Influence of pegylated interferon and ribavirin on insulin resistance and metabolic factors in chronic hepatitis C

Background: In this study it was aimed to evaluate the effect of pegylated interferon alfa-2a/2b and ribavirin, which are used for treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC), on insulin resistance and metabolic factors. Materials and methods: A total of 104 CHC patients aged 20-75 years with available serum insulin data at 0 and 48 weeks, and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA data at 0,12, 24, 48 and 72 weeks were included in the study. All clinical parameters were assessed according to the therapy response. Results: Among 104 patients, sustained virologic response (SVR) was achieved in 55 cases. A statistically significant difference was noted between SVR and non-SVR groups regarding gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), insulin level plus homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) score and insulin resistance at week 48, log HCV-RNA and stage of fibrosis. Conclusion: Insulin resistance is accepted to have a negative effect on SVR. Insulin resistance may improve once SVR is achieved. Presence of IR at week 48 has been found associated with SVR. In this context, it can be advocated that insulin resistance at week 48 may be a predictive factor for prediction of SVR at week 72.