Liver fibrosis in women with chronic hepatitis C: evidence for the negative role of the menopause and steatosis and the potential benefit of hormone replacement therapy
- 1Service d'Hépatologie, University of Paris VII, AP-HP Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France.
- 0Service d'Hépatologie, University of Paris VII, AP-HP Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France.
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) influence chronic hepatitis C fibrosis. HRT may protect against fibrosis progression in menopausal women, while steatosis worsens it.
Area Of Science
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Endocrinology
Background
- Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) fibrosis progression differs between sexes.
- Oestrogen's antifibrogenic effect is hypothesized, potentially via stellate cell inhibition.
Purpose Of The Study
- Evaluate chronic hepatitis C severity in women.
- Assess the impact of menopause, steatosis, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on fibrosis progression.
Main Methods
- Prospective enrollment of 251 women with chronic hepatitis C (November 2003 - October 2004).
- Data collection via questionnaires, blood samples, and liver biopsy (Metavir score).
- Univariate and multivariate analyses identified factors associated with moderate/severe fibrosis (F2-F4).
Main Results
- Moderate/severe fibrosis (F2-F4) linked to longer infection duration (>15 years), higher BMI, and steatosis.
- Menopausal women showed higher rates of F2-F4 fibrosis (67% vs. 47%).
- Menopausal women on HRT had significantly lower F2-F4 fibrosis probability (p=0.012).
- Steatosis was more frequent and severe in menopausal women.
Conclusions
- Fibrosis severity associated with infection duration, BMI, steatosis, and menopause.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) correlated with reduced fibrosis stage in menopausal women.
- Results support oestrogen's protective role against fibrosis progression.
- Post-menopausal steatosis may contribute to fibrosis progression.
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