Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Incorporation of a Survivable Liver Biopsy Procedure in Mice to Assess Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) Resolution
Published on: April 16, 2019
Peripheral insulin resistance during treatment of chronic hepatitis C with peguilated interferon plus ribavirin
Vivianne Mello1, Thomaz Cruz, Geila Nuñez
1Post-Graduation Course in Medicine and Health, Federal University of Bahia, Bahia, Brazil. viviannemello@uol.com.br
Unlabelled:
Patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection present higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the mechanism of this association and the role of antiviral treatment are still unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the use of peguilated interferon and the development of insulin resistance (IR) in these patients.
Methods:
HOMA index was evaluated in 30 HCV-infected patients just before and during the first 6 months of treatment with peguilated interferon plus ribavirin. Anthropometrical parameters and glucose/cholesterol profile were also monitored.
Results:
No changes in HOMA after 6 months of treatment were observed. Glucose levels decreased but not significantly (P = 0.059). Patients with higher HOMA index after 6 months of treatment also presented higher aminotransferase levels (P = 0.03), higher fat index on computed tomography (P = 0.011), longer time of exposure to the virus (P = 0.021), and a positive smoking history when compared to non-insulin resistant patients (P = 0.045). There was no influence of fibrosis stage on liver biopsy in the insulin-resistance development.
Conclusions:
No changes in the IR were observed after 6 months of treatment. Insulin resistance is related to the abdominal fat and anthropometrical parameters rather than to the antiviral treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow