Association between chronic hepatitis B infection and metabolic syndrome

The association between chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection and metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains inconclusive. This study was designed to determine the association between CHB infection and MetS among the US population with updated data and adjustments for a comprehensive set of risk factors.

Adults aged 18 years or older who were clinically assessed for Hepatitis B and MetS from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004, 2005-2006, 2007-2008, 2009-2010, 2011-2012, and 2013-2014 cycles were included in the study (N = 53,392,666). MetS was defined according to the NCEP/ATP III guideline. CHB was identified by the seropositivity of Hepatitis B surface antigen and core antibody in the absence of Hepatitis B surface antibody. Rao-Scott χ ²test and logistic regressions were employed in the analyses.

MetS was less prevalent among adults with CHB compared to adults without CHB (12.1% vs. 18.8%, p = 0.073). In adjusted analyses, adults with CHB were 48% less likely to have MetS compared to those without CHB (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.29-0.94). Regarding individual component of MetS, CHB was inversely associated with high waist circumference (AOR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.21-0.49) and hypoalphalipoproteinemia (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.25-0.91). No association between CHB and other metabolic components were found.

CHB was inversely associated with MetS, high waist circumference, and hypoalphalipoproteinemia. No significant association was found between CHB and other MetS components.