Hepatitis C virus infection and diabetes: direct involvement of the virus in the development of insulin resistance

摘要: Background & Aims: Epidemiological studies have suggested a linkage between type 2 diabetes and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, the presence of additional factors such as obesity, aging, or cirrhosis prevents establishment definite relationship these conditions. Methods: A mouse model transgenic for HCV core gene was used. Results: In glucose tolerance test, plasma levels were higher at all time points including in fasting state mice than control mice, although difference not statistically significant. contrast, exhibited marked insulin resistance revealed by well significantly basal serum levels. Feeding with high-fat diet led to development overt but mice. high level tumor necrosis factor-α, which has been also observed human patients, considered be one bases acts disturbing tyrosine phosphorylation receptor substrate-1. Moreover, administration an anti-tumor factor-α antibody restored sensitivity. Conclusions: The ability lower impaired, patients. These results provide direct experimental evidence contribution infection, finally leads diabetes.