Metabolic Syndrome and HCV: Where Do We Stand in 2010?

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and metabolic syndrome are common worldwide. Insulin resistance, an inherent part of metabolic syndrome, may result from HCV infection and has been shown to affect outcomes for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection. Various host and virally mediated factors contribute to insulin resistance and ultimately the metabolic syndrome. The metabolic derangements in combination with CHC virus affect disease natural history and treatment outcomes. The ideal treatment strategy for patients with features of metabolic syndrome and CHC virus infection is unknown, but most would agree to treat the components of the metabolic syndrome.