Serum Leptin Levels in Chronic Viral Hepatitis Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Manolakopoulos Spilios, Bethanis Sotirios, Liapi Charis, Stripeli Fotini, Sklavos Pantelis, Margeli Alexandra, Christidou Aggeliki, Katsanika Aggeliki, Vogiatzakis Evangellos, Tzourmakliotis Dimitrios, Theocharis Stamatios
Primary Institution: Department of Gastroenterology, Polyclinic General Hospital, Athens, Greece
Hypothesis
What is the relationship between serum leptin concentrations and the severity of liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C?
Conclusion
Cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis B or C is associated with higher leptin levels, which negatively affect the response to antiviral treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with cirrhosis had higher serum leptin levels compared to those with lower fibrosis stages.
- An inverse correlation was found between lower leptin levels and response to lamivudine monotherapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
- Insulin resistance significantly influenced the response to antiviral therapy in genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C patients.
Takeaway
This study found that patients with liver disease have higher levels of a hormone called leptin, which can make it harder for them to respond to treatment.
Methodology
The study included 50 patients with chronic viral hepatitis and 32 healthy controls, measuring serum leptin and insulin levels before and after treatment.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to exclusion criteria and the specific patient population studied.
Limitations
The study had a relatively small sample size and focused only on patients with specific types of hepatitis.
Participant Demographics
50 patients (36 men) with chronic hepatitis B and C, and 32 healthy volunteers (17 men, 15 women).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.003
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.01–1.14
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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