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Impact of amino acid substitutions in hepatitis C virus genotype 1b core region on liver steatosis and glucose tolerance in non‐cirrhotic patients without overt diabetes
Author(s) -
Sumida Yoshio,
Kanemasa Kazuyuki,
Hara Tasuku,
Inada Yutaka,
Sakai Kyoko,
Imai Shunsuke,
Yoshida Naohisa,
Yasui Kohichiroh,
Itoh Yoshito,
Okanoue Takeshi,
Yoshikawa Toshikazu
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.214
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1440-1746
pISSN - 0815-9319
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2010.06568.x
Subject(s) - steatosis , medicine , gastroenterology , insulin resistance , odds ratio , impaired glucose tolerance , hepatitis c virus , cirrhosis , hepatitis c , type 2 diabetes , endocrinology , diabetes mellitus , insulin , immunology , virus
Abstract Background and Aim: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein induces hepatic steatosis and glucose intolerance in transgenic mice. The aim of this study was to clarify the impact of mutations in the HCV core region on hepatic steatosis and glucose tolerance in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Methods: Seventy‐four Japanese patients (27 men, 47 women; mean age, 61.9 years) infected with HCV 1b with high viral load (>5 log IU/ml), without cirrhosis and overt diabetes, were enrolled. Substitutions in amino acids 70 and 91 of the HCV genotype 1b core region, the percentage of hepatic steatosis by liver histology, and glucose tolerance evaluated by the oral glucose tolerance test were investigated in all patients. Results: Steatosis was observed in 40 patients (54%). Transaminase activities, γ‐glutamyl‐transpeptidase, serum ferritin levels, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index, and substitutions of amino acid 70 were significantly associated with the presence of steatosis, upon univariate analysis. Glucose intolerance was more prevalent in patients with steatosis (63%) than in those without steatosis (32%, P = 0.012). Multivariate analysis showed that substitution of amino acid 70 (odds ratio: 4.924; 95% confidence interval: 1.442–16.815; P = 0.014) and glucose intolerance (odds ratio: 3.369; 95% confidence interval: 1.076–10.544; P = 0.040) were independent factors related to liver steatosis. Levels of plasma glucose and serum insulin after glucose load were similar between patients with and without substitutions of amino acids 70 and 91. Conclusions: Amino acid substitutions in the HCV genotype 1b core region are associated with hepatic steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C, independent of glucose intolerance.