Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin Resistance and Adiponectin Level in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

Abstract

Aims. To assess insulin resistance and adiponectin profile in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), according to the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome (MS).

Patients and methods. One hundred and fifty-two patients with histologically proven CHC, genotype I were prospectively studied. Parameters of MS according to the IDF criteria were evaluated. Insulin resistance was established by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR]. An index = 2.0 was designated as IR and = 4 as prediabetic state. Serum adiponectin levels were measured by ELISA.

Results. MS was found in 61.48% of cases. HOMA-IR was significantly higher in patients with CHC and MS vs those without MS (7.88±1.11 vs 4.29 ±0.5, p=0.023]. Adiponectin levels had an inverse behaviour (9,946.1 ±5,811 ng/ml vs 13,215.5 ± 815.5 ng/ml, p< 0.001]. By multiple linear regression analysis the independent predictors associated with HOMA-IR = 4 in patients with CHC and MS were visceral obesity, adiponectin levels, activity and degree of steatosis. Only visceral obesity and HOMA-IR were independently associated with adiponectin. A significant negative correlation was established between adiponectin and insulin (r = - 0.169, p=0.003] and between adiponectin and HOMA-IR (r = - 0.188, p=0.02].

Conclusions. CHC with MS was associated with a higher insulin resistance and lower adiponectin level. Adiponectin level and insulin resistance were significantly correlated.