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Obesity, insulin resistance, and HCV: Implications for pathogenesis

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Abstract

A significant number of patients with chronic hepatitis C are overweight or obese. Insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus are also frequently encountered, and the association of hepatitis C with hepatic steatosis is well described. Both host and viral factors contribute to insulin resistance, diabetes, and hepatic steatosis. Fibrosis progression is closely linked to insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. Obesity may contribute to hepatic fibrosis directly through induction of inflammatory pathways or indirectly via development of hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 3851 Roger Brooke Drive, 78234, Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA

    Stephen A. Harrison MD

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  1. David S. Heppner MD
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  2. Stephen A. Harrison MD
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Heppner, D.S., Harrison, S.A. Obesity, insulin resistance, and HCV: Implications for pathogenesis. Curr hepatitis rep 4, 153–157 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11901-005-0031-3

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