Chronic hepatitis C, insulin resistance and vascular disease.
The role of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the development of vascular disease is controversial. Insulin resistance (IR) is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is associated with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection. Thus, IR may promote atherosclerosis and vascular disease in CHC patients. HCV-associated IR may also cause hepatic steatosis and resistance to antiviral treatment. In addition, HCV may impose direct, proatherogenetic action in the vascular wall. This review will elaborate the impact of IR on interferon-α based therapy of HCV infection and the role of insulin-sensitizing agents on the response to antiviral treatment and prevention of IR complications, including vascular disease.
Institute Vinca Laboratory for Molecular Genetics and Radiobiology, PO Box 522 11001 Belgrade Serbia.
Andreja
A
Trpkovic
Edith
E
Stokic
Djordje
D
Radak
Zoran
Z
Gluvic
Mohamed
M
Haidara
Dimitri P
DP
Mikhailidis
Esma R
ER
Isenovic
D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000150:complications*
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors