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Published on: February 19, 2019
Serum adiponectin in chronic hepatitis C and B
D Siagris1, G Vafiadis, M Michalaki
1Department of Internal Medicine, Patras University Hospital, Patras, Greece. dsiagris@altecnet.gr
Journal of Viral Hepatitis
|July 26, 2007
Summary
Serum adiponectin levels were higher in patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV) than hepatitis B (HBV) infection. High adiponectin was linked to HCV, alcohol consumption, and lower C-peptide, suggesting a role in slower HCV progression.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Hepatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Adiponectin is a key hormone with anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects.
- Chronic viral hepatitis, specifically Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections, are significant global health concerns.
- Understanding adiponectin's role in these conditions is crucial for managing liver disease progression and metabolic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum adiponectin levels in patients with chronic HCV and HBV infections.
- To correlate adiponectin levels with markers of insulin resistance and chronic liver disease indices.
- To identify predictors of elevated adiponectin in viral hepatitis patients.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 72 HCV and 73 HBV patients.
- Measurement of serum adiponectin, insulin, C-peptide, and Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR).
- Evaluation of viral parameters, liver histology, and lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption.
Main Results:
- Serum adiponectin levels were significantly higher in HCV patients compared to HBV patients.
- Adiponectin positively correlated with liver enzymes (AST, ALP), globulins, HDL, and staging score.
- Adiponectin negatively correlated with BMI, insulin, C-peptide, and HOMA-IR. Predictors of high adiponectin included HCV infection, high alcohol intake (>25g/day), high globulin, and low C-peptide.
Conclusions:
- Higher adiponectin in HCV patients may contribute to slower disease progression.
- Alcohol consumption exceeding 25g daily is a significant predictor of hyperadiponectinemia in viral hepatitis.
- No significant association was found between adiponectin and hepatic necroinflammation or staging score in this cohort.
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