Quantitative evaluation of insulin resistance markers in Pakistani patients suffering from HCV-associated type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

The current study was designed to determine the role of the host genes involved in the development of chronic hepatitis C-associated type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study was carried out in patients in four different stages of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, including treatment-naïve HCV patients, HCV-positive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), non-responders and responders. The mRNA expression level of host genes, such as glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and different adipokines including adiponectin, leptin and resistin, was quantified and compared to healthy controls. HCV infection was found to be associated with insulin resistance, a step towards type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The results also suggest the potential role of adipokines in chronic HCV (CHC)-associated T2DM. The upregulation of gluconeogenic genes, such as G6Pase and resistin, and a decreased mRNA expression level of adiponectin suggest the potential role of selected markers in the CHC-associated T2DM in Pakistani population. Based on these results, it is concluded that upregulation of TNF-α, G6Pase and resistin in chronic HCV patients leads to gluconeogenesis, eventually favoring T2DM. Collectively, these findings suggest that CHC patients are more prone to T2DM.

Expert Opinion on Managing Chronic HCV Infection in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…Moreover, secretion of soluble endocrine mediators from infected hepatocytes may contribute to IR in extrahepatic tissues [29,30]. In a study of chronic HCV-infected patients with or without T2DM and healthy controls, chronic HCV infection was associated with IR and upregulation of tumour necrosis factor-a, glucose-6-phosphatase and resistin, leading to gluconeogenesis [35]. Development of HCV-induced IR may be influenced by host-related genetic and environmental factors, and with additional contributions from an imbalance of adipocytokine profile and the presence of liver steatosis, may result in progression to T2DM [36].…”

Hepatitis C virus core protein induces hepatic steatosis via Sirt1‐dependent pathway

“…In addition to hepatic steatosis, several studies have reported the correlation of hepatitis C virus and diabetes mellitus . As we all know, obesity and lipid metabolism disorders often affect glucose homeostasis.…”

“…In addition, Sirt1-mediated In addition to hepatic steatosis, several studies have reported the correlation of hepatitis C virus and diabetes mellitus. [37][38][39] As we all know, obesity and lipid metabolism disorders often affect *Indicates a significant difference compared with the WT + Vector group and **indicates a significant difference compared with the WT + 1b group. (Data are shown as the mean ± SEM, n = 7-8/group, * or **P < .05.)…”