Impact of insulin resistance on HCV treatment response and impact of HCV treatment on insulin sensitivity using direct measurements of insulin action

Measures of insulin resistance and beta cell function before and after treatment of HCV infection

The association between chronic HCV infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been established; however, there is limited research on β-cell function particularly in the pre-diabetic population. Here, we evaluated indices of β-cell function and insulin sensitivity across the spectrum from normal glucose tolerance to T2DM in individuals with and without chronic hepatitis C (CHC), and the effects of antiviral treatments on these variables. A total of 153 non-cirrhotic, non-fibrotic CHC patients with a BMI <25 were enrolled in the study. Among them, 119 were successfully treated with either direct acting antiviral (DAA) drugs or pegylated interferon/ribavirin (IFN/RBV) anti-HCV therapy. Fasting state- and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-derived indexes were used to evaluate β-cell function and insulin sensitivity. Among all subjects, 19 (13%) had T2DM and 21% exhibited pre-diabetes including 8% isolated impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and 13% combined IFG and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Early and total insulin secretion adjusted for the degree of insulin resistance were decreased in pre-diabetic CHC patients compared to HCV-uninfected individuals. Viral eradication through DAA or IFN/RBV therapy demonstrated positive impacts on insulin sensitivity and β-cell function in CHC patients who achieved sustained virologic response (SVR), regardless of fasting or OGTT state. These findings emphasize the role of HCV in the development of β-cell dysfunction, while also suggesting that viral eradication can improve insulin secretion, reverse insulin resistance, and ameliorate glycemic control. These results have important implications for managing pre-diabetic CHC patients and could prevent diabetes-related clinical manifestations and complications.

Impact of hepatitis C virus eradication with direct-acting antivirals on glycidic metabolism

Objective

To compare the glucose metabolism of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in pretreatment and sustained viral response (SVR) periods.

Materials and methods

This was an intervention pre-post study of 273 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection treated with DAAs from March 2018 to December 2019. Glycidic metabolism was evaluated through homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) - insulin resistance (IR) and HOMA-β indices and assessments of insulinemia and HbA1c levels. These parameters were analyzed with a T test by paired comparison of the means of the variables and Wilcoxon's test paired for the median; in the variables with an abnormal distribution, the Z score was generated for the mean in both the pretreatment and SVR periods. Statistical significance was considered at p ≤ 0.05.

Results

Among 273 participants, 125 (45.8%) had prediabetes, and 50 (18.3%) had diabetes. In SVR, there was a significant increase in platelets, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol and triglycerides and a significant decrease in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma GT and bilirubin. The HOMA-IR and HOMA-β indices increased in SVR from 1.95 to 2.29 (p = 0.087) and 71.20 to 82.60 (p = 0.001), respectively. Insulinemia increased from 7.60 μU/mL to 8.90 μU/mL (p = 0.011). HbA1c decreased from 5.6 to 5.4 (p < 0.001). Among patients with prediabetes and those with diabetes, the reduction in HbA1c values was significant (p = 0.006 and p = 0.026, respectively).

Conclusion

SVR significantly impacts and leads to improvement in glucose metabolism in patients with chronic liver disease induced by hepatitis C virus.

Type-I interferons in atherosclerosis

Chen et al. review the effects of type-I IFNs and the potential of anti–type-I IFN therapies in atherosclerosis.

The contribution of dyslipidemia and inflammation in atherosclerosis is well established. Along with effective lipid-lowering treatments, the recent success of clinical trials with anti-inflammatory therapies and the accelerated atherosclerosis in many autoimmune diseases suggest that targeting inflammation may open new avenues for the prevention and the treatment for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In the past decades, studies have widened the role of type-I interferons (IFNs) in disease, from antivirus defense to autoimmune responses and immuno-metabolic syndromes. While elevated type-I IFN level in serum is associated with CVD incidence in patients with interferonopathies, experimental data have attested that type-I IFNs affect plaque-residing macrophages, potentiate foam cell and extracellular trap formation, induce endothelial dysfunction, alter the phenotypes of dendritic cells and T and B lymphocytes, and lead to exacerbated atherosclerosis outcomes. In this review, we discuss the production and the effects of type-I IFNs in different atherosclerosis-associated cell types from molecular biology studies, animal models, and clinical observations, and the potential of new therapies against type-I IFN signaling for atherosclerosis.

Hepatitis C Virus Clearance with Glucose Improvement and Factors Affecting the Glucose Control in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

The study aimed to investigate whether the glucose level improves and what factors affect the improvement in glucose control after the eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV). A total of 1090 patients with HCV infections were enrolled, among which 278 (25.5%) patients were diagnosed with prediabetes, and 89 (8.16%) patients were diagnosed with diabetes. In the cohort, 990 patients belonged to sustained virological response (SVR) group and 100 belonged to non-SVR group. Decreases in the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level were found in the SVR group but not in the non-SVR group (p < 0.001; p = 0.267). In the SVR group, subjects with baseline FPG ≥ 5.6 mmol/L were further stratified into glycometabolism-improved (N = 182) and unimproved (N = 150) groups according to their FPG after viral eradication. Multivariate analysis showed that older age, higher baseline HCV RNA, glucose, total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase levels were independent risk factors for insufficient glucose improvement. In conclusion, patients with HCV infection had a higher prevalence of abnormal glycometabolism. It could be improved after viral eradication, indicating that HCV may influence glycometabolism. Moreover, Age, baseline HCV RNA, glucose, total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase levels were impact factor for glycometabolism improvement after viral eradication.

Hepatitis C, systemic inflammation and oxidative stress: correlations with metabolic diseases

Introduction: Hepatitis C chronic infection has long been correlated with numerous systemic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and hepatic steatosis. Recent studies have also revealed an association with atherosclerosis.Areas covered: An analysis is presented on the mechanisms through which the hepatitis C viral infection can lead to a systemic increase in pro-inflammatory markers, especially tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-6. The immunological imbalance created may, through different mechanisms, act on the metabolic pathways that contribute to the development of insulin resistance, the accumulation of lipids in the liver, and even the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Moreover, an additional contributing factor to the above-mentioned metabolic derangements is the unopposed oxidative stress observed in chronic hepatitis C viral infection. The virus itself contributes to the formation of oxidative stress, through alterations in the trace metal homeostasis and its effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-a.Expert opinion: The scope of this review is to emphasize the importance of the metabolic manifestations of hepatitis C viral infection and to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms behind their emergence.

HCV treatment with direct acting antivirals improves the insulin sensitivity

Background: There is strong link between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the insulin resistance panel. Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) β is an indirect measurement of insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells, while HOMA-S accounts for insulin sensitivity. Aim: We examined the impact of HCV treatment with direct acting antivirals (DAAs) on HOMA-β and HOMA-S results. Methods: HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, and HOMA-S were calculated before and 12 weeks after treatment in 511 treatment eligible patients with HCV. Five DAA treatment protocols were used. Values before and after treatment were compared. Results: The mean age of patients was 50.63 years with a 3.2:1 male: female ratio. A total of 29.7% of patients were treatment experienced and 24.7% had diabetes. HCV sustained virological response (SVR) was achieved in 91% of patients. Unlike non-responders, SVR patients showed significantly decreased post-treatment HOMA-Β. Delta HOMA-Β was comparable between groups. HOMA-S increased significantly in patients with SVR compared to in non-responders, as did delta HOMA-S. HOMA-S and HOMA-β improved significantly under 5 and 2 DAA protocols, respectively. The treatment status did not affect the HOMA-β and S dynamics during treatment. Conclusions: Insulin sensitivity improved markedly in patients who achieved HCV SVR.

Evaluation of Safety and Effectiveness of Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide Switch Followed by Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir HCV Therapy in HIV-HCV Coinfection

Background

We conducted a pilot study assessing the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of a simplified combination HIV antiretroviral and hepatitis C virus (HCV) antiviral regimen in HIV–HCV coinfection.

Methods

Participants on suppressive antiretrovirals and HCV genotype 1 infection were switched to single-tablet daily-dosed elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (E/C/F/TAF) and 1 month later initiated single-tablet-regimen daily-dosed ledipasvir-sofosbuvir for 12 weeks. E/C/F/TAF was continued during HCV treatment and for 12 weeks after.

Results

Twenty-six individuals were screened, 25 enrolled, and 23 completed all HIV and HCV treatment. Participants were predominantly male, with a mean age (SD) of 55 (7.5) years. The median transient elastography score (interquartile range [IQR]) was 5.9 (5.3 to 7.6) kPa, and the mean CD4 count (SD) was 579 (223) cells/µL. The median adherence to HCV medications, assessed by pill count, was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 100%–100%), and HIV ranged from 99% to 100% (100%; 95% CI, 90%–100%) over the 7-month study duration. HIV undetectability was maintained in all but 1 participant enrolled with unsuspected multiclass resistance. Treatment was well tolerated, with no study medication modification due to adverse events and no serious adverse event related to the study drug. All participants achieved sustained virological response. The mean CD4 count (SD) increased to 673 (361) cells/µL, and the fibrosis score (IQR) declined to 5.2 (4.4 to 7.4) kPa by week 12 after HCV treatment. There was no treatment effect on glucose metabolism. Cholesterol increased during and after treatment.

Conclusions

Provision of this 2-tablet daily HIV–HCV regimen is feasible, well tolerated, and safe, avoids drug–drug interactions between HIV and HCV medications, maintains HIV suppression in the absence of drug resistance, and is highly curative of HCV.

Hepatitis C Direct Acting Antivirals and Ribavirin Modify Lipid but not Glucose Parameters

Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection perturbs lipid and glucose metabolism. The influence of direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment and ribavirin on these measures was evaluated. Furthermore, the effect of HCV cure on these parameters was assessed. Participants were allocated to one of three 12-week treatment groups: non-cirrhotic genotype 1a-paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir/dasabuvir (PrOD) plus ribavirin; non-cirrhotic 1b-PrOD; compensated cirrhotic 1a or 1b-PrOD plus ribavirin. Fasting insulin, glucose, lipid and apolipoprotein measures were assessed at baseline, Treatment Weeks 4 and 12, and 12 and 24 weeks post-dosing. Twenty-three of 24 participants achieved SVR (PP= 23/24, 96% SVR). Overall, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride levels all increased in treatment and post-dosing. However, LDL-C levels decreased during treatment in ribavirin recipients. Fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR were unchanged during treatment and 12 weeks post-treatment. By 12 weeks post-treatment, controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) scores, a measure of steatosis, increased from baseline (mean 30.3 ± 63.5, p = 0.05). This regimen was safe and highly effective and did not influence glucose metabolism. Ribavirin exposure may mitigate some on-treatment lipid changes. Further mechanistic studies are needed to understand how ribavirin impacts lipid pathways, as there could be therapeutic implications. The metabolic pathophysiology of increased CAP score with HCV treatment requires explanation.

Insulin resistance does not impair response of chronic hepatitis C virus to direct-acting antivirals, and improves with the treatment

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance (IR) is a common complication in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. The impact of IR on outcome of therapy with direct antivirals has not been studied.

AIM

The aim was to assess the impact of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy on IR status in chronic HCV patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 511 patients [mean age: 50.7±10.4 years, 29.7% pegylated interferon and ribavirin (RBV) experienced] were enrolled. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes, decompensated liver disease, or previous nonresponse to DAAs were excluded. Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) was calculated before and 12 weeks after treatment, and IR was defined as HOMA greater than 1.9. Patients were treated according to the treating physician's choice, and received 12 weeks of either ombitasvir/ritonavir/paritaprevir/RBV (n=28); sofosbuvir (SOF)/simeprevir (n=36); SOF/ravidasvir (n=101); SOF/pegylated interferon/RBV (n=192); or 24 weeks of SOF/RBV (n=154).

RESULTS

Most patients received IR pretreatment (80.6%); 51.3% had fibrosis stage F4 and 24.7% had diabetes. A sustained virological response (SVR) at 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12) was achieved in 465 (91%) patients. SVR12 was achieved in 90.5% of patients with IR and in 92.9% of patients without IR (P=0.560), and pretreatment HOMA was not different in responders and nonresponders (P=0.098). The number of patients with IR decreased significantly in patients who achieved an SVR much more than in nonresponders (P<0.0001) and HOMA improved significantly more in patients with SVR than in nonresponders (P=0.001). All treatment protocols were associated with a comparable improvement in HOMA (P=0.101). Predictors of SVR12 included age, platelets, and liver stiffness, but not pretreatment IR.

CONCLUSION

IR does not impair the response of patients with HCV treated with DAAs, and improves significantly in patients who achieve an SVR.

What Are the Benefits of a Sustained Virologic Response to Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus Infection?

Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens are safe and effective at eradicating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Unfortunately, DAAs remain expensive, so treatment of all HCV-infected patients would substantially affect health care costs. It is therefore important to continue to assess the hepatic and extrahepatic benefits of a DAA-induced sustained virologic response (SVR). A DAA-induced SVR reduces a patient's risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and extrahepatic manifestations of HCV infection; there are also data to indicate that an SVR can reduce mortality. SVR is a relevant clinical end point, but further analyses are required to confirm its importance among diverse HCV-infected populations and to document the public health benefits of HCV elimination at the population level. We review the evidence for the benefits associated with SVRs in different clinical settings and challenges to data collection.

Impact of Moderate Alcohol Discontinuation on Insulin Action and Secretion in Latinos With and Without Hepatitis C

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance (IR) is associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Latinos are both at risk of IR and are disproportionately affected by HCV. Moderate alcohol consumption improves insulin sensitivity and may modify HCV-associated IR. We investigated the impact of moderate alcohol discontinuation on insulin sensitivity and secretion in Latinos using direct measurements.

METHODS

Twenty-five nondiabetic, noncirrhotic Latino adults without (n = 17) or with (n = 8) HCV underwent 3-day metabolic assessment before and after prescription of 6 weeks of moderate alcohol discontinuation. Peripheral IR was measured via steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) and hepatic IR using endogenous glucose production during a 2-step 240-minute insulin suppression test. Insulin secretion was measured using graded glucose infusion test.

RESULTS

Baseline mean age was 46 ± 11 years, 63% male, 29% had HCV, and mean body mass index was 27 ± 4 kg/m² . Compared to non-HCV, HCV patients had a higher median SSPG (132 vs. 98.8 mg/dl, p = 1.0), hepatic IR (13.5 vs. 11.3, p = 0.24), and insulin secretion rate (ISR-AUC, 1,290 vs. 1,250 pmol/min, p = 0.98). After confirmed alcohol discontinuation, hepatic IR was the only parameter that changed significantly (increased, mean change 2.6 ± 4.8, p = 0.02). Higher baseline alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was also associated with a greater change in hepatic IR (average 4.0 points/ALT doubling, p = 0.004), and HCV was associated with a lesser change (average -7.3 points, p = 0.002), independent of ALT.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term moderate alcohol discontinuation adversely impacted hepatic IR in Latinos which was influenced by level of ALT at baseline independent of etiology. Although reduction in ALT through weight loss and HCV eradication remains a priority in improving IR, the observed nonharmful effect of moderate alcohol use represents a potentially confounding variable that warrants further study.

Safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir-based direct-acting antiviral regimens for hepatitis C virus genotypes 1-4 and 6 in Myanmar: Real-world experience

This open-label, clinical experience investigated the safety and efficacy of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy in Myanmar; 344 patients completed treatment between June 2015 and May 2016. Patients with HCV genotypes 1-4 and 6 received one of four treatments: (i) Peg-interferon (PEG-IFN)+sofosbuvir (SOF)+ribavirin (RBV) for 12 weeks, (ii) SOF+RBV for 24 weeks, (iii) ledipasvir (LDV)+SOF for 12 weeks or (iv) daclatasvir (DCV)+SOF+RBV for 12 or 24 weeks. Genotype 3 was most common (n=133, 38.7%), followed by genotype 6 (n=122, 35.5%) and genotype 1 (n=86, 25%). Overall, 91% of patients achieved sustained virologic response (SVR); 99% in group 1, (n=148/149), 90% in group 2 (n=95/106), 78% in group 3 (n=65/83) and 100% in group 4 (n=6/6). In group 3, SVR rates were 96.8% in genotype 1 (n=30/31) and 64.1% in genotype 6 (n=25/39). Multivariable regression analysis identified advanced fibrosis (F3-4) (OR=.16 CI: 0.05-0.57, P=.005), genotype 6 (OR=.35, CI: 0.16-0.79, P=.012) and diabetes (OR=.29, CI: 0.12-0.71, P=.007) as negative independent predictors of response. Adverse events were mild with all-oral therapy.

CONCLUSION

DAA therapy ±PEG-IFN achieved high SVR rates. Genotype 6 patients had a low SVR to 12 weeks of LDV and SOF raising the need for other regimens, RBV or longer treatment duration in this population.

Improvement in Glycemic Control of Type 2 Diabetes After Successful Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus

OBJECTIVE

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with diabetes and may worsen glycemic control in patients with diabetes. We aimed to investigate whether eradication of HCV infection with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents is associated with improved glycemic control in patients with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We identified 2,435 patients with diabetes who underwent interferon-free and ribavirin-free DAA-based antiviral treatment for HCV in the national Veterans Affairs health care system. Changes in average hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) level and use of antidiabetic medications 1 year before and after antiviral treatment were compared between patients who achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) and those who did not.

RESULTS

Among patients with elevated baseline HbA_1c, the drop in HbA_1c associated with antiviral treatment was greater in those who achieved SVR (0.98%) than in those who sustained treatment failure (0.65%) (adjusted mean difference 0.34, P = 0.02). Use of antidiabetic medications decreased more in patients who achieved SVR than in those who sustained treatment failure, especially for the use of insulin, which dropped significantly from 41.3% to 38% in patients achieving SVR compared with a slight increase from 49.8% to 51% in those who sustained treatment failure.

CONCLUSIONS

DAA-based eradication of HCV is associated with improved glycemic control in patients with diabetes as evidenced by decreased mean HbA_1c and decreased insulin use. These endocrine benefits of SVR provide additional justification for considering antiviral treatment in all patients with diabetes.

Do we need to screen for de-novo diabetes mellitus in chronic hepatitis C patients after a sustained virological response?

BACKGROUND AND AIM

There are millions of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus-infected patients who have been treated with a combination therapy (interferon and ribavirin) and have achieved a virological response (SVR) worldwide. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk factors for de-novo diabetes mellitus in CHC patients treated with combination therapy (interferon and ribavirin) and have achieved an SVR.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 214 nondiabetic CHC patients with SVR and baseline homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) less than or equal to 2 were divided into group A, which included 108 patients with a BMI less than 25, and group B, which included 106 patients with a BMI of at least 25 and less than 30. HOMA insulin resistance (IR) and BMI were measured at the baseline, at achievement of an SVR, and 1 year after achievement of an SVR. Leptin levels were assessed at baseline and 1 year after achievement of an SVR in patients with increased BMI.

RESULTS

One year after SVR, 36 (33.33%) patients from group A developed increasing BMI with no significant changes in HOMA versus that at SVR (P=0.53), but showed a significant reduction versus baseline HOMA (P=0.02). In group B, 68 (64.1%) patients showed increased BMI of at least 25, with a significant increase in HOMA versus that at SVR (P=0.02), and with no significant reduction versus baseline HOMA (P=0.44). In group B, serum leptin showed a significant reduction 12 months after achievement of an SVR versus baseline in patients with increased BMI. Six patients from group B with increased BMI after 1 year developed de-novo IR and type two diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSION

In nondiabetic CHC patients with SVR and baseline BMI of at least 25, the post-SVR increase in BMI predisposed to an increase in HOMA-IR and could be considered a predisposing factor for diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance and hepatitis C virus infection: A contemporary review

AIM

To summarise the literature data on hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients concerning the prevalence of glucose abnormalities and associated risk.

METHODS

We conducted a PubMed search and selected all studies found with the key words "HCV" or "hepatitis C virus" and "diabetes" or "insulin resistance". We included only comparative studies written in English or in French, published from January 2000 to April 2015. We collected the literature data on HCV-infected patients concerning the prevalence of glucose abnormalities [diabetes mellitus (DM) and insulin resistance (IR)] and associated risk [i.e., severe liver fibrosis, response to antivirals, and the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)].

RESULTS

HCV infection is significantly associated with DM/IR compared with healthy volunteers and patients with hepatitis B virus infection. Glucose abnormalities were associated with advanced liver fibrosis, lack of sustained virologic response to interferon alfa-based treatment and with a higher risk of HCC development. As new antiviral therapies may offer a cure for HCV infection, such data should be taken into account, from a therapeutic and preventive point of view, for liver and non-liver consequences of HCV disease. The efficacy of antidiabetic treatment in improving the response to antiviral treatment and in decreasing the risk of HCC has been reported by some studies but not by others. Thus, the effects of glucose abnormalities correction in reducing liver events need further studies.

CONCLUSION

Glucose abnormalities are strongly associated with HCV infection and show a negative impact on the main liver related outcomes.

Retrospective study of the associations between hepatitis C virus infection and metabolic factors

AIM

To evaluate the bidirectional association between metabolic syndrome (MS) components and antiviral treatment response for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 119 HCV + patients treated with pegylated-interferon-α and ribavirin. Metabolic characteristics and laboratory data were collected from medical records. Differences in baseline clinical and demographic risk factors between responders and non-responders were assessed using independent samples t-tests or χ² tests. The effects of sustained viral response (SVR) to antiviral treatment on de novo impairments in MS components, including impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis, while the effect of MS components on SVR was assessed using univariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 119 patients, 80 (67%) developed SVR over the average 54 ± 13 mo follow-up. The cumulative risks for de novo T2DM and IFG were 5.07- (95%CI: 1.261-20.4, P = 0.022) and 3.87-fold higher (95%CI: 1.484-10.15, P = 0.006), respectively for non-responders than responders, when adjusted for the baseline risk factors age, sex, HCV genotype, high viral load, and steatosis. Post-treatment triglyceride levels were significantly lower in non-responders than in responders (OR = 0.27; 95%CI: 0.069-0.962, P = 0.044). Age and HCV genotype 3 were significantly different between responders and non-responders, and MS components were not significantly associated with SVR. Steatosis tended to attenuate SVR (OR = 0.596; 95%CI: 0.331-1.073, P = 0.08).

CONCLUSION

SVR was associated with lower de novo T2DM and IFG incidence and higher triglyceride levels. Patients infected with HCV should undergo T2DM screening and antidiabetic treatment.

Hepatitis C Virus, Insulin Resistance, and Steatosis

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the main causes of liver disease worldwide. Liver steatosis is a common finding in many hepatic and extrahepatic disorders, the most common being metabolic syndrome (MS). Over time, it has been shown that the frequent coexistence of these two conditions is not coincidental, since many epidemiological, clinical, and experimental studies have indicated HCV to be strongly associated with liver steatosis and numerous metabolic derangements. Here, we present an overview of publications that provide clinical evidence of the metabolic effects of HCV and summarize the available data on the pathogenetic mechanisms of this association. It has been shown that HCV infection can induce insulin resistance (IR) in the liver and peripheral tissues through multiple mechanisms. Substantial research has suggested that HCV interferes with insulin signaling both directly and indirectly, inducing the production of several proinflammatory cytokines. HCV replication, assembly, and release from hepatocytes require close interactions with lipid droplets and host lipoproteins. This modulation of lipid metabolism in host cells can induce hepatic steatosis, which is more pronounced in patients with HCV genotype 3. The risk of steatosis depends on several viral factors (including genotype, viral load, and gene mutations) and host features (visceral obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, genetic predisposition, medication use, and alcohol consumption). HCV-related IR and steatosis have been shown to have a remarkable clinical impact on the prognosis of HCV infection and quality of life, due to their association with resistance to antiviral therapy, progression of hepatic fibrosis, and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Finally, HCV-induced IR, oxidative stress, and changes in lipid and iron metabolism lead to glucose intolerance, arterial hypertension, hyperuricemia, and atherosclerosis, resulting in increased cardiovascular mortality.

Diabetes Mellitus Increases Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Patients: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Rising rates of obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among chronic hepatitis C (HCV) patients may contribute to higher hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk.

AIM

To perform a systematic review evaluating the impact of DM, body mass index (BMI), or steatosis on HCC risk among chronic HCV patients.

METHODS

A structured keyword search of PubMed from January 1, 2001, to July 1, 2014, was performed to identify original articles evaluating the association of DM, BMI, or steatosis with HCC among adults with chronic HCV. Studies involving HCV patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, or other chronic liver diseases with the exception of NAFLD were excluded. Quality assessment utilized the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

RESULTS

Nine studies (seven cohorts, two case-controls) met inclusion criteria for the final analysis. Five of seven studies analyzing DM demonstrated significantly increased HCC risk associated with concurrent DM with effect sizes ranging from HR 1.73 (95 % CI 1.30-2.30) to RR 3.52 (95 % CI 1.29-9.24). One of three studies analyzing BMI demonstrated a significant association with HCC risk (BMI ≥ 30.0 vs. BMI < 23: RR 4.13, 95 % CI 1.38-12.40). Two of the three studies analyzing steatosis demonstrated significantly higher risk of HCC associated with steatosis ranging from RR 2.81 (95 % CI 1.49-4.41) to OR 6.39 (95 % CI 1.04-39.35).

CONCLUSIONS

Concurrent DM is associated with increased HCC risk among chronic HCV patients. BMI and steatosis may also increase HCC risk, but the limitations of the current studies do not allow us to draw strong conclusions.

Hepatitis C and insulin action: An intimate relationship

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been shown to be linked to a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes compared with the general population or with patients with chronic hepatitis B infection and diabetes is the most common extra-hepatic manifestation of HCV. The HCV-diabetes association is due to insulin resistance (IR) that occurs early in the course of the disease even in patients without or with minimal fibrosis. The mechanisms for HCV-induced IR are only partly understood and include a direct inhibitory effect of HCV on insulin signaling pathway. IR in chronic HCV results in an increased progression rate of hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Some but not all studies found that IR reduces the response rate to interferon/ribavirin therapy. Whether IR affects the response to the new direct-acting antiviral treatments is still unknown.

Insulin resistance as a predictor of early virologic response to HCV therapy among chronic HCV Egyptian patients

Prior assessment of insulin resistance by HOMA-IR is emerging as an important milestone in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C. This cost-effective tool is recommended to individualize treatment duration, or to exclude those with low insulin sensitivity from being treated until ameliorating their state of insulin resistance (IR). The present work aims to elucidate further the effect IR state on early viral kinetic response to Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy and the impact of HCV treatment and viral eradication on insulin sensitivity. Insulin sensitivity was assessed using the HOMA-IR method. All enrolled patients were treated with a dual therapy (pegylated interferon-alpha plus ribavirin) for 48 weeks and evaluated using qRT-PCR for early virologic response as well as the impact of treatment on insulin sensitivity throughout the early period of therapy. Of a total 392 chronic HCV cases, early virologic response was achieved by 318 (81.1%). IR was detected in 241 (61.5%) chronic HCV patient of which 73.4% responded to treatment. Early virologic response among patients with > 2.18 HOMA-IR value were significantly lower than those with HOMA-IR values ≤2.18 (P < 0.0001). IR was significantly associated with high baseline BMI. Steatosis and fibrosis correlated with IR but neither independently predicted early virologic response. Pretreatment IR < 2.18, low fasting blood glucose, low and intermediate HCV viral load, normal BMI, and non-smoking were independent factors associated with early virologic response. IR interferes with early virologic response to the antiviral care. Clinical application of pretreatment HOMA-IR assessment could help in predicting early treatment outcome and thus enable treatment regimens to be optimized and individually tailored.

Metabolic syndrome in chronic hepatitis C infection: does it still matter in the era of directly acting antiviral therapy?

Metabolic syndrome is prevalent in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Given the pandemic spread of HCV infection and metabolic syndrome, the burden of their interaction is a major public health issue. The presence of metabolic syndrome accelerates the progression of liver disease in patients with HCV infection. New drug development in HCV has seen an unprecedented rise in the last year, which resulted in better efficacy, better tolerance, and a shorter treatment duration. This review describes the underlying mechanisms and clinical effects of metabolic syndrome in HCV infection, as well as their importance in the era of new directly acting antiviral therapy.

Relationship of hepatitis C virus infection with diabetes in the U.S. population

An association of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with diabetes has been reported in many studies, but few have been population based and applied standard criteria for diabetes diagnosis. We examined this relationship using recent population-based data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Adult participants (15,128) in the 1999-2010 surveys had data on diabetes status and serum HCV antibody (anti-HCV) or HCV RNA. Using American Diabetes Association criteria, diabetes was defined as a health care provider diagnosis, serum hemoglobin A1C (A1C) ≥6.5%, or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥126 mg/dL, prediabetes as A1C 5.7%-<6.5% or FPG 100-<126 mg/dL, and normal glucose as A1C <5.7% and FPG <100 mg/dL. Odds ratios (ORs) for diabetes and prediabetes, comparing persons with HCV infection to those without, were adjusted for demographics, BMI, C-reactive protein, smoking, drinking, and blood transfusion before 1992. Among participants without diabetes, we compared mean insulin resistance (IR), estimated using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), by HCV status. The overall prevalence of anti-HCV+ was 1.7%, of HCV RNA(+) 1.1%, of diabetes 10.5%, and of prediabetes 32.8%. The prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes did not differ by HCV status. In multivariate-adjusted analysis, diabetes remained unassociated with anti-HCV (OR, 1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6-1.7) or with HCV RNA (OR, 1.1; 95% CI: 0.6-1.9). In contrast, elevated alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyltransferase activities were associated with diabetes regardless of HCV status. HOMA-IR was not associated with HCV markers in unadjusted or multivariate-adjusted analyses (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In the U.S. population, HCV was not associated with diabetes or with IR among persons with normal glucose. Previously reported relationships of HCV with diabetes were possibly attributable to the effect of elevated liver enzymes.

Hepatitis C virus treatment in the 'real-world': how well do 'real' patients respond?

BACKGROUND

Published clinical trials of the treatment of HCV are largely multicentre prospective pharmaceutical trials. Patients in clinical trials tend to have more favorable outcomes than patients in the 'real-world', due to strict patient selection and differences in treatment conditions and available resources.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the outcomes of Hepatitis C infected patients treated at the Barwon Health Liver Clinic with combination Pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and Ribavirin (RBV) therapy and to determine factors associated with a treatment response.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients who received treatment for Hepatitis C at our institution's Liver Clinic from January 2001-September 2011. Patient demographics, comorbidities, treatment-related parameters and side effects were extracted from medical records and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 190 patients (120 male, 70 female) with a mean age of 42.8 years (range 20-68 years) commenced treatment. The most common genotype was genotype 3 (48.9%), followed by genotype 1 (42.6%). 150 of 190 patients (78.9%) completed treatment and had end of treatment data available. 107 of 182 patients, (58.8%) for whom sustained virologic response (SVR) rate data was available achieved an SVR. Overall response rates were; 46.9%, 68.8% and 62.4% in genotypes 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The response rate was significantly lower in 29 patients with documented cirrhosis (20.7%). Age, diabetes and alcohol abuse did not predict treatment response in our cohort. Side effects reported in 81.6% of patients included general malaise, hematological disturbance and psychiatric issues, and necessitated cessation of therapy in 16 patients (8.4%) and dose reduction in 26 patients (13.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Response rates to combination PEG-IFN and RBV therapy at our institution are comparable to other 'real-world' and pharmaceutical registration trials. Side effects of combination therapy were prominent but resulted in fewer discontinuations of therapy compared to pharmaceutical trials.

Eradicating hepatitis C virus ameliorates insulin resistance without change in adipose depots

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is associated with lipid-related changes and insulin resistance; the latter predicts response to antiviral therapy, liver disease progression and the risk of diabetes. We sought to determine whether insulin sensitivity improves following CHC viral eradication after antiviral therapy and whether this is accompanied by changes in fat depots or adipokine levels. We compared 8 normoglycaemic men with CHC (genotype 1 or 3) before and at least 6 months post viral eradication and 15 hepatitis C antibody negative controls using an intravenous glucose tolerance test and two-step hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp with [6,6-(2) H2 ] glucose to assess peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity. Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy quantified abdominal fat compartments, liver and intramyocellular lipid. Peripheral insulin sensitivity improved (glucose infusion rate during high-dose insulin increased from 10.1 ± 1.6 to 12 ± 2.1 mg/kg/min/, P = 0.025), with no change in hepatic insulin response following successful viral eradication, without any accompanying change in muscle, liver or abdominal fat depots. There was corresponding improvement in incremental glycaemic response to intravenous glucose (pretreatment: 62.1 ± 8.3 vs post-treatment: 56.1 ± 8.5 mm, P = 0.008). Insulin sensitivity after viral clearance was comparable to matched controls without CHC. Post therapy, liver enzyme levels decreased but, interestingly, levels of glucagon, fatty acid-binding protein and lipocalin-2 remained elevated. Eradication of the hepatitis C virus improves insulin sensitivity without alteration in fat depots, adipokine or glucagon levels, consistent with a direct link of the virus with insulin resistance.

The impact of obesity and metabolic syndrome on chronic hepatitis C

The metabolic syndrome and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are 2 global health care challenges with a complex interaction. Insulin resistance, a central component of the metabolic syndrome, is epidemiologically and pathophysiologically intrinsically linked to HCV infection. Insulin resistance and diabetes affect clinical outcomes in patients with liver disease related to HCV, namely, incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma, liver-related mortality, fibrosis progression rate, response to antiviral therapy, and possibly the incidence of cardiovascular events. Viral and metabolic steatosis and its interactions with HCV and the metabolic syndrome are discussed. Management and the need for further research conclude the article.

Insulin sensitivity and variability in hepatitis C virus infection using direct measurement

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Studies investigating insulin resistance (IR) in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have used surrogate measures of IR that have limited reliability. We aimed to describe the distribution and risk factors associated with IR and its change over time in HCV using direct measurement.

METHODS

One hundred two non-cirrhotic, non-diabetic, HCV-infected subjects underwent clinical, histologic, and metabolic evaluation, and 27 completed repeat evaluation at 6 months. Insulin-mediated glucose uptake was measured by steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) concentration during the insulin suppression test.

RESULTS

Three subjects with diabetes were excluded and 95 completed all testing. SSPG ranged from 39 to 328 mg/dL (mean 135 mg/dL) and was stable over time (mean SSPG change -0.3 mg/dL). SSPG was associated with Latino ethnicity (Coef 67, 95 % CI 37-96), BMI (Coef 19 per 5 kg/m(2), 95 % CI 5-32), ferritin (Coef 1.4 per 10 ng/ml, 95 % CI 0.2-2.5), male gender (Coef -48, 95 % CI -80 to -16), and HDL (Coef -16, 95 % CI -28 to -5 mg/dL). Current tobacco use (Coef 55, 95 % CI 19-90), steatosis (Coef -44, 95 % CI -86 to -3), and increases in BMI (Coef 30 per 5 kg/m(2), 95 % CI 6-53) and triglyceride (Coef 3.5 per 10 mg/dL, 95 % CI 0.3-6.7) predicted change in SSPG.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a wide spectrum of insulin resistance in our HCV population. Host factors, rather than viral factors, appeared to more greatly influence insulin action and its change in HCV.

Prediction of sustained virologic response based on week 4 and week 12 response in hepatitis C virus genotype 1 patients treated with peginterferon and ribavirin: assessment in a favorable IL28B allele-prevalent area

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate rapid virologic response (RVR) rate after peginterferon (PegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) dual combination therapy in Korean hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 patients whose IL28B polymorphism is generally favorable. This study also assessed the value of RVR in predicting sustained virologic response (SVR).

METHODS

Treatment-naïve HCV genotype 1 patients who underwent initial treatment with either PegIFN-α-2a or α-2b and RBV were retrospectively evaluated. From 148 patients, 115 met inclusion criteria for the final analysis.

RESULTS

Overall RVR rate was 47.8% and SVR rate was 67.8% (78/115). Positive RVR had the highest positive predictive value (PPV) for achieving SVR, whereas it had the lowest negative predictive value (NPV). Undetectable HCV RNA at treatment week 12, namely complete early virologic response (cEVR), had high PPV as well as high NPV. Factors predisposing SVR were absence of liver cirrhosis and achievement of RVR or cEVR.

CONCLUSION

This study showed RVR rate close to 50% in HCV genotype 1 patients treated with dual combination therapy in the region where favorable IL28B polymorphism is reported to be as high as 90%. Even for the patients who failed to achieve RVR, positive cEVR demonstrated a fair chance of achieving SVR.

Sustained virological response prevents the development of insulin resistance in patients with chronic hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with insulin resistance (IR), which is a condition known to influence the progression of liver fibrosis and the response to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)/ribavirin (RBV) therapy. We aimed to assess whether a sustained virological response (SVR) after antiviral therapy prevents the development of IR in the long term. Members of the Milan Safety Tolerability study cohort, who received PEG-IFNα2a/RBV or PEG-IFNα2b/RBV, underwent a homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) at the baseline and 24 months after treatment completion. For all patients (n = 431), a liver biopsy sample was scored for grading, staging (Ishak), and steatosis. At the baseline, IR (HOMA value > 2) was detected in 48 patients (12%), and it was associated with body weight (P = 0.03), an HCV load < 0.6 × 10(6) IU/L (P = 0.006), fibrosis staging ≥ 4 (P = 0.01), and moderate to severe steatosis (P = 0.03). IR did not influence the rates of end-of-treatment response (75% versus 69%, P = 0.4), SVR (63% versus 60%, P = 0.8), or relapse (19% versus 24%, P = 0.5). After treatment, IR developed in 49 of the 384 nondiabetic patients (14%). Although the mean baseline and posttreatment HOMA values were similar in SVR patients (1.11 ± 0.8 versus 1.18 ± 1.1, P = 0.25), patients experiencing treatment failure showed a significant increase in the mean HOMA value at the follow-up visit (1.20 ± 0.85 versus 1.49 ± 1.3, P = 0.007), and there was an increased rate of de novo IR in non-SVR patients versus SVR patients (17% versus 7%, P = 0.007). According to a logistic regression analysis, treatment failure (odds ratio = 2.81, 95% confidence interval = 1.39-5.67, P = 0.004) and a 10% body mass index increase (odds ratio = 6.42, 95% confidence interval = 1.69-24.3, P = 0.006) were significantly associated with the development of de novo IR.

CONCLUSION

In nondiabetic patients with chronic HCV, the achievement of SVR with PEG-IFN and RBV prevents the development of de novo IR.