Aim. Previous studies have demonstrated a link between HCV infection and increased risk of atherosclerosis and a possible role of HCV in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Methods. In the present study we investigated the prevalence of carotid-artery plaque and carotid intimamedia thickening by US, B mode in 84 patients with chronic hepatitis C. We correlate carotid intima-media thickening with the presence or absence of liver steatosis, insulin resistance, and HCV genotype. Results. Vascular lesion were observed in 71.4% of patients and was independent from age. Atherosclerosis was associated to BMI (P=0.007) and to steatosis (P=0.0001). Steatosis was associated to insulin resistance (P<0.001) and liver fibrosis (P<0.01). These preliminary findings suggest a high prevalence of atherosclerosis in chronic hepatitis C patients and a possible roie for steatosis as pathogenetic link between HCV infection and atherosclerosis. Conclusion. The association between steatosis and proaterogenic factors, such as oxidative stress, high TNF-a levels, hyperhomocysteinemia, hypoadiponectinemia, support this hypothesis
Atherosclerosis and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection: Role of liver steatosis
Zampino R;Tripodi M.;Marrone A;Rinaldi L;Cesaro G;Ruggiero G;Adinolfi LE.
2007
Abstract
Aim. Previous studies have demonstrated a link between HCV infection and increased risk of atherosclerosis and a possible role of HCV in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Methods. In the present study we investigated the prevalence of carotid-artery plaque and carotid intimamedia thickening by US, B mode in 84 patients with chronic hepatitis C. We correlate carotid intima-media thickening with the presence or absence of liver steatosis, insulin resistance, and HCV genotype. Results. Vascular lesion were observed in 71.4% of patients and was independent from age. Atherosclerosis was associated to BMI (P=0.007) and to steatosis (P=0.0001). Steatosis was associated to insulin resistance (P<0.001) and liver fibrosis (P<0.01). These preliminary findings suggest a high prevalence of atherosclerosis in chronic hepatitis C patients and a possible roie for steatosis as pathogenetic link between HCV infection and atherosclerosis. Conclusion. The association between steatosis and proaterogenic factors, such as oxidative stress, high TNF-a levels, hyperhomocysteinemia, hypoadiponectinemia, support this hypothesisI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
