of developing liver complications i.e. cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, the risks of morbidity and mortality are underestimated because they do not take into account non-liver consequences of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Numerous extrahepatic manifestations have been reported in up to 74% of patients, from perceived to disabling conditions. The majority of data concern hepatitis C virus-related autoimmune and/or lymphoproliferative disorders, from mixed cryoglobulinaemia vasculitis to frank lymphomas. More recently, other hepatitis C virus-associated disorders have been reported including cardiovascular, renal, metabolic, and central nervous system diseases. This review aims to outline most of the extrahepatic manifestations that are currently being investigated, including some of autoimmune and/or lymphoproliferative nature, and others in which the role of immune mechanisms appears less clear. Beyond the liver, hepatitis C virus chronic infection should be analyzed as a multifaceted systemic disease leading to heavy direct and indirect costs. The accurate consideration of extrahepatic consequences of such a systemic infection significantly increases the weight of its pathological burden. The need for effective viral eradication measures is underlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrice Cacoub
- Sorbonne University, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR 7211, and Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (DHU i2B), Paris, France; INSERM, UMR_S 959, Paris, France; CNRS, FRE3632, Paris, France; AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Paris, France.
| | - Laura Gragnani
- Interdepartmental Center for Systemic Manifestations of Hepatitis Viruses (MaSVE), Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cloe Comarmond
- Sorbonne University, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR 7211, and Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (DHU i2B), Paris, France; INSERM, UMR_S 959, Paris, France; CNRS, FRE3632, Paris, France; AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Paris, France
| | - Anna Linda Zignego
- Interdepartmental Center for Systemic Manifestations of Hepatitis Viruses (MaSVE), Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Perticone M, Maio R, Tassone EJ, Tripepi G, Di Cello S, Miceli S, Caroleo B, Sciacqua A, Licata A, Sesti G, Perticone F. Insulin-resistance HCV infection-related affects vascular stiffness in normotensives. Atherosclerosis 2014; 238:108-12. [PMID: 25461736 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2014.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS. Arterial stiffness evaluated as pulse wave velocity, is an early marker of vascular damage and an independent predictor for cardiovascular events. We investigated if the insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia chronic hepatitis C virus infection-related could influence arterial stiffness. METHODS. We enrolled 260 outpatients matched for age, body mass index, gender, ethnicity: 52 with never-treated uncomplicated chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV(+)), 104 never-treated hypertensives (HT) and 104 healthy subjects (NT). Pulse wave velocity was evaluated by a validated system employing high-fidelity applanation tonometry. We also measured: fasting plasma glucose and insulin, total, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, creatinine, e-GFR-EPI, HOMA, quantitative HCV-RNA. RESULTS. HCV(+) patients with respect to NT had an increased pulse wave velocity (7.9 ± 2.1 vs 6.4 ± 2.1 m/s; P < 0.0001), similar to that observed in HT group (8.8 ± 3.2 m/s). HCV(+) patients, in comparison with NT, had higher triglyceride, creatinine, fasting insulin and HOMA (3.2 ± 1.3 vs 2.5 ± 1.0; P < 0.0001). At linear regression analysis, the correlation between pulse wave velocity and HOMA was similar in HT (r = 0.380, P < 0.0001) and HCV(+) (r = 0.369, P = 0.004) groups. At multiple regression analysis, HOMA resulted the major determinant of pulse wave velocity in all groups, explaining respectively 11.8%, 14.4% and 13.6% of its variation in NT, HT and HCV(+). At correlational analysis hepatitis C virus-RNA and HOMA demonstrated a strong and linear relationship between them, explaining the 72.4% of their variation (P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS. We demonstrated a significant and direct correlation between HOMA and pulse wave velocity in HCV(+) patients, similar to that observed in hypertensives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Perticone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Maio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Eliezer Joseph Tassone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tripepi
- CNR-IBIM, National Research Council-Institute of Biomedicine, Clinical Epidemiology and Physiopathology of Renal Disease and Hypertension, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Serena Di Cello
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sofia Miceli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Benedetto Caroleo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angela Sciacqua
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Anna Licata
- Biomedical Department of Internal and Specialistic Medicine, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Sesti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Perticone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Italy
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Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) due to obstructive atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death and has been recognized as a worldwide health threat. Measures to decrease low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are the cornerstone in the management of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, particularly those with CAD, for over two decades. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a newly recognized protein, plays a key role in cholesterol homeostasis by enhancing degradation of hepatic LDL receptor (LDLR). Interestingly, PCSK9 is also involved in the inflammatory process. Plasma PCSK9 and lipid or nonlipid cardiovascular risk factors are correlated, and the associations between PCSK9 with cardiovascular health and disease make this protein worthy of attention for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. Here, we provide an overview of the physiological role of PCSK9, which contributes to atherosclerosis, and provide data on PCSK9 as a novel pharmacological target. Clinical evidence shows that PCSK9 inhibition is as promising as statins as a target to treat CAD. The efficacy of these drugs may potentially enable effective CAD prophylaxis for more patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Li
- Division of Dyslipidemia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College
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Huang H, Kang R, Zhao Z. Is hepatitis C associated with atherosclerotic burden? A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106376. [PMID: 25184517 PMCID: PMC4153605 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Increasing evidence demonstrates that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with atherosclerosis. However, there are contrasting findings in several studies that the atherosclerotic burden is not associated with HCV infections. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to clarify if HCV infection is associated with atherosclerosis compared to non-infected people. METHODS Standard guidelines for performance of meta-analysis were followed. RESULTS A thorough database search performed by two independent investigators identified 14 eligible studies for analysis. The data from 11 studies were synthesized to report unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) for carotid atherosclerosis; the pooled unadjusted OR (95% confidence interval (CI)) was 1.65 (1.21, 2.09). By synthesizing the data from 8 studies to report adjusted ORs for carotid atherosclerosis the pooled multi-confounder adjusted OR (95% CI) was 1.76 (1.20, 2.32). However, the numbers of studies on coronary or femoral atherosclerosis were limited and not enough for analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our meta-analysis indicates that HCV infection is associated with carotid atherosclerosis independent of classical risk factors. Therefore, we would recommend for HCV infected patients to be counseled on their risk for carotid atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Huang
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rongyan Kang
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhendong Zhao
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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