Showing posts with label Diabetes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diabetes. Show all posts

June 15, 2014

Could Hepatitis B Vaccination Prevent Diabetes?

Medscape Medical News > Conference News

Lisa Nainggolan

June 15, 2014

SAN FRANCISCO — Provocative new data support an intriguing hypothesis: that vaccinating people against hepatitis B may prevent diabetes from developing, at least in some individuals.

Using participants from the NHANES study 2005–2010, researchers from California examined more than 7000 subjects without a prior history of diabetes; around 1400 of them had previously been vaccinated with hepatitis B, and these individuals had a 52% reduction in the risk for subsequent diabetes compared with individuals not vaccinated, even after adjustment for all potential confounders.

Horng-Yih Ou, MD, from City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, reported the findings during a guided poster session at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2014 Scientific Sessions yesterday.

"The study showed people vaccinated with hepatitis B have a much lower risk for diabetes," senior author Ken C. Chiu, MD, from the department of diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolism at the Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, told Medscape Medical News in an interview.

"If we can vaccinate patients effectively, there's a good chance for us to reduce the chance of diabetes by at least 50%," he added.

Dr. Chiu acknowledged that this is a controversial theory but said it's easily tested and that an intervention trial is now needed to further investigate this; his group is trying to get one off the ground.

"It would be so simple to do, we are thinking about it, and we are looking for a place that extensively vaccinates people against hepatitis B," he explained. The experiment would involve immunizing half of the participants for hepatitis B and not the remainder and following the individuals long term to compare diabetes rates, he noted.

Diabetes Differed Significantly Between Vaccinated and Nonvaccinated

Dr. Chiu explained that infection has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes, and he notes than an association between the condition and hepatitis C is well recognized. Insulin resistance associated with hepatitis C infection has been inferred to play a role in the process. And the presence of the hepatitis C virus in pancreatic beta-cells has been linked with morphological cell changes and beta-cell dysfunction, he added.

"But no association with hepatitis B has been reported to date," Dr. Ou told delegates.

The group therefore decided to look for any similar association between hepatitis B and diabetes. They examined adult subjects from NHANES who had information available on both fasting blood glucose and hepatitis B status. Those with established diabetes were excluded.

Dr. Chiu noted that because they used fasting blood glucose only to determine diabetes status, they could not differentiate between types 1 and 2 diabetes, but due to the fact they were studying an adult population, the diabetes identified was likely predominantly type 2.

And to rule out people with hepatitis B, they specifically looked at those who were positive for hepatitis B surface antibody but negative for hepatitis B core antibody, "which means they are vaccinated, not infected," he explained.

Of 7142 subjects with no history of diabetes, 1412 were noted to be successfully vaccinated against hepatitis by the above assessment.

Diabetes was defined as fasting plasma glucose higher than 126 mg/dL, and the distribution of the disease "differed significantly between the subjects with and without vaccination," Dr. Ou said during in his poster presentation.

Diabetes occurred in 16 subjects (1.13%) with hepatitis B vaccination and 325 individuals (5.67%) without immunization.

This equated to a massive 81% reduction in diabetes risk, but Dr. Ou noted that those who received the hepatitis B vaccination were more likely to be female, younger, leaner by body mass index (BMI), with lower fasting plasma glucose, and were less likely to drink alcohol than those who were not immunized.

But even after multivariate adjustment for all potential variables, including age, gender, BMI, smoking status, physical activity, and race, the protective effect of hepatitis B vaccination was still large, with an odds ratio of 0.48 (95% confidence interval 0.28–0.82).

"To our knowledge this is the first report that hepatitis B vaccination could reduce the risk of diabetes in multiple racial/ethnic groups," Dr. Ou told attendees, adding that "a prevention trial is warranted."

The authors have reported no relevant financial relationships.

American Diabetes Association 2014 Scientific Sessions; June 14, 2014. Abstract 1488-P

Source

April 11, 2014

Fatty Liver Disease Tied to Diabetes, Atherosclerosis

Medscape Medical News > Conference News

Miriam E. Tucker
April 11, 2014

LONDON, United Kingdom — Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is an independent predictor of cardiometabolic risk, according to 2 new studies.

Taken together, these findings "contribute to a large body of evidence showing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease may pose a cardiovascular risk above and beyond that conferred by traditional risk factors," said Frank Lammert, MD, PhD, professor of internal medicine at the Saarlande University Medical Center in Homburg, Germany.

"I think the key message for clinical practice is that these diseases are closely correlated, and clinical practitioners should be aware of this," he told Medscape Medical News.

Dr. Lammert, who was not involved in either study, spoke during a press briefing here at European Association for the Study of the Liver International Liver Congress 2014, where results from the 2 studies were presented.

In the Japanese study, the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, and improvement in the disease over a 10-year follow-up period appeared to reduce the risk.

In the French study, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was found to be a predictor of carotid atherosclerosis, independent of the classic cardiovascular risk factors. In patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT), carotid plaques, and Framingham scores were greater.

Type 2 Diabetes

In the Japanese study, 3074 patients who did not have diabetes or hepatitis A or B and who did not consume excessive amounts of alcohol underwent 2 ultrasound health checks at least 10 years apart.

At baseline, 24% of the cohort was found to have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, said Hajime Yamazaki, MD, from the Center for Gastroenterology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, Sapporo, Japan, who presented the results.

At a mean follow-up of 11.3 years, 16.1% of the 728 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease at baseline had developed type 2 diabetes, compared with just 3.1% of the 2346 who did not. The crude odds ratio for the association was 6.05 (P < .001).

After multivariate analysis adjusted for a variety of confounders, including age, sex, body mass index, family history of diabetes, and dyslipidemia, the odds ratio remained significant, at 2.82 (P < .001).

Follow-up ultrasound showed improvement in 110 of the patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease at baseline; in the other 618, there was no improvement.

The reason for the improvement could not be determined from these data, but in most cases, it was likely the result of lifestyle changes, Dr. Yamazaki explained.

The incidence of type 2 diabetes lower in those whose condition improved than in those whose condition did not (6.4% vs 17.8%). The crude odds ratio for improvement in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes was 0.31 (P = .004); on multivariate analysis, it was 0.30 (P = .003).

"The clinical message is that it is important to reduce fatty liver to prevent diabetes," he told Medscape Medical News.

This study is the largest and longest to show an association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes, and the first-ever to show a reduction in type 2 diabetes with improvement in fatty liver disease, he said.

This study was possible because ultrasound health checks are part of clinical practice in East Asian countries. It is unlikely that this type of study could be conducted elsewhere, but results would probably be similar in other populations, he explained.

Although cause and effect couldn't be assessed in this study, "for many of the patients — maybe for the majority — there is a causal link between liver disease and diabetes because the liver plays a central role in glucose homeostasis," Dr. Lammert pointed out.

Cardiovascular Disease

Results from the 2-part cross-sectional and longitudinal French study were presented by Raluca Pais, MD, PhD, from Université Pierre et Marie Curie and Hôpital de La Pitié-Salpêtrière in Paris.

The cross-sectional part involved 5671 patients 20 to 75 years of age who had 2 or more cardiovascular risk factors. All had undergone at least 1 carotid ultrasound to measure C-IMT and carotid plaques.

C-IMT was significantly higher in the 1871 subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease than in the 3800 without the disease (0.64 vs 0.61 mm; P < .001), as were the prevalence of carotid plaques (44% vs 37%; P < 0.001) and Framingham risk scores (15 vs 8; P < 0.001). All were independent of age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, and tobacco use, Dr. Pais reported.

At 8-year follow-up in a subset of 1872 patients who had at least 2 C-IMT measurements, those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease at baseline had a 34% increased risk for carotid plaques (P < .02).

These associations held true regardless of serum alanine aminotransferase levels, she said.

"Patients at risk for CVD should probably be screened for fatty liver, regardless of the transaminase levels, because nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk, beyond traditional risk factors like metabolic syndrome," she told Medscape Medical News. "We don't know if nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a marker or actively involved in the pathogenesis and progression of cardiovascular disease. It's at least a marker; for the rest, we don't yet have the answer."

Clinical Implications

During the briefing, Dr. Lammert advised that patients who enter a liver unit be assessed for cardiovascular risk and that those seen in cardiology settings be evaluated by a liver specialist.

"We should stratify the risk and define the subgroup of patients who would benefit from being treated by both a cardiologist and a hepatologist. It shouldn't happen by chance," he said.

He also advised that liver specialists focus on patients who present with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease without traditional cardiovascular risk factors, noting that at least 1 such genetic subgroup has been identified. "We need to define this better," said Dr. Lammert.

Dr. Yamazaki, Dr. Pais, and Dr. Lammert have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) International Liver Congress 2014: Abstracts 23 and 26. Presented April 10, 2014.

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February 26, 2014

Hepatitis C virus infection and insulin resistance

World J Diabetes. 2014 February 15; 5(1): 52-58.

Published online 2014 February 15. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v5.i1.52.

Copyright ©2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.

Sandip K Bose and Ranjit Ray.

Sandip K Bose, Ranjit Ray, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States

Ranjit Ray, Division of Infectious Diseases, Allergy and Immunology, Edward A Doisy Research Center, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States

Ranjit Ray, Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States

Author contributions: Bose SK performed literature search and wrote the initial draft of the paper; Ray R edited the paper and made additional changes as needed.

Supported by The National Institutes of Health, NO. DK080812

Correspondence to: Ranjit Ray, PhD, Division of Infectious Diseases, Allergy and Immunology, Edward A Doisy Research Center, 1100 S. Grand Blvd., 8th Floor, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States. rayr@slu.edu

Telephone: +1-314- 9779034 Fax: +1-314-7713816

Received November 9, 2013; Revised December 20, 2013; Accepted January 13, 2014;

Abstract

Approximately 170 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Chronic HCV infection is the leading cause for the development of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is the primary cause for liver transplantation in the western world. Insulin resistance is one of the pathological features in patients with HCV infection and often leads to development of type II diabetes. Insulin resistance plays an important role in the development of various complications associated with HCV infection. Recent evidence indicates that HCV associated insulin resistance may result in hepatic fibrosis, steatosis, HCC and resistance to anti-viral treatment. Thus, HCV associated insulin resistance is a therapeutic target at any stage of HCV infection. HCV modulates normal cellular gene expression and interferes with the insulin signaling pathway. Various mechanisms have been proposed in regard to HCV mediated insulin resistance, involving up regulation of inflammatory cytokines, like tumor necrosis factor-α, phosphorylation of insulin-receptor substrate-1, Akt, up-regulation of gluconeogenic genes like glucose 6 phosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 2, and accumulation of lipid droplets. In this review, we summarize the available information on how HCV infection interferes with insulin signaling pathways resulting in insulin resistance.

Keywords: Hepatitis C virus, Insulin resistance, Insulin receptor substrate 1, Protein kinase B, mammalian target of rapamycin/S6K1, Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3, Glucose transporter-4, Lipid metabolism, Anti-viral therapy

Core tip: Insulin resistance is one of the pathological features in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and often leads to development of type II diabetes. Recent evidence indicates that HCV associated insulin resistance may result in hepatic fibrosis, steatosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and resistance to anti-viral treatment. In this review, we summarize the available information on how HCV infection interferes with insulin signaling pathways.

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) contains a positive sense single stranded RNA genome and belongs to the family Flaviviridae and genus Hepacivirus[1]. HCV genome, 9.6 kb in length, is composed of a 5’ non-translated region (NTR), a long open reading frame (ORF) encoding a polyprotein and a 3’ NTR. The ORF encodes a polyprotein of about 3000 amino acids that is translated via an internal ribosome entry site at the 5’ NTR. The polyprotein is then cleaved by both cellular and viral proteases into at least 10 different proteins[1]. These include three structural proteins namely, core and two envelope glycoproteins (E1 and E2). In addition, a protein called F or ARFP can be produced from a frame-shift of the core protein[2]. An ion channel protein p7 is formed by cleavage of E2[3]. Non structural proteins of HCV include NS2, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NS5A, and NS5B.

The primary host cell for HCV is hepatocytes but replication may also occur in other cell types, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells, as well as in B and T cell lines[4,5]. HCV is a major cause of acute and chronic liver disease worldwide. More than 170 million people are currently infected with HCV[6]. Currently HCV vaccine is not available. Acute infection is usually asymptomatic, making early diagnosis difficult. Approximately 70% of acutely infected individuals fail to clear the virus and become chronically infected[7]. Chronic HCV infection is the leading cause for the development of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and is the primary cause for liver transplantation in the western world. The sustained antiviral response rate in treatment of chronic HCV infection with interferon (IFN)-α with ribavirin is limited (about 30%-40%)[8,9]. Boceprevir and telaprevir protease inhibitors, have been shown to exhibit significantly higher rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) against HCV genotype 1 (about 65%-75%) as compared with peginterferon-ribavirin alone[10,11]. However, use of these antiviral agents display higher incidence of adverse events, such as rash, gastrointestinal disorders, and anemia.

Insulin resistance plays an important role in the development of various complications associated with HCV infection. Recent evidence indicates that HCV associated insulin resistance may result in hepatic fibrosis, steatosis, HCC and resistance to anti-viral treatment[12]. Thus, HCV associated insulin resistance is a therapeutic target at any stage of HCV infection. HCV modulates normal cellular gene expression and interferes with the insulin signaling pathway. The aim of this review is to summarize the currently available information on how chronic HCV infection interferes with insulin signaling pathways resulting in insulin resistance.

GLUCOSE UPTAKE AND INSULIN RESISTANCE

Glucose is a key metabolite essential for the production of energy (mostly ATP) which is required by cells. There are several mechanisms underlying increased glucose production. These include production of free glucose by increased glycogenolysis in the liver, increased gluconeogenesis, activation of forkhead box transcription factor (FoxO1) and improper insulin-glucagon hormonal balance, which stimulates increased glucose production[13]. Several factors contribute to elevated gluconeogenesis in diabetes, namely (1) increased supply of glucogenic precursors to the liver (glycerol, amino acids, free fatty acids), (2) increased lipid content, (3) increased cytokines and adipokines, and (4) decreased insulin receptor (IR) signaling in hepatocytes[13]. Glucose uptake into cells is regulated by the action of specific hormones, namely insulin and glucagon. Insulin is a peptide hormone secreted by the β-cells of the pancreatic islets of langerhans and maintains normal blood glucose levels by facilitating cellular glucose uptake, regulating carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism and promoting cell division and growth through its mitogenic effects[14]. The ability of insulin to stimulate glucose uptake into tissues is central to the maintenance of whole-body glucose homeostasis[15]. Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM), occurs when the production of insulin is not sufficient to overcome a difficulty the body has in properly using insulin. This difficulty is called insulin resistance, resulting in increased glucose levels. Both forms of diabetes can pose an increased risk of major lifelong complications. In the case of insulin resistance, this includes a fivefold increased risk of coronary vascular disease, diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy[16-19]. Fatty liver is relatively common in overweight and obese persons with T2DM and is an aspect of body composition related to severity of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and inflammatory markers[20].

Glucose transporter-4 (GLUT-4) was shown to be the major isoform responsible for enhanced glucose uptake into muscle and adipose tissues following the secretion of insulin into the bloodstream[21,22]. The process of glucose uptake by cells requires a series of events to take place in a timely manner. It involves the binding of insulin to the IR resulting in subsequent phosphorylation and activation of IR substrate 1 and 2 (IRS-1/IRS-2), central molecules of the insulin signaling cascade[23,24]. This in turn activates protein kinase B (AKT) by phosphorylation of Ser473 and Thr308 residues. Activated AKT causes the translocation of GLUT-4 from intracellular compartments to the cell surface where it is required for glucose uptake[25]. Any change in the signaling is likely to induce insulin resistance which is associated with a number of pathophysiological changes including glucose intolerance, obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Insulin resistance is a physiological condition in which cells fail to respond to the normal actions of the hormone insulin. The body produces insulin, but the cells in the body become resistant to insulin and are unable to use it as effectively, resulting in an attenuated biological response, leading to hyperglycemia[26]. Accumulation of ectopic lipid metabolites, activation of the unfolded protein response pathway, and innate immune pathways have all been implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance[27]. During the course of insulin resistance several inflammatory cytokines and lipid metabolites, like free fatty acids, interrupt with the normal insulin signaling and promote T2DM.

CHRONIC HCV INFECTION AND INSULIN RESISTANCE

Epidemiological studies suggest that patients with chronic HCV infection have a significantly increased prevalence of T2DM as compared to hepatitis B virus infected patients[28-30]. Both insulin resistance and diabetes can adversely affect the course of chronic hepatitis C (CHC), leading to enhanced steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis[30-32]. Insulin resistance, associated with type 2 diabetes, can promote fatty liver, and excessive hepatic accumulation of fat may promote insulin resistance and therefore contribute to the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome[33]. Insulin resistance is a critical component of type 2 diabetes mellitus pathogenesis. Several mechanisms are likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of HCV-related insulin resistance[34]. Several cellular lesions have been associated with insulin resistance, but the precise mechanism by which HCV induces insulin resistance remains elusive with numerous viewpoints and opinions[30].

Impairment of IRS-1 and IRS-2 expression has been observed in the liver of patients with chronic HCV infection, as well as in HCV core transgenic mice, and from in vitro cell culture system[35-38]. HCV mediates dysfunction of the insulin signaling pathways via several distinct mechanisms, such as upregulating the expression of suppressors of cytokine signaling 3 expression[35], down regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors gamma (PPARγ)[36], activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/S6K1 pathway[38], and increased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) secretion[39].

MODULATION OF IR SUBSTRATE BY HCV

HCV modulates insulin signaling and IRS-1 via multiple mechanisms which have been presented in Figure 1. Ser/Thr phosphorylation of IRS-1 inhibits its association with the IR, which in turn inhibits tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1, required for its activation, and promotes degradation. Upregulation of serine phosphorylation of IRS-1 is a key negative feedback mechanism under physiological conditions to prevent the action of insulin. In an insulin-resistant state, an imbalance occurs between positive IRS-1 Tyr-phosphorylation and negative Ser-phosphorylation of IRS-1[40]. HCV core protein expression in hepatocytes upregulates Ser312 phosphorylation status of IRS-1 and modulates downstream Akt activity by inhibiting Thr308 phosphorylation[37]. Ser312 and Ser1101 phosphorylation of IRS-1 inhibits its association with the IR and stimulates degradation. HCV core protein induces insulin resistance by increasing Ser312 and Ser 1101 phosphorylation, marking its for degradation via the activated mTOR/S6K1 pathway[38], and subsequently blocking Tyr- phosphorylation of IRS-1 and Thr308 phosphorylation of Akt for the inhibition of glucose uptake. Activation of mTOR signaling also plays a key role in modulating IRS-1 activity. HCV genotype 2a infection significantly downregulates the expression of TSC1/TSC2, which in turn results in activation of downstream mTOR and S6K1[38]. Phosphorylation of IRS-1 at Ser1101 via the mTOR-S6K1 pathway may release IRS-1 from intracellular complexes, thereby enabling its degradation[41]. HCV significantly increases Ser1101 phosphorylation of IRS-1, which enables its degradation[38].

WJD-5-52-g001

Figure 1 Schematic showing the interference of Hepatitis C virus in the insulin signaling pathway. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein is known to up regulate Ser312 phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 leading to degradation of IRS-1, the key molecule involved in propagation of insulin signal downstream from the insulin receptor (IR). HCV infection is also known to down regulate TSC1/TSC2 complex, resulting in subsequent upregulation of mTOR/S6K1 which leads to Ser1101 phosphorylation of IRS-1 and its subsequent degradation. A role of HCV mediated upregulation of SOCS3 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) has also been proposed which leads to degradation and blocking of IRS-1 function. HCV also upregulates glucose 6 phosphatase (G6P), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 2 (PCK2) leading to increased glucose production, and down regulates glucose transporter (GLUT)-4, GLUT-2, leading to decreased glucose uptake by hepatocytes. Overall, these alterations lead to insulin resistance. mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin.

A decrease in expression of IRS-1 and IRS-2, in patients with HCV infection has also been reported[35]. Down-regulation of IRS-1 and IRS-2 was also seen in HCV core-transgenic mice livers and HCV core-transfected human hepatoma cells[35]. HCV core up-regulated suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) and caused ubiquitination of IRS-1 and IRS-2. HCV core-induced down-regulation of IRS-1 and IRS-2 was not seen in SOCS3(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblast cells, indicating the important role played by SOCS3 in mediating down regulation of IRS-1[35]. There have been reports that HCV genotypes might play an important role in deciding the pathway by which it impairs insulin signaling. It has been shown that the core protein of HCV genotype 3a promoted IRS-1 degradation through the downregulation of PPARγ and by upregulating the SOCS7, the core protein of genotype 1b activated the mTOR[36].

TNF-α, released in an excess may promote phosphorylation of serine residues of IRS-1 eventually leading to the downregulation of downstream insulin signaling molecule Akt. HCV core protein increases the expression level of TNF-α and promotes insulin resistance[42].

IMPAIRED LIPID AND GLUCOSE METABOLISM BY HCV

Insulin resistance is strongly influenced by abnormalities in lipid metabolism. Any dysfunction of the lipid metabolism triggers lipotoxicity through the production of free fatty acids thereby promoting insulin resistance[43]. HCV core protein down-regulates microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, an enzyme that mediates lipid translocation to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and decreases the assembly of very low density lipoproteins[44]. It has been observed that HCV promotes fatty acid synthesis by the upregulation of lipogenic gene sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c which promotes the transcriptional activation of other lipogenic genes like acetyl CoA carboxylase, ATP citrate lyase, hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase[45].

HCV infection promotes the expression of gluconeogenic genes namely, glucose 6 phosphatase (G6P) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 2 (PCK2) resulting in increased glucose production and enhanced insulin resistance[46,38]. HCV also down regulates the expression of GLUT4, which is necessary for uptake of glucose. This results in a decreased glucose uptake and increased plasma glucose, leading to development of insulin resistance[38].

A schematic showing how HCV interferes with insulin signaling pathway, leading to insulin resistance is presented in (Figure 1). HCV modulates functioning of IRS-1 via multiple mechanisms, including up regulation of Ser312 or Ser1101 phosphorylation which leads to degradation of IRS-1. HCV also upregulates SOCS3 and down regulates TSC1/TSC2 leading to blocking of insulin signaling. HCV infection leads to increased gluconeogenesis via up regulation of G6P and PCK2. GLUT-4, and GLUT-2 expression is also down regulated by HCV leading to decreased glucose uptake. Overall, all these alterations by HCV leads to development of insulin resistance.

INSULIN RESISTANCE AND LIVER DISEASE PROGRESSION

The metabolic syndrome is a constellation of problems that includes insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia[47]. Increasingly, components of the metabolic syndrome are being linked to various forms of cancer, including the risk of developing HCC. IR is induced by HCV-4 irrespective of severity of liver disease. IR starts early in infection and facilitates progression of hepatic fibrosis and HCC development[47]. HCC patients showed higher IR frequency, and moderate to high viral load associated with high HOMA-IR in CHC and HCC[47]. Insulin resistance associates with a higher risk of HCC in cirrhotic HIV/HCV-co-infected patients also[48]. There are many causes of HCC, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH) is emerging as a leading risk factor owing to the epidemic of obesity and T2DM. The mechanisms leading to HCC in obesity and T2DM likely involve interactions between several signaling pathways, many of which are modulated by HCV infection, and also include oxidative stress, inflammation, oncogenes, adiponectins, and insulin resistance associated with visceral adiposity and diabetes[49].

Insulin resistance and subsequent hyperinsulinemia are highly associated with fatty liver disease and is an important risk factor for the progression of fibrosis in CHC[50,51]. From metabolic aspect, HCV infection resembles NASH in numerous features, such as the presence of steatosis, serum dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress in the liver[52]. On the other hand, there are noticeable differences between hepatitis C and NASH, in the fact that HCV modulates cellular gene expression and intracellular signal transduction pathways, while such details have not been noted for NASH. HCV core protein expression leads to the development of progressive hepatic steatosis and HCC in transgenic mice[53]. Hepatic steatosis is known to occur at a high rate (40%-86%) in chronic HCV patients, and a close relationship between steatosis and intrahepatic core protein expression has been noted[54]. Insulin resistance is a prominent mechanism linking steatosis and fibrogenesis although this link is complex and not properly understood.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS OF HCV-MEDIATED INSULIN RESISTANCE

Several epidemiological, clinical and experimental data show that HCV plays a direct role in perturbing glucose metabolism, leading to both insulin resistance and diabetes[28-30]. Curing HCV results in the amelioration of insulin resistance and decreased incidence of diabetes after the end of therapy[55,56]. In the only trial that used the antidiabetic metformin[57], only a marginal, nonsignificant increase of the SVR rate was observed, despite an increased virological response after 4 wk of triple therapy. The data reported in a study using different schedules containing the antiglycaemic PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone[58] are discouraging. Overall, the administration of insulin sensitizers together with the standard of care has not only failed to improve the virological response to therapy, but has also fallen short of providing much useful insight into the mechanisms linking reduced response to insulin resistance[59]. Early sulfonylureas although useful in lowering blood glucose level, were associated with significant off-target effects, and the biguanide phenformin was discontinued due to adverse events[60]. Although metformin is in the same drug class, it has a better safety profile and is now recommended as first-line treatment of diabetes during HCV infection.

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES AND FUTURE GOALS

Treatment for HCV induced insulin resistance is highly linked with anti-viral treatment. Treatment of chronic HCV infection has 2 goals. The first is to achieve SVR (i.e., sustained eradication of HCV, which is defined as the persistent absence of HCV RNA in serum 6 mo or more after completing antiviral treatment). The second goal is to prevent progression to cirrhosis, HCC, and decompensated liver disease requiring liver transplantation. The treatment of HCV has evolved over the years. Current treatment options include combination therapy consisting of ribavirin and pegylated IFN. Protease inhibitors are emerging as a third feature of combination therapy. The sustained antiviral response rate in treatment of chronic HCV infection with IFN-α and ribavirin is limited (about 30%-40%)[8,9]. Boceprevir and telaprevir protease inhibitors have been shown to exhibit significantly higher rates of SVR against HCV genotype 1 (65%-75%) as compared with peginterferon-ribavirin alone[10,11]. More recently, sofosbuvir has also been used for treatment along with ribavirin, with significant increased SVR[61]. However, use of these antiviral agents display higher incidence of adverse events, such as rash, gastrointestinal disorders, and anemia. Thus, development of therapies with less side effects is desirable.

The prevalence of HCV antibodies in the type 2 diabetic population ranges between 1.78% and 12.1%[62]. Several cross-sectional studies have found a higher prevalence of HCV antibodies in type 2 diabetic patients than expected in the general population[62,63]. Early phase and total insulin secretion are determined using oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT), Insulin sensitivity was measured directly by steady-state plasma glucose concentration during insulin suppression test. Fasting plasma glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL or 2-h plasma glucose > 200 mg/dL during OGTT are generally used as criteria for diagnosis of diabetes[64]. Well controlled DM was defined when the HbA1c level was < 7%. Agents used in diabetic therapy include the following: sulfonylureas, biguanides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, Meglitinide derivativesetc[60]. Although effective in reducing blood glucose levels, early sulfonylureas were associated with significant off-target effects, and the biguanide phenformin was discontinued due to adverse events[60]. Although metformin is in the same drug class, it has a better safety profile and is now recommended as first-line treatment. However, many patients require additional glucose control treatment with an agent that has a complementary mechanism of action like metformin. Some common drugs used for treatment of T2DM available in the market include metformin oral, actos oral, Byetta subQ, Januvia oral, etc.

Another possible way of reversing insulin resistance would be via targeting the signaling components in the insulin signaling pathway modulated by HCV. For instance, we have shown that HCV up regulates phospho-S6K1, which stimulates degradation of IRS-1[38]. Thus, targeting phospho-S6K1 would be a target against HCV induced insulin resistance. These studies have not been done yet, so at this time it will be difficult to comment on the predictive outcome on reversal of insulin resistance. Use of specific inhibitors of SOCS-3, which may become useful to correct resistance to both insulin and IFN-α, are not available for clinical use. Alternatively, one may envision inhibiting TNF-α by administering infliximab or similar agents. IR also results from uncontrolled diet and life style. Regulation of weight, diet, and life style management will also be key in managing IR.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank and Lin Cowick for preparation of the manuscript.

Footnotes

P- Reviewers: Efanov AM, Teeter JG, Traub M, Vestergaard ET S- Editor: Zhai HH L- Editor: A E- Editor: Liu SQ

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Source

February 6, 2014

The Relationship of Hepatitis C Virus Infection with Diabetes in the United States Population

Hepatology

Accepted Article (Accepted, unedited articles published online and citable. The final edited and typeset version of record will appear in future.)

Original

Constance E. Ruhl M.D., Ph.D.1,*, Andy Menke Ph.D.1, Catherine C. Cowie Ph.D.2,  James E. Everhart M.D., M.P.H.2

DOI: 10.1002/hep.27047

Copyright © 2014 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases

Publication History
Accepted manuscript online: 5 FEB 2014 10:25AM EST
Manuscript Accepted: 31 JAN 2014
Manuscript Revised: 5 DEC 2013
Manuscript Received: 20 SEP 2013

Keywords: insulin resistance; alanine aminotransferase;  gamma glutamyltransferase;  National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey;  epidemiology

ABSTRACT

An association of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with diabetes has been reported in many studies, but few have been population-based and applied standard criteria for diabetes diagnosis. We examined this relationship using recent population-based data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. 15,128 adult participants in the 1999-2010 surveys had data on diabetes status and serum HCV antibody (anti-HCV) or HCV RNA. Using American Diabetes Association criteria, diabetes was defined as a health care provider diagnosis, serum hemoglobin A1C (A1C) ≥6.5%, or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥126 mg/dL; pre-diabetes as A1C 5.7%-<6.5% or FPG 100-<126 mg/dL; and normal glucose as A1C <5.7% and FPG <100 mg/dL. Odds ratios (OR) for diabetes and pre-diabetes, comparing persons with HCV infection to those without, were adjusted for demographics, BMI, C-reactive protein, smoking, drinking, and blood transfusion before 1992. Among participants without diabetes, we compared mean insulin resistance, estimated using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), by HCV status. The overall prevalence of anti-HCV+ was 1.7%, of HCV RNA+, 1.1%, of diabetes, 10.5%, and of pre-diabetes, 32.8%. The prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes did not differ by HCV status. In multivariate-adjusted analysis, diabetes remained unassociated with anti-HCV (OR=1.0, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.6-1.7) or with HCV RNA (OR=1.1, 95% CI, 0.6-1.9). In contrast, elevated alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyltransferase activities were associated with diabetes regardless of HCV status. HOMA-IR was not associated with HCV markers in unadjusted or multivariate-adjusted analyses (p>0.05). Conclusion. In the U.S. population, HCV was not associated with diabetes, or with insulin resistance among persons with normal glucose. Previously reported relationships of HCV with diabetes were possibly attributable to the effect of elevated liver enzymes. (Hepatology 2014;)

Source

February 4, 2014

Liver disease and diabetes: Association, pathophysiology, and management

Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2014 Jan 14. pii: S0168-8227(14)00005-9. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2014.01.003. [Epub ahead of print]

Ahmadieh H1, Azar ST2.

Abstract

Diabetes is associated with a spectrum of liver diseases including nonalcoholic liver disease, steatohepatitis, and liver cirrhosis with their increased complications and mortality. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and its associated liver cirrhosis has been associated with diabetes through insulin resistance. Cryptogenic diabetes occurs as a consequence of liver cirrhosis with the pathophysiology being complex, but mostly attributed to the increased insulin resistance in muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. As for the management of diabetes in patients with liver disease, lifestyle modification plays an important role. Oral diabetic medications are contraindicated in patients with advanced liver diseases with associated cirrhosis, ascites, or encephalopathy. As for stable liver disease, metformin and thiazolenediones have shown mixed results, with some showing them to be effective in improving liver transaminases in addition to histological improvement in steatosis and inflammation. α-glucosidase inhibitors may be helpful in decreasing hepatic encephalopathy. Upregulation of Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) has been suggested as a possible pathogenetic mechanism for HCV-related insulin resistance, and treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors could improve insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients with liver disease. Patients with impaired liver function with associated insulin resistance may need increased insulin requirements. On the other hand patients with altered liver metabolism might need decreased insulin requirements.

Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

KEYWORDS: Diabetes mellitus, liver disease, liver transaminases, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

PMID: 24485856 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source

December 19, 2013

Breaking the cycle of obesity, inflammation and disease

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:19-Dec-2013 Contact: Laura J. Williams
laurajw@umich.edu
734-615-4862
University of Michigan

Breaking the cycle of obesity, inflammation and disease

ANN ARBOR—Researchers at University of Michigan have illuminated an aspect of how the metabolic system breaks down in obesity. The findings provide additional evidence that a drug entering clinical trials at the university could reverse obesity, Type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease in humans.

In a paper scheduled for online publication in the journal eLife on Dec. 24, Alan Saltiel, the Mary Sue Coleman Director of the Life Sciences Institute, explains how, in obesity, fat cells stop responding to hormones known as catecholamines that trigger them to expend more energy. However, the fat cells of obese mice treated with a drug called amlexanox regained sensitivity to catecholamines, burned the excess energy and returned to normal size.

Next month, scientists at U-M will begin a placebo-controlled clinical trial of amlexanox to test its efficacy as a drug for treating obesity and diabetes in humans. Formulations of amlexanox are prescribed in different international markets to treat asthma and canker sores.

Obesity leads to a state of chronic, low-grade inflammation in liver and fat tissue. Scientists believe that inflammation links obesity and insulin resistance via a pathway called NFkB, which is involved in the regulation of a range of cellular processes and activated in obesity.

Activation of NFkB increases the levels of a pair of genes, IKKε and TBK1, which in turn reduce the ability of certain receptors in the fat cells of obese mice to respond to catecholamines like adrenaline, "fat-burning" hormones generated by the sympathetic nervous system in response to stress.

"We've suspected that in obesity, fat cells become less sensitive to catecholamines such as adrenaline, and that this reduced sensitivity in turn reduces energy expenditure, but the details of this haven't been fully understood," Saltiel said.

High levels of IKKε and TBK1 also resulted in lower levels of a second messenger molecule called cAMP, which increases energy expenditure by elevating fat burning.

Amlexanox interfered with the two enzymes and restored sensitivity to catecholamine, allowing the fat cells to burn energy.

In research published in February 2013, Saltiel found that amlexanox reversed obesity, diabetes and fatty liver in mice. The forthcoming eLife paper explains in part how amlexanox works.

"There is considerable evidence to suggest that in states of obesity, adipose tissue becomes less sensitive to catecholamines because IKKε and TBK1 act as a sort of brake on metabolism, and that this reduced sensitivity in turn reduces energy expenditure," Saltiel said. "By releasing the brake, amlexanox seems to free the metabolic system of mice to burn more and possibly store less energy in response to catecholamines."

###

Saltiel is the Mary Sue Coleman Director of the Life Sciences Institute, where his laboratory is located and all his research is conducted. He is also the John Jacob Abel Collegiate Professor in the Life Sciences and a professor of internal medicine and molecular and integrative physiology at the Medical School.

Other authors of the paper are Jonathan Mowers, Maeran Uhm, Shannon Reilly, Joshua Simon, Dara Leto, Shian-Huey Chiang and Louise Chang, all from U-M. Support for the research was provided by the Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center.

Alan Saltiel Lab: http://www.lsi.umich.edu/facultyresearch/labs/saltiel

U-M Life Sciences Institute: http://www.lsi.umich.edu

Source

December 15, 2013

Does telaprevir possess a direct antidiabetic effect?

Liver International

Accepted Article (Accepted, unedited articles published online and citable. The final edited and typeset version of record will appear in future.)

Case Reports

Paulino Tallón de Lara1, Thomas Himschoot1, Jean-Louis Frossard1,  Francesco Negro1,2,*

DOI: 10.1111/liv.12440

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Publication History
Accepted manuscript online: 14 DEC 2013 03:48AM EST
Manuscript Accepted: 7 DEC 2013
Manuscript Revised: 30 OCT 2013
Manuscript Received: 15 AUG 2013

This article has been accepted for publication and undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as doi: 10.1111/liv.12440

Keywords: hepatitis C; insulin resistance;  protease inhibitor;  type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) induces insulin resistance, which improves upon viral clearance. Telaprevir is a protease inhibitor effective against HCV genotype 1. We report a case whose history suggests that telaprevir may induce some antidiabetic effect independently of its suppression of HCV. A 56-year old woman with obesity, type 2 diabetes treated with sitagliptin and metformin, and HCV-related cirrhosis was given triple therapy with pegylated interferon-alpha, ribavirin and telaprevir. After two weeks of treatment, HCV RNA was no longer detectable but the patient described a pronounced drop in the capillary glucose levels and episodes of hypoglycemia that compelled her to stop all antidiabetic treatment. One month after stopping telaprevir, she had to resume her antidiabetic treatment, despite a persisting virological response. Despite reaching a sustained virological response, her diabetes progressed. Although the suppression of HCV replication may have played a role in reducing glucose intolerance, the fact that this patient resumed her prior antidiabetic treatment upon completing the telaprevir treatment, while still aviremic, suggests that telaprevir may have an additional antidiabetic effect. Further evidence about the possible role and mechanisms of telaprevir as antidiabetic agent is warranted.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Source

December 14, 2013

Treating HCV Aids Patients Who Also Have Diabetes

Published: Dec 14, 2013

This report is part of a 12-month Clinical Context series.

By Cole Petrochko, Staff Writer, MedPage Today

83405698

Patients with hepatitis C and diabetes had improved cardiovascular and renal outcomes when treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin, researchers found.

Compared with untreated and uninfected participants, patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and diabetes had significantly lower cumulative 8-year incidence of end-stage renal disease (1.1% for treated, infected patients versus 9.3% for untreated patients and 3.3% for uninfected patients, P<0.001) and stroke (3.1% versus 5.3% and 6.1%, respectively, P=0.01), according to Chun-Ying Wu, MD, PhD, of the Taichung Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan, and colleagues.

There was also a trend toward less acute coronary syndrome (4.1% versus 6.6% and 7.4%, respectively, P=0.05), they wrote online in the journal Hepatology. After adjustment, antiviral treatment remained significantly associated with improved outcomes for ischemic stroke and end-stage renal disease compared with those who were untreated.

The authors noted a "complex association" between diabetes, insulin resistance, and HCV infection. "On one hand, patients with HCV infection, as compared with the general population or those with another viral hepatitis, are more likely to develop insulin resistance and [diabetes]," they wrote.

"On the other hand, insulin resistance with or without overt manifestation of [diabetes] adversely impacts the clinical outcomes in HCV-infected patients, in terms of poor response to antiviral therapy, accelerated progression of liver fibrosis, and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma."

The mechanism by which HCV infection can lead to insulin resistance and diabetes is not known, but "appears to involve intracellular oxidative stress, dysregulation of cytokines, inhibition of insulin downstream signaling, and reduced expression of glucose transporters," they suggested.

Although treating HCV has been shown to lower insulin resistance and thus reduce the chance of developing diabetes, it is not clear how treating HCV infection in patients who already have diabetes will affect outcomes in this group.

To explore the issue further, the researchers studied 1,411 Taiwanese patients with diabetes and HCV infection who were treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. These participants were matched one-to-one with HCV-infected but untreated control patients and one-to-four with diabetic patients who were not infected with HCV.

Primary outcomes included end-stage renal disease, acute coronary syndrome, and ischemic stroke. Associations were adjusted for hypertension, dyslipidemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

Follow-up occurred over a mean 3.8, 3.7, and 3.8 years for the treated, untreated, and uninfected groups, respectively, with a maximum follow-up of 8 years.

Cumulative incidence of death at 8 years was highest among untreated patients (23.6%) versus the treated (13%) and uninfected (11.4%) participants.

Treatment was associated with a hazard ratio of 0.16 (95% CI 0.07-0.33) for end-stage renal disease, and of 0.53 (95% CI 0.30-0.93) for ischemic stroke. Treatment was not significantly associated with outcomes for acute coronary syndrome.

Risks for any of the three outcomes were lowest among treated patients in a multivariate-adjusted Cox proportional hazard model.

The investigators concluded that the anti-HCV therapy's effect on diabetes may be associated with its effects "in ameliorating insulin resistance and restoring glucose homeostasis, which has been convincingly demonstrated in previous studies," and that "antiviral therapy may also improve renal and cardiovascular outcomes through other mechanisms."

They noted that their outcomes could not be extrapolated to patients with significant comorbidity, that the data collected on HCV did not include viral genotype or viral load, there were no data on adherence to medication, and there was no measure of diabetic history and other physiological confounders. Their data also may not be generalizable to a non-Taiwanese population.

The study was supported by Taiwan's National Health Research Insitute and Taiwan's National Science Council.

One co-author received support from Merck Sharp and Dohme, and Roche.

Primary source: Hepatology
Source reference: Wu CY, et al "Antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus infection is associated with improved renal and cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic patients" Hepatology2013; DOI: 10.1002/hep.26892.

Source

Also See: Antivirals for HCV improve kidney and cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients

December 11, 2013

Antivirals for HCV improve kidney and cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 11-Dec-2013

Contact: Dawn Peters
sciencenewsroom@wiley.com
781-388-8408
Wiley

Researchers from Taiwan reveal that antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) improves kidney and cardiovascular outcomes for patients with diabetes. Results of the study published in Hepatology, a journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, show that incidences of kidney disease, stroke, and heart attack were lower in patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin compared to HCV patients not treated with antivirals or diabetic patients not infected with the virus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that diabetes affects 347 million individuals worldwide and another 170 million people are living with chronic HCV. Previous research suggests a link between diabetes and chronic HCV, with HCV infected individuals having a greater chance of developing insulin resistance and diabetes. Moreover, HCV patients with insulin resistance, with or without diabetes, have a poor response to antiviral treatment, increased progression of liver fibrosis and greater risk of developing liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).

"There is growing evidence of an association between diabetes and HCV," explains lead author, Chun-Ying Wu, MD, PhD, MPH from Taichung Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan. "Our study investigates if antiviral therapy used to treat HCV infection also improves diabetes outcomes."

For this population-based study researchers used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, which has collected healthcare details for all residents of the country since 1997. The team indentified 1, 411 patients with diabetes and HCV who were enrolled in the study, and received pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. There were also 1,411 individuals in the untreated group and 5,644 patients with diabetes and without HCV in the uninfected cohort. Follow-up for all participants was from 2003 to 2011.

Findings indicate that the 8-year cumulative incidences of end-stage renal disease in the treated, untreated and uninfected groups were 1.1%, 9.3%, and 3.3%, respectively. Further analysis found stroke incidence was 3.1% for treated patients, 5.3% for untreated and 6.1 for uninfected subjects. Acute coronary syndrome—an umbrella term the American Heart Association uses to define diseases, such as heart attack or angina, where blood to the heart is blocked—occurred in 4.1%, 6.6% and 7.4% of treated, untreated and uninfected patients.

"Our findings suggest that HCV may cause clinical complications related to diabetes. But these issues are mitigated by HCV antiviral therapy, specifically pegylated interferon plus ribavirin, which was found to reduce risks of kidney disease, stroke and cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients," concludes Dr. Wu. The authors recommend further examination of the underlying relationship between HCV and diabetes.

###

This study was funded in part by grants from Taiwan's National Health Research Institutes (PH-100-PP-54, PH-101-PP-23) and Taiwan's National Science Council (NSC 101-2314-B-650 -003).

This study is published in Hepatology. Media wishing to receive a PDF of the article may contact sciencenewsroom@wiley.com.

Full citation: "Antiviral Treatment for Hepatitis C Virus Infection is Associated with Improved Renal and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Diabetic Patients." Yao-Chun Hsu, Jaw-Town Lin, Hsiu J. Ho, Yu-Hsi Kao, Yen-Tsung Huang, Nai-Wan Hsiao, Ming-Shiang Wu, Yi-Ya Liu and Chun-Ying Wu. Hepatology; (DOI: 10.1002/hep.26892).

URL: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/hep.26892

Author Contact: Media wishing to speak with Dr. Wu may contact dr.wu.taiwan@gmail.com or at +866-921388866. Dr. Yao-Chun Hsu, the first author of this article, may be reached at +886-988687726.

About the Journal

Hepatology is the premier publication in the field of liver disease, publishing original, peer-reviewed articles concerning all aspects of liver structure, function and disease. Each month, the distinguished Editorial Board monitors and selects only the best articles on subjects such as immunology, chronic hepatitis, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, genetic and metabolic liver diseases and their complications, liver cancer, and drug metabolism. Hepatology is published on is published by Wiley on behalf of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). For more information, please visit http://wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/hep.

About Wiley

Wiley is a global provider of content-enabled solutions that improve outcomes in research, education, and professional practice. Our core businesses produce scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, reference works, books, database services, and advertising; professional books, subscription products, certification and training services and online applications; and education content and services including integrated online teaching and learning resources for undergraduate and graduate students and lifelong learners.

Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE: JWa, JWb), has been a valued source of information and understanding for more than 200 years, helping people around the world meet their needs and fulfill their aspirations. Wiley and its acquired companies have published the works of more than 450 Nobel laureates in all categories: Literature, Economics, Physiology or Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, and Peace. Wiley's global headquarters are located in Hoboken, New Jersey, with operations in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Canada, and Australia. The Company's website can be accessed at http://www.wiley.com.

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December 10, 2013

Diabetes Identified as Risk Factor for Liver Cancer Across Ethnic Groups

Dec. 9, 2013 — Diabetes was associated with an increased risk for developing a type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma, and this association was highest for Latinos, followed by Hawaiians, African-Americans, and Japanese-Americans, according to results presented here at the Sixth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved, held Dec. 6-9.

"People with diabetes have a two- to threefold higher risk for hepatocellular carcinoma compared with those without diabetes," said V. Wendy Setiawan, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. "We also found that the interethnic differences in the prevalence of diabetes were consistent with the pattern of hepatocellular carcinoma incidence observed across ethnicities: Ethnic groups with a high prevalence of diabetes also have high hepatocellular carcinoma rates, and those with a lower prevalence of diabetes have lower hepatocellular carcinoma rates."

The number of new cases of hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States tripled in the past three decades, with Latinos and African-Americans experiencing the largest increase in incidence. Prior research has suggested that diabetes may be a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma, and its increasing incidence may be contributing to the rising rate of hepatocellular carcinoma.

"People with diabetes should be aware that their condition is associated with a higher risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma," Setiawan said. "Maintaining a healthy weight, managing their diabetes, preventing and treating hepatitis infection, and limiting alcohol and tobacco use should be in their priority to-do list."

In addition, Setiawan said that public health efforts encouraging obesity/diabetes prevention and effective diabetes management should be directed at high-risk populations.

Setiawan and colleagues examined if the association between diabetes and hepatocellular carcinoma differed by race/ethnic group. They analyzed data from more than 150,000 people enrolled in the Multiethnic Cohort Study between 1993 and 1996. During the study follow-up period of about 15 years, 506 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma were reported: 59 cases in non-Hispanic whites, 81 in African-Americans, 33 in Hawaiians, 158 in Japanese-Americans, and 175 in Latinos.

Compared with non-Hispanic whites, Latinos had 2.77 times the risk for being diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, the highest risk identified. Native Hawaiians had 2.48 times the risk; African-Americans, 2.16; and Japanese-Americans, 2.07.

The prevalence of diabetes was consistent with that of hepatocellular carcinoma. Sixteen percent of Hawaiians, 15 percent of Latinos and African-Americans, 10 percent of Japanese-Americans, and 6 percent of non-Hispanic whites had diabetes. Compared with those without diabetes, Latinos with diabetes had 3.3-fold higher risk for hepatocellular carcinoma; Hawaiians, 2.33-fold higher risk; Japanese-Americans, 2.02-fold higher risk; African-Americans, 2.02-fold higher risk; and non-Hispanic whites had 2.17-fold higher risk.

Hepatocellular carcinoma was attributed to diabetes in 26 percent of cases in Latinos, 20 percent of Hawaiians, 13 percent of African-Americans, 12 percent of Japanese-Americans, and 6 percent of non-Hispanic whites, the researchers estimated. According to Setiawan, eliminating diabetes could potentially reduce hepatocellular carcinoma incidence in all racial/ethnic groups, with the largest potential reduction possible in Latinos.

Story Source:

The above story is based on materials provided by American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

December 8, 2013

Type 2 Diabetes Might Raise Risk of Liver Cancer

By Barbara Bronson Gray
HealthDay Reporter

But odds for malignancy are low; study found stronger connection for some minorities

SUNDAY, Dec. 8, 2013 (HealthDay News) -- People with type 2 diabetes might be at somewhat higher risk of developing liver cancer, according to a large, long-term study.

The research suggests that those with type 2 diabetes have about two to three times greater risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) -- the most common type of liver cancer -- compared to those without diabetes.

Still, the risk of developing liver cancer remains low, experts said.

Race and ethnicity might also play a role in increasing the odds of liver cancer, the researchers said.

An estimated 26 percent of liver cancer cases in Latino study participants and 20 percent of cases in Hawaiians were attributed to diabetes. Among blacks and Japanese-Americans, the researchers estimated 13 percent and 12 percent of cases, respectively, were attributed to diabetes. Among whites, the rate was 6 percent.

"In general, if you're a [type 2] diabetic, you're at greater risk of liver cancer," said lead author V. Wendy Setiawan, an assistant professor at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California.

Yet the actual risk of liver cancer -- even for those with type 2 diabetes -- is still extraordinarily low, said Dr. David Bernstein, chief of hepatology at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y.

Although liver cancer is relatively rare, it has been on the rise worldwide and often is associated with viral hepatitis infections and liver diseases, such as cirrhosis.

New cases of HCC in the United States have tripled in the past 30 years, with Latinos and blacks experiencing the largest increase, Setiawan said. During that time, type 2 diabetes also has become increasingly common.

What might the connection be?

It's possible that the increased risk of liver cancer could be associated with the medications people with diabetes take to control their blood sugar, said Dr. James D'Olimpio, an oncologist at Monter Cancer Center in Lake Success, N.Y. "Some medications are known to inhibit normal suppression of cancer," he said.

"Some of the drugs already have [U.S. Food and Drug Administration-ordered] black box warnings for bladder cancer," D'Olimpio said. "It's not a stretch to think there might be other relationships between diabetes drugs and pancreatic or liver cancer. Diabetes is already associated with a high risk of developing pancreatic cancer."

People with type 2 diabetes often develop a condition called "fatty liver," D'Olimpio said. In these cases, the liver has trouble handling the abundance of fat in its cells and gradually becomes inflamed. That situation can trigger a cascade of problems, including cirrhosis (a chronic disease of the liver), fibrosis (thickening and scaring of tissue) and, ultimately, cancer, he said.

D'Olimpio said fatty liver disease is the No. 1 cause of HCC. "[Type 2] diabetics have twice the chance of having a fatty liver, at least," he said. "If you're an African-American or Latino, that may make you even more susceptible."

People with type 1 diabetes, however, do not have an increased risk of liver cancer, he said.

The new research is scheduled for presentation Sunday at an American Association for Cancer Research meeting in Atlanta. The data and conclusions should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

The study analyzed data collected between 1993 and 1996 from nearly 170,000 black, Native Hawaiian, Japanese-American, Latino and white adults. Researchers followed up with the participants about 16 years after they had answered a comprehensive health questionnaire. Over that time, about 500 participants had developed liver cancer.

Information about risk factors -- such as age, whether they had type 2 diabetes, alcohol intake, body-mass index (a measure of body fat) and cigarette smoking -- was analyzed, and blood tests for hepatitis B and hepatitis C were performed on about 700 of the participants, with and without liver cancer.

Whether people smoked or drank alcohol did not appear to change the relationship between having diabetes and getting liver cancer, the researchers said.

Although the study found an association between having type 2 diabetes and developing liver cancer, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship.

North Shore's Bernstein urged caution in interpreting the results. "It's a single study that talks about a large number of people with a common disease like diabetes and links it to liver cancer," he said. "We have a lot more learning to do and more work is needed to prove an association and define what the risk really is."

A study this month by the American Diabetes Association showed that many Americans are unaware that they are at risk for type 2 diabetes. D'Olimpio urged people to get the simple blood test, called fasting blood sugar, to test for diabetes.

The next step is to learn what role genetics may play in whether an individual with type 2 diabetes will develop liver cancer, study author Setiawan said.

More information

Learn more about liver cancer from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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