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Changes in glucose tolerance after interferon-alpha therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C
H Tanaka1, G Shiota, H Kawasaki
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Tottori University School of Medicine, Yonago, Japan.
Journal of Medicine
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Interferon alpha (IFN alpha) therapy for chronic hepatitis C improved liver function and glucose tolerance. Hepatic recovery during IFN alpha treatment may enhance glucose metabolism in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Interferon alpha (IFN alpha) is a standard therapy for chronic hepatitis C.
- The impact of IFN alpha on glucose metabolism in these patients is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of IFN alpha therapy on glucose tolerance in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 15 chronic hepatitis C patients.
- Glucose tolerance assessed using 75g-oral glucose tolerance test (OGGT) before and after 4 weeks of IFN alpha therapy.
- Measured serum liver enzymes, bilirubin, albumin, fasting blood sugar, and fasting immunoreactive insulin (IRI).
Main Results:
- IFN alpha therapy improved liver function tests (bilirubin, albumin, AST, ALT).
- Fasting blood sugar, 30-min OGGT blood sugar, and fasting IRI decreased post-therapy (p < 0.05).
- Insulinogenic index (II) increased, and OGGT patterns shifted towards normal/borderline, indicating improved glucose tolerance.
Conclusions:
- Hepatic functional recovery during IFN alpha therapy is associated with improved glucose tolerance in chronic hepatitis C patients.
- Contrary to some reports, IFN alpha may not impair, but rather improve, glucose metabolism in this context.
- Findings suggest a link between liver health and metabolic regulation in hepatitis C treatment.