Abstract
Background/Purpose: Insulin resistance may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes in subjects infected with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). A combination therapy of interferon-α (IFN-α) plus ribavirin has been the mainstay of treatment for chronic HCV infection. Changes in insulin resistance and adiponectin levels after such a combination therapy, especially in Asian populations, are rarely reported. Hence, we performed this study to assess these changes before, during, and after the combination therapy. Methods: The degree of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and adiponectin levels were evaluated in nondiabetic subjects affiliated with chronic HCV before treatment and at 3 and 6 months, respectively, after the cessation of the combined therapy of IFN-α plus ribavirin. Results: The parameters obtained before, during, and after cessation of the therapy showed that the degree of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance significantly changed over time with age-, sex-, and body mass index-adjusted conditions. In contrast, adiponectin levels were totally unaffected. Conclusion: The extent of insulin resistance can be improved by the IFN-α plus ribavirin combination therapy. Despite a significant improvement in insulin resistance, the adiponectin levels remained unaffected.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 46-49 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Journal of Experimental and Clinical Medicine |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2011 |
Keywords
- Adiponectin
- HOMA-IR
- Hepatitis C virus
- Insulin resistance
- Interferon-α
- Ribavirin
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine