[Hepatitis C virus infections: is it only e liver disease?]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is prevalent and associated with various comorbidities.
• HCV may contribute to extrahepatic conditions through direct/indirect mechanisms, impacting immune and cardiometabolic systems.
• Previous studies on viral eradication effects are limited by selection bias and focus on interferon-based therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents on extrahepatic manifestations of HCV.
• To assess the effectiveness of viral eradication in managing HCV-related comorbidities.
• To highlight the need for further validation studies on DAA efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological and explicative studies on HCV and comorbidities.
• Analysis of data concerning viral eradication using interferon-based therapies.
• Examination of emerging data on direct-acting antiviral agents for HCV treatment.

Main Results:

• HCV infection is associated with a high likelihood of developing extrahepatic comorbidities.
• Some evidence suggests viral eradication can positively impact these conditions.
• Limited data exist on the effects of direct-acting antiviral agents on HCV-related extrahepatic diseases.

Conclusions:

• Viral eradication, particularly with direct-acting antivirals, holds potential for managing HCV-associated comorbidities.
• Further research is essential to validate these findings and stratify effects based on disease severity.
• Understanding the full impact of DAAs on extrahepatic manifestations is crucial for comprehensive HCV management.