Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

The CYP2D6 Animal Model: How to Induce Autoimmune Hepatitis in Mice
Published on: February 3, 2012
Hepatic iron accumulation may be associated with insulin resistance in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Yoshio Sumida1, Kazuyuki Kanemasa, Kohei Fukumoto
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nara City Hospital, Nara, Japan.
Background/Aim:
Insulin resistance and hepatic iron overload are frequently demonstrated in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver diseases. We investigated the relationship between insulin resistance and hepatic iron deposition in patients with chronic HCV infection.
Methods:
Insulin resistance was evaluated using the homeostasis model assessments for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in 56 non-diabetic non-obese patients with biopsy proven chronic hepatitis C. The relationship between insulin resistance and serum ferritin levels or the grade of hepatic iron deposition was assessed.
Results:
The levels of plasma immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and HOMA-IR were significantly correlated with serum ferritin levels and the grade of hepatic iron deposition (P = 0.003).Although IRI and HOMA-IR increased in parallel with the development of hepatic fibrosis, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR > 2) was observed in 11 (26.2%) of 42 patients even without severe fibrosis (F0-2). Among patients without severe fibrosis, IRI and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in patients with iron deposits than in those without iron deposits.
Conclusion:
Hepatic iron overload may be associated with insulin resistance in patients with chronic hepatitis C, especially in patients with mild to moderate fibrosis.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow
Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...