The combined therapy of interferon-α plus ribavirin improved insulin resistance but unaffected the adiponectin levels in patients affiliated with chronic hepatitis C

• Main Authors: Shih-Ting Tseng, 曾士婷
• Other Authors: Robert Y. Peng
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2008
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/02186310989081515001

碩士 === 弘光科技大學 === 生物科技研究所 === 96 === Insulin resistance may play an important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes in patients infected with chronic hepatitis C (HCV). A combination therapy of interferon-□ plus ribavirin has been the mainstay of treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection. The changes of insulin resistance and adiponectin levels post such a combination therapy, especially in Asian populations, are rarely reported. Hence we performed this study to access these changes before, during, and post the combination therapy. The degree of HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) and adiponectin levels were evaluated in nondiabetic patients affiliated with chronic HCV prior to treatment, and 3- /and 6 months respectively post the cessation of the combined therapy of interferon-□ plus ribavirin. Degree of HOMA-IR significantly changed over time with age-, sex-, and BMI (body mass index)-adjusted conditions. In contrast, adiponectin levels were insignificantly affected in this regard. Conclusively, the extent of insulin resistance can be improved by the interferon-□ plus ribavirin combination therapy. Despite the significant improvement in insulin resistance, the adiponectin levels remained unaffected.