Association of Serum Adipocytokines with Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

Background: The pathogenic mechanisms of hepatic steatosis in hepatitis C (HCV) remain unclear. Aim: To assess the potential role of cytokines and adipokines in HCV-related steatosis and fibrosis. Methods: We profiled several adipokines, cytokines, and related soluble molecules in 99 HCV patients and analyzed their potential associations with hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Results: Serum leptin and IL-1RA were significantly higher in HCV genotype 1 as compared to genotype 3. On the other hand, serum resistin, IL-8, IL-1B and sIL-6R, were significantly higher in HCV genotype 3. No differences were observed for adiponectin, visfatin, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Regardless of HCV genotype, steatosis could be predicted by a combination of IL-8, IL-6, and sIL-6R/IL-6. When analysis was repeated for each of the genotypes, the reliability of models improved. Regardless of HCV genotype, moderate to severe fibrosis (Metavir score >F2), was predicted by IL-8 and resistin levels. Conclusions: Analysis of adipocytokines associated with steatosis supports the hypothesis that steatogenic pathways differ in HCV genotype 3 from those infected with non-genotype 3 infections. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel