Association of serum adipocytokines with hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
BACKGROUND
The pathogenic mechanisms of hepatic steatosis in hepatitis C (HCV) remain unclear.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the potential role of cytokines and adipokines in HCV-related steatosis and fibrosis.


METHODS
We profiled several adipokines, cytokines, and related soluble molecules in 99 HCV patients and analyzed their potential associations with hepatic steatosis and fibrosis.


RESULTS
Serum leptin and IL-1RA were significantly higher in HCV genotype 1 as compared to genotype 3. On the other hand, serum resistin, IL-8, IL-1B and sIL-6R, were significantly higher in HCV genotype 3. No differences were observed for adiponectin, visfatin, IL-6 and TNF-α. Regardless of HCV genotype, steatosis could be predicted by a combination of IL-8, IL-6, and sIL-6R/IL-6. When analysis was repeated for each of the genotypes, the reliability of models improved. Regardless of HCV genotype, moderate to severe fibrosis (Metavir score >F2), was predicted by IL-8 and resistin levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Analysis of adipocytokines associated with steatosis supports the hypothesis that steatogenic pathways differ in HCV genotype 3 from those infected with non-genotype 3 infections.
Baranova
Ancha
A
Translational Research Institute, Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, Va. 22042, USA.
Jarrar
Mohammed H
MH
Stepanova
Maria
M
Johnson
Andrew
A
Rafiq
Nila
N
Gramlich
Terry
T
Chandhoke
Vikas
V
Younossi
Zobair M
ZM
D054392:Adipokines / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood*; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology*; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis
D054392:Adipokines; D016207:Cytokines