Dyslipidemia and impaired liver function biomarkers in patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Biochemistry
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis globally.
• Liver cirrhosis significantly impacts metabolic processes, including lipid metabolism.
• Understanding these metabolic changes is crucial for managing HBV-related liver disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate alterations in lipid metabolism and liver enzyme status in HBV-positive patients with liver cirrhosis.
• To identify potential clinical markers for assessing liver damage in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 300 HBV-positive patients with liver cirrhosis and 200 healthy controls.
• Analysis of serum biomarkers including HBsAg, HBeAg, liver function tests, and serum lipids.
• Confirmation of liver cirrhosis via ultrasonography and liver biopsy.
• Statistical analysis using chi-square test, Student's t-test, logistic regression, and ROC curve analysis.

Main Results:

• HBV-positive patients with liver cirrhosis exhibited significantly higher liver function biomarkers and substantially lower serum lipid levels compared to controls.
• Liver cirrhosis grading and staging scores were negatively associated with total cholesterol.
• Sex and elevated liver enzymes were identified as significant risk factors for dyslipidemia in these patients.
• Optimal cut-off values for liver enzymes and serum lipids exceeded normal ranges for cirrhosis prognosis.

Conclusions:

• Serum lipid profiles may serve as a valuable clinical index for evaluating liver damage in HBV-positive patients.
• Dyslipidemia is prevalent in HBV-related liver cirrhosis and associated with disease severity.
• Further research into lipid-modulating therapies could benefit patients with HBV-induced liver cirrhosis.