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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate serum betatrophin concentrations in patients with chronic hepatitis C-related liver cirrhosis and to explore its potential relations with liver cirrhosis progression and insulin resistance (IR). Background Hepatitis C virus infection is a serious clinical condition that usually progresses to liver cirrhosis. Betatrophin is a newly discovered hormone that has been considered as important regulator of pancreatic β-cell proliferation. Patients and methods We analyzed 70 patients who were diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C-related liver cirrhosis. Patients were assorted into three groups according to Child–Pugh score. In addition, a control group was included and consisted of 20 healthy volunteers. Serum betatrophin and IR were evaluated for all patients and controls. Results Patients with cirrhosis showed significantly higher circulating betatrophin levels in comparison with healthy controls (P < 0.001). Additionally, positive correlation was observed between betatrophin concentration and the progression of liver cirrhosis as assessed by Child–Pugh score (r = 0.66; P < 0.001). Furthermore, a significantly higher IR was demonstrated in patients with cirrhosis than in controls (P < 0.001). Significantly positive association between betatrophin levels and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance was found (r = 0.96; P < 0.001). Conclusion Serum betatrophin was significantly increased in patients with chronic hepatitis C-related liver cirrhosis and its level positively associated with liver cirrhosis severity and IR.

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